Saturday, March 1, 2014

Winter Joint Pain Help!


Before I solved my knee pain and knee clicking disorders I remember the very cold times of year being the Most horrible. Dry skin, stiff legs, aching muscles, BLAH! I thought I would come on right now and write out a handful of simple tips for managing your knee joints in the winter time and cold air to stop soreness and clicking. Of course this is all evaded and explained in the course I've been telling you guys about, but I wanted to give a little heads up on some quick and easy thing you can do as well.

A Fix for Stiff Knees

When a joint starts out to come to feel stiff it's caused by inflammation. I've spoke of inflammation a lot on the site since it's the number one cause of knee clicking and knee pain. All joint troubles really. The best and quickest route to soothe some of the pain and tension is to do hassle-free exercises.

Basic Stretching

The best stretches to do for your knee muscles and joints is also one of the simplest. Sit on the floor with your legs completely straight in a V-formation and just hold that position for as long as you can. You will really feel when you're done with this one. This is another one that can be done anywhere and that you should try and do at least once a day, maybe in the morning to help get yourself moving.

Simple Diet Changes

The inflammation that winter months causes is also (sometimes) very easily solved via simple diet changes and nutrition. Yes, there are really food items out there which have great anti-inflammatory effects that one can fit into your diet during the Cold months. Much like you use oil to lube up the pieces in a car you can add olive oil into the foods you eat to do the same on your knee joints. Sure, maybe not directly... but organic olive oil is a popular anti-inflammatory food.

My Smart Trick

1 trick that I would usually use is the exact contradictory of the situation, HEAT! Utilizing a heating pad on your knee joints (or most joints) in the course of the cold weather season is a fantastic tiny trick to relieve the pain after a long day at the office or going around town in the wintry dry air. And of course it just feels fantastic!

Arthritis and Work Simplification


The joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis can make physical work difficult. Completing even the simplest tasks can end up being time consuming, painful, and exhausting. Techniques exist, however, that help make work easier and less painful, allowing you to get more done during your day. Here are a few ideas on how you can simplify work.

First, alternate heavy duty jobs and light jobs. For example, in a morning you have to carry storage bins up to the attic, dust the living room, vacuum, pay bills, call your doctor, and mow the front lawn. Do the jobs in this order:

1. Carry bins to attic (heavy)
2. Call doctor (light)
3. Mow the lawn (heavy)
4. Pay bills (light)
5. Vacuum (heavy)
6. Dust (light)

Make sure to take a rest break after each job, even if it is light, to conserve your energy. (See the article entitled Arthritis and Energy Conservation.)

Next, eliminate lifting and carrying when you are able. Instead of picking a box up from a counter and carrying it across the kitchen, slide it along the counter as far as you can and pick it up when you have to. When you do have to pick up and carry objects, break the load up into smaller amounts to decrease the weight and reduce the stress on your joints. If you have access to one, use a rolling cart to push or pull heavy objects rather than carrying them.

Third, keep your body in proper alignment when completing work. When possible, keep your back straight and your hips and knees aligned. Lift an object with your back straight and your knees bent, keeping the object close to your body. Turn your whole body with your feet once you have the object off the ground - do not twist your back. Push or pull objects with your back straight and your body facing forward.

Another tip is to use the larger joints of your body when possible. Push or carry objects with your forearms instead of your hands to spread the weight of the object over a larger area. Lift with your knees instead of your back, as your knees are actually larger joints than the smaller joints between the vertebrae of your lower back. Twist open jar caps with the heel of your hand instead of your fingertips.

Finally, use adaptive devices when you can to help complete work. Large handled and long handled tools, rolling carts, opening devices, and numerous other gadgets are readily available and are inexpensive to obtain. Another article in this series will go into more detail about adaptive devices.

These techniques can be used on a job site as well. Talk to your employer about adapting your job to incorporate work simplification, as most employers would rather allow a few adaptations that go through the expense of hiring a new employee. If you put it in terms of cost savings, most employers are willing to listen to your proposals.

By using work simplification techniques, you will be able to reduce strain on your joints and get more work done during your day. Try these techniques and see if they help save you some pain and aggravation!

Knee Pain Solutions


Knee Pain:

We use our knees all day long from the moment we wake up til we go to sleep at night. Running, jumping, walking, and stair climbing can all contribute to pain. In this article, we will discuss the basic anatomy of the knee and ways to keep them healthy, supported, and pain free!

The knee is the most complicated joint of the body and supports almost all of a person's body weight. There are many ligaments and tendons involved which are why there are so many reasons why knee pain may occur from misalignment, overuse and degeneration. Common injuries include tendonitis, ligament tears, arthritis, or iliotibial band syndrome. (The IT band is a ligament extending from the pelvis to the lower leg that tightens as we walk or run).

Common Causes of Knee Pain

We spend most of our time sitting, either at a desk or in a car, and as a result, the IT band gets tighter and tighter, resulting in a lack of mobility in the hip and the knee joint. In addition, when we sit for long periods of time, the muscles essentially dry out like shrink-wrap, tightening and limiting mobility. Too much sitting contributes to weight gain, which can cause knee pain as the excess weight of the body is funneled through the small joint. The patella houses the thickest layer of cartilage in the body, protecting it from the pressure of the quadriceps when the knee is flexed, as in stair climbing. Stair climbing can put as much as six hundred pounds of pressure on the patella, not to mention the added weight created by obesity.

On the other hand, some people overuse their joints. Athletes build strength with physical motion, but also create tightness in the muscles. Overuse of the knee can create a variety of problems: ligaments tear and muscles strain, especially from twisting motions. Irritation and inflammation develop resulting in tendonitis. Bursitis is caused by inflammation of the fluid filled sacs (bursae) surrounding the knee brought on by trauma, gout, or arthritis.

How To Cure Knee Pain

Taking care of your knees starts with taking care of the muscles around them. Yoga is one of the best ways I know to keep pain away. Hip limitation directly affects knee pain, so the more available your hips are, the greater amount of mobility you will have in your knee. Massage can also alleviate tight muscles, especially the thigh and IT band, allowing for freedom in the knee. Foam rollers can be purchased for under $30 and massage yourself by rolling away the tightness!

Recovery From Canine Luxating Patella Surgery - It's NOT As Easy As It May Seem


Your dog has had successful surgery for a luxating patella (dislocating knee cap/trick knee/floating kneecap). He's passed the zonked out from medications period and even with the cast on to hold the knee rigid, he seems to be navigating quite nicely.

Feels like smooth sailing from this point on, doesn't it? Maybe not. It depends if you know a few very important points about recovery from trick knee surgery.

Simon's Case

As an example of what can happen (cause I too thought recovery would be a breeze), let's talk about my handsome pup Simon - true to his Cockapoo mix, he is a sweet, affectionate, and easily trained animal.

When he was a year old, he had trick knee surgery. And everything went fine - the bandage and suture removal were routine - no infection. He did develop a bump at the suture site, but that disappeared after a few weeks. Post surgery visits to the veterinary surgeon were also routine.

But then - about week 4 of the ten-week recovery period - sweet Simon began to show classic behavior problems. Excessive barking and whining were a few issues that started up. And curiously, puppy biting crept into his play. This last item was particularly troublesome because I had been careful to address biting, a common puppy phenomenon, early in his development.

Why Behavior Problems?

As unacceptable as this situation sounds, it is perfectly understandable. Here's a dog who has to be constrained so he doesn't damage surgical repairs. Simon was confined in a pen or room so that he could not run, jump, or play with the other dog in the family. It's unfortunate that the vets who dictate post-surgery recovery rules fail to explain what might happen as a result of enforcing these rules.

In case you are not yet familiar with post-surgery restrictions, here are Simon's:

No stair climbing.
No running.
No jumping on people or furniture.
No playing with other pets.

These rules serve a purpose by protecting the healing canine knee, but they also imply confinement and inactivity.

At the time his behavior changed, Simon had been couped up for three to four weeks. True, we paid attention to him, carried him in and out of the house for "bathroom breaks," walked him once a day, and made sure he had plenty of toys.

Clearly, it wasn't enough. I increased the walks so that he would get tired (and not gain weight) and spent time re-directing the biting to a more acceptable action, like playing with a special toy. The barking and whining also were addressed by diversioning the unacceptable behavior.

Joint Pain - A Symptom Of Osteoarthritis


Osteoarthritis is one of the common infections that have negative effects on the joints of the body, as it causes the joint's cartilage to break down over a period of time. In the case of osteoarthritis, the cartilage is usually torn. The major symptom of this disease is joint pain. Osteoarthritis often affects the back, knees, fingers, hips, neck and toes. The nature of pain associated with osteoarthritis could be mild, moderate or severe. Millions of people are victims of osteoarthritis and its associated joint pains due to age related-wear-and -tear. At the early stage of osteoarthritis, the symptom of may be indistinct and then develop gradually. Yet most people may not even experience the early symptoms at all.

Joint pain cause by osteoarthritis can lead to difficulties in moving as well as disability. Unfortunately, there is no definite cure for osteoarthritis but it is possible to delay or reduce joint injuries and complications of disease with proper exercises, adequate rest and physical therapy. This article does not support the ideal of medication and surgery for the treatment of osteoarthritis, because most of the prescribed medications for joint pain resulting from osteoarthritis are not only very expensive but they end up hiding the pain. Even if the brain does not recognize the pain, it is still there and continues to damage and disfigure the joint. But with nutrition, rest, natural therapy and most importantly simple exercises, you can treat osteoarthritis and at the same time save hundreds of dollars.

Treatment of osteoarthritis.

Body flush: juice fasting and adequate water intake will help to flush out alkaline in your body system, thereby reducing your chances of suffering from osteoarthritis and its associated pains. As water drains the impurities and toxins in your body, the symptoms of osteoarthritis will naturally begin to disappear. Therefore, you are advised to take 10-12 glasses of water daily. Also liquids like soda, tea, coffee and all sorts of ready-made juices with high content of sugar and flavor should be strictly avoided, as they will not only worsen your health problems but they can also lead to severe joint pain.

Nutrition: Nutrition is one of the major factors that can determine whether you will be able to treat the symptoms of osteoarthritis or not. Fresh and raw foods with little or no processed foods will be of great help in relieving pains associated with osteoarthritis. Consumption of more water-soluble fiber like fresh foods and raw vegetables are also recommended for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Processed foods, fast foods and foods with high sugar content must be avoided if you really want to be free from joint pain that comes from osteoarthritis.

Exercise: exercise is the most effective way of treating osteoarthritis. It will assist in re-building your muscle mass and body tissue, and as well increase your immune system helping your body get rid of the free radicals in your joint. The following simple exercises are very relevant in the treatment of osteoarthritis and its associated pains; swimming and water exercise, squatting exercise, walking and stationary bike.

Joint pain is one of the symptoms of osteoarthritis. This pain can cause discomfort and disability if not properly taken care of. But with simple exercises like swimming and water exercises, squatting exercises etc, you can effectively treat osteoarthritis and its associated pains.

Muscle Arthritis - Symptoms and Treatment Explained


Myositis is the medical term for inflammation of muscle tissue and one type of muscle arthritis is dermatomyositis. (Without the rash, the condition is called polymyositis.) In this form, there is soreness and inflammation and pain in the muscles but there is also an accompanying dry rash affecting the skin. This rash is commonly seen on the face and neck, chest and back and the shoulders. Heart muscle may also be affected as well as the lung tissues. It is usually dusky and a purplish red color. This is an autoimmune condition and is treated with anti-inflammatory medications including steroids.

Another disease that can be considered muscle arthritis is called fibromyalgia. Along with muscle pain and aches, fibromyalgia can produce pain in the joints and other connective tissue like tendon and ligaments, as well as fatigue, depression, headache, anxiety, sleep problems and numbness in the extremities. To have this diagnosis, symptoms must last at least three months and at least 11 of the 18 trigger points associated with FM must be tender to the touch.

Treatment for FM has until very recently been simply medications directed at relieving pain and specifics for other symptoms, but now medications specifically for fibromyalgia have reached the market and can be prescribed. About 2% of the population has symptoms of FM.

Another muscle arthritis is the systematic illness called lupus. Usually joints are affected but some lupus patients also have muscle aches and pain associated with the condition. Lupus is treated with corticosteroids and other immune system modifiers. Symptoms of lupus can include a butterfly shaped rash across the face, fevers, fatigue, multiple joint arthritis and many other symptoms. Blood work can help to make the diagnosis. Lupus is also an autoimmune disease and the cause is not known. It is about ten times as common in men as it is in women.

Finally, there is polymyalgia rheumatica. The symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica are moderate to severe muscle pain and the location is almost always in or near the neck, shoulders and hips and can come on very suddenly. In virtually every case, a person with polymyalgia rheumatica will have an abnormally high red blood cell sedimentation rate. This disease is often associated with a serious vascular affliction called polyarteritis or sometimes giant cell arteritis in which blood vessels become inflamed. However, prompt treatment usually controls both conditions or polymyalgia rheumatica alone.

A corticosteroid like prednisone is usually given and will produce a remission which can last some time. If the condition recurs, the drug is restarted and can control symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications are also used. The disease may also go away on its own but this can take a year or more.

One last form of muscle arthritis is a side effect of drugs given to lower cholesterol called lipid reducing drugs or statins. While not common, this condition called rhabdomyolysis can have serious implications including kidney and heart damage. Persons taking statins need to report any unusual muscle aches and pains to their physicians at once.

While muscle arthritis can be painful and frightening, most forms of it do respond well to treatment. The most important thing is to report muscle pains to a physician, learn the cause, and to then use appropriate treatments for whichever condition is to blame.

Friday, February 28, 2014

Underwater Treadmill Exercise to Strengthen Muscles, Hip-abduction Strength and Gait Strength


Underwater treadmill is a treadmill which is submerged in water and provides exercise to people who have undergone total hip replacement. Underwater treadmill is a key component in rehabilitation centers to increase muscle strength and motion of hip. It is also used in Veterinaries to improve the motion of animals like dogs, horses, etc, increase their resistance and make their movements more swift and smooth.

Underwater treadmill consists of a treadmill submerged in water pool. The water pool in an underwater treadmill is normally maintained at chest height of the person to whom exercise is advised by doctors or recommended by medical specialists. The person then walks or runs at any desire pace on the underwater treadmill. An underwater treadmill has a conveyor belt on which the person walks or runs. The walking belt of the underwater treadmill reacts to the input it receives from the user's exercise or feet. During exercise on an underwater treadmill resistance is provided by the surface area of the user's body moving through the water. The walking pace on the underwater treadmill is then increased slightly to increase the resistance substantially.

Increase in walking pace is balanced by the natural resistance offered by the water in contact with the human body during the exercise on an underwater treadmill. This gradually increases motion, muscle strength and strengthens the hip.

Underwater treadmill exercise is recommended under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, doctor, medical specialist or therapist who have received individualized instruction in physical rehabilitation of patients,

Underwater treadmill is used for walking and back stepping during aquatic therapy. Underwater treadmill used during aquatic therapy enables to curb problems relating abdominal, back, knee and strengthens the muscles/hip. Underwater treadmill offers walking, back stepping and retro walking exercise.

Underwater treadmill helps exercisers who have undergone a total hip replacement to return to their normal activity. Prior to exercise on an underwater treadmill these patients struggle with maintaining normal coordination of gait, range of motion at the hip and hip strength. Exercise on an underwater treadmill addresses these issues for the patients. Hip-replaced individuals are recommended to begin their post-operation rehabilitation work with an underwater treadmill exercise. Underwater treadmill exercise is advised by sports medicine specialists and physical therapists.

Underwater treadmill offers the potential advantage of water buoyancy while walking on the treadmill. Exercising on an underwater treadmill removes the need for the newly reformulated hip to support full body weight during each step of the walk. During exercise on an underwater treadmill, the water provides mild resistance to the motion of the person which enables them strengthen the hip and hip-flexor muscles over the time.

Patients in rehabilitation centers use underwater treadmills to minimize postoperative swelling, increase muscle strength and encourage early use of the operated limb. In rehabilitation centers, underwater treadmill is a part of the program DVSC.

Underwater treadmill exercise includes forward or reverse actuation of the treadmill belt including back stepping or retro walking and a unique back and abdomen strengthening exercise. Design of underwater treadmill is safe and secure for all pool users with no sharp edges or protrusions. Underwater treadmill exercise can be performed with bare feet. No electromechanical or electronic components are needed to be attached to the body of the person while exercising on an underwater treadmill. Underwater treadmills are made of a solid construction which is impervious to pool chemicals allowing continuous submersion without need for any type of maintenance.

Underwater treadmill improves hip-abduction strength and gait stability during the critical rehabilitation period following surgery. Underwater treadmill is safe but is recommended under the supervision of medical specialists, doctors and physical therapists.

Is There A Cure For Your Arthritis and Swollen Joints?


So you believe that arthritis is a joke? Maybe you think that people are over exaggerating about the pain associated with their swollen joints. When it's cold outside the pain worsens. How do I know about people with swollen joints and arthritis pain? One day, I was scheduled for a follow-up visit from a foot operation at Detroit Receiving Hospital. Due to the fact that the orthopedic department at Detroit Receiving hospital has a great reputation, the wait to see the doctors can be long even if you are scheduled for an appointment. On this particular day I waited for three hours for an appointment that was scheduled for one o'clock pm. During the wait the waiting lobby was filled with people complaining about back pain, knee pain, swollen joints and things of the sort. Many were middle age but some appeared to be younger than 30 years of age. While there, I spoke with people who had suffered so badly that they opted for joint replacements either in the knee or hip. The pain that they were going through did not seem like anything that I wanted to be affiliated with.

After going home and doing more research on swollen joints and arthritis, I learned something that I could not believe. I discovered that arthritis is something that can be treated through nutrition. You mean to tell me that those people at the hospital could have avoided joint replacements? Harvard Medical School did a study confirming that it is possible to treat and possibly cure arthritis through nutrition.

Harvard Medical School took roughly 30 people who were scheduled to get joint replacement surgery and asked if they could hold on for a short time longer to be a part of an experiment to re-grow cartilage. What they did was give them a large tablespoon of ground chicken cartilage in a cup of orange juice everyday for three months. This study was performed to debunk the myth that collagen and glucosamine (animal cartilage) were being used by some doctors to treat and cure arthritis on humans. In the midst of trying to prove another study wrong, Harvard Medical School proved them to be correct! For many years animal cartilage has been used on racehorses with swollen joints and knee problems. The study showed three things:

繚 Within 10 days, there was a significant decrease in the patient's swollen joints.

繚 Within 60 days, most of the patients could open up a new pickle jar.

繚 Within 90 days, 28 out of the 29 were "clinically cured".

You will never see this study broadcasted on television stations or on the radio for many reasons. The primary reason is money. If the world was able to find out about this study the orthopedic industry would take a big blow and lose millions or possibly billions of dollars. The truth of the matter is that joint replacement surgeries act as a band-aid to swollen joints and joint problems. The problem is that the root cause of the arthritis is not being addressed. Prescription drugs will only ease the pain of your arthritis and swollen joints over a period of time. After that period, your system will become immune to the drugs and they will have little to no effect.

Knee Osteoarthritis, What It Is And How To Live With It


Knee osteoarthritis is complicated by the fact that the knee takes all the load-bearing strain of the full body weight, which in turn makes the condition even more painful. This is a degenerative disease. It often feels worse in the mornings with stiffness that takes time to resolve.

Osteoarthritis, often located in the knee, is the most common form of arthritis to be found in the United States. It differs from rheumatoid arthritis in that, should there be any inflammation present, it is usually not severe.

It is not fully known what causes knee osteoarthritis in the first place. Certainly the cartilage and bone being subjected to mechanical stresses through everyday movements, coupled with the disease being present, make this a particularly difficult and painful form of arthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis can be difficult to treat. One of the characteristics of this condition is the loss of articular cartilage. This has a poor ability to self-heal, which merely exacerbates the problem. People who are overweight or obese naturally have a bigger problem as their increased body weight makes it considerably more difficult for the knee to cope.

Any treatment of the condition must primarily seek to relieve the pain. Sufferers describe the pain as being deep-seated with a prolonged aching that can stay constant for long periods of time, often with little respite. Certain weather conditions, such as increased humidity, can cause the symptoms to worsen.

There are a number of treatments available. These typically reduce the pain and inflammation, but often cause unpleasant side effects. For this reason, many sufferers of knee osteoarthritis prefer to use chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate in preference to other pain and inflammation relieving drugs.

Needed - A US Registry For Medical Devices


A national medical device registry can make the difference between suffering severe pain from a flawed hip implant and getting the right one installed in the first place. It can mean a quick alert about a defective pacemaker, and a chance to replace it before it fails, with potentially fatal results.

The recalls in 2010 of a widely used hip implant highlighted the need for a national registry of all medical implants and devices in the US. In Australia and the UK, where all medical implants are registered by model and serial number, and traceable to individual patients, surgeons and public health officials were able to see an excessively high number of failures in a particular device. When they confronted the manufacturer with hard numbers showing a failure rate far higher than for other implants, it could no longer dismiss surgeons' concerns as anomalies, or blame their surgical technique. It quickly withdrew the device from the market in those countries. In the US, where no registry exists, it continued to sell the same flawed devices for another two years.

If the US maintained a national registry of implants, surgeons could have seen high failure rates much sooner, and could have spared thousands of patients the pain and crippling effects of a failed implant, and the need for a second major surgery to replace it.

A recently published study demonstrates how a device registry can contribute to better outcomes for patients, and money saved for the US healthcare system. Kaiser Permanente maintains an implant registry for all hip and knee replacements done within its system. Researchers using the registry were able to follow the health outcome for 80,000 people who had hip and knee implants. While the study was in progress, device manufacturers issued eight recalls and advisories. The tracking information available through the registry allowed researchers and orthopedic surgeons to quickly identify the patients involved, contact them, and take whatever actions were necessary, including replacement surgery.

The study's lead author, Elizabeth Paxton was very clear: "Our findings demonstrate the critical impact of registries and the important role they play in counseling patients, identifying risk factors, tracking implanted devices during recalls and assessing comparative effectiveness of devices."

This years Health and Human Services budget includes a plan to establish a National Medical Device Registry that will list all implanted devices by model and serial number. The registry was created as part of the health care reform law, also called America's Affordable Health Choices Act. It will enable HHS to track the more than 600,000 knee and hip replacements performed each year,and to study the safety and effectiveness of all implantable devices. For all those Americans who rely on implants, the new national registry will provide an essential first-line alert.

If you or a loved one has suffered pain or disability due to a medical implant such as a hip replacement, cardiac stent, or pacemaker, you may have an actionable case. You should consult with an experienced medical device attorney as soon as possible.

Osteoarthritis of the Knee - Focus on Treating the Cause


One of the most common forms of knee pain that people experience is osteoarthritis in the knee. Arthritis pain is very common for people who age. As you get older, your body begins to wear down. One particular thing that can happen inside your knee is the wearing down of your cartilage. Once your cartilage is reduced, you will often find that you will have swelling and pain that is in your knee.

People who have osteoarthritis pain in their knee should focus on trying to strengthen the surrounding muscles. By building up the muscles around your knee, you can help the knee stabilize. This will often work to reduce some of the pain that you are experiencing. Your quadriceps muscles in particular are very effective in stabilizing your knee.

A good exercise to strengthen your quads is the stationary bike. It is a good way to build strength, while at the same to taking the pressure off of your knees. People who focus on exercise as a way to cure there knee pain will often find it very effective in relieving some of the pain symptoms.

If you are looking to find relief for osteoarthritis of the knee, you need to ensure that you use a comprehensive program that treats both the cause and the symptoms of your pain. Getting a good program together can usually result in drastically reducing the amount of pain that you experience in your knee area. It can also allow you to become more active with less pain in your knee joints.

Thursday, February 27, 2014

The Golfer's Best Friend - How Glucosamine Helps With Hip, Shoulder, and Knee Arthritis


Golf... a contact sport? There may be no bone crushing tackles or sprints toward home, but golf - like any sport - comes with unique physical demands and risks. As more and more people discover the joys of golfing, they are also coming face to face with the reality of any active lifestyle - a reality that includes injury.

Playing through eighteen holes of golf requires great stamina. Walking, standing, swinging and bending... retrieving balls... all of this movement puts added stress on the joints, particularly the joints of the elbows, shoulders, knees and hips. Repeated use of these joints wears away the cartilage cushion in the joints - the cushion that keeps bones from rubbing against each other. This wearing away of cartilage, known as osteoarthritis, is especially common in the weight bearing joints of the hip.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that is non-genetic and very common among athletes. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but there are treatments that can help alleviate the pain. These treatments range from rest and relaxation to surgical hip replacement. Thankfully, most cases never get to that most extreme stage, but the pain can be debilitating. 

The most commonly prescribed treatments for osteoarthritis pain in golfers include a reduction in activity, weight loss to reduce stress on the already-damaged hip joints and physical therapy. Tens of millions of osteoarthritis sufferers also turn to what is the most common treatment for pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

NSAIDs, especially prescription-strength NSAIDs, come with a range of dangers side effects and dangers, ranging from headaches to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Making the matter worse, NSAIDs only mask the problem temporarily - reducing inflammation in the affected joints for a few hours. When the medications wear off, more medication is needed. Thus, the osteoarthritis sufferer is caught in a nasty cycle of pain and minor relief.

There is another option for golfers suffering from osteoarthritis pain - an option that offers temporary and long-term relief.

Research shows that that regular supplementation with high quality glucosamine and chondroitin - the building blocks of cartilage - is effective for reducing pain in arthritic joints and assists in rebuilding cartilage in damaged joints. It is important, however, to choose a supplement with a proven track record - a product that delivers on its promises.

Have You Ever Wondered What Water on the Knee Really Means? - Knee Supports Can Help You


The term "water on the knee" is a generic term that describes the accumulation of excess fluid (edema) in or around the knee joint. As a result of a trauma, overuse, or other underlying conditions or disease, water on the knee may exist.

Often times, when a person has water on the knee, the underlying condition is arthritis. The term arthritis means "joint inflammation". People also refer to arthritis as being "joint pain" as well. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) which effects over 27 million people a year (mostly women), while rheumatoid arthritis (RA) effects over two million adults. Most of them being women over the age of 45. Although these two types of arthritis effect millions of people, and are the two most common types of arthritis, there are over 100 different types of arthritis.

When an individual has water on the knee, pain relief can occur when the fluid is removed from the joint. Pain relief can be subsided when this fluid returns.

You also may have "water on the knee" due a traumatic injury. Fluid or blood can accumulate in the knee joint as a result of a meniscus tear or ligament injury. Moreover, when an individual suffers an ACL tear, they may have also torn small blood vessels which can cause fluid to accumulate in and around their knee joint. knee. Prepatellar bursitis can also cause water on the knee.

To avoid having water on the knees, individuals should consider seeing their physician on a regular basis, and avoiding activities that result in physical contact with their knees. Pain medications, such as Acetaminophen, can help to reduce swelling (see your physician before taking medications). Weight management can also take the stress off of your joints, which could result in water on the knees. Ice and elevation of your legs can also help to reduce the fluid build up. - Water on the knee is not cured by a knee brace, but the underlying conditions can be supported by a knee support, proving to be a useful adjunct in your care.

Arthritis Treatment - Glucosamine Arthritis Solution Revealed


The Glucosamine arthritis craze has been one of the contentious issues on arthritis treatment. Glucosamine, sometimes taken in combination with chondroitin, has been widely promoted as a dietary supplement for osteoarthritis.

Since the launch of the book "The Arthritis Cure" in 1997, physicians, pharmacists, and sufferers of arthritis have all been asked about glucosamine.

We have heard varying testimonials and opinions about the efficacy of glucosamine as an alternative treatment for the disease. The word 'cure' in the title of the book has even raised a lot of debate on the real effects of glucosamine.

Glucosamine Arthritis Treatment Claims

Glucosamine is naturally found in high concentrations in our joints. Medical experts have theorized that glucosamine stimulates the formation of cartilage and is essential for joint repair.

In an experiment done on animals, oral glucosamine had beneficial effects on inflammation, mechanical arthritis, and immunological-reactive arthritis.

Glucosamine arthritis alternative treatment is usually a combination with chondroitin. The latter is also found in the cartilage. There are numerous claims that it promotes the formation of substances in the cartilage that are lost due to osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine for Arthritis

The curative characteristics of glucosamine are different from NSAIDs or COX-2 drugs as it is natural. It promotes and maintains healthy cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues in the body.
This is done by glucosamine by acting as building block for these materials. Glucosamine also inhibits the production of enzymes that destroy the cartilage.

A depleted level of glucosamine and chondroitin induces the development of arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. This debilitating disease is characterized by a breakdown in the "shock absorbers" of the joints. This is particularly pronounced in the weight bearing joints in the hips and knee.

Most medical experts believe that glucosamine is not a cure for arthritis. They, however, agree that it will do wonders for arthritis and joint pain. Glucosamine heals the joints and not merely relieve the pain of arthritis patients.

These curative characteristics of glucosamine give relief and beneficial effects to patients that last longer than NSAIDs and COX-2 drugs. Further, glucosamine continues to provide relief by protecting the joints by preventing further damage to the cartilage, tendons and other connective tissues.

In contrast, there were studies conducted that indicated that NSAIDs and COX-2 drugs can actually have harmful side effects. Prolonged use of these drugs was found to have harmful effects of breaking down the joints. This results to a more painful and worse case of arthritis.

Who Should Not Take Glucosamine

Persons who are considering glucosamine arthritis treatment should take note of these recommendations. Since glucosamine is an amino sugar, it should be taken with caution by individual with diabetes as it might contribute to insulin resistance.

People who are allergic to seafood should first consult their doctors before taking glucosamine sulphate as it is made from crustacean shells.

Taking this supplement may also lead to gastrointestinal problems, sleepiness, headaches and skin reactions.

Medical Expert Recommendation

It is a general consensus among health experts that arthritis treatment with glucosamine may lessen pain in some patients. Doctors now are open to the option of glucosamine as a supplement to regular treatment of arthritis. They, however, advise patients to buy only high quality glucosamine supplement from reputable sources if they opt to try the glucosamine arthritis treatment.

What Is Virtual Surgery and How Does This Benefit Patients?


If you're preparing for surgery of any kind, or if a loved one will be operated on, chances are good you're nervous - maybe even terrified. And the anxiety keeps building from the time you schedule the surgery until the moment the anesthetic starts to take effect. The anxiety stems from uncertainty. Things could go wrong, you may not have a clue as to how the procedure is performed, and you have no idea what is going on inside your body before, during and after surgery.

The Importance Of Being Positive and Calm

The patient's mental and emotional state of being needs to be as calm and positive as possible before and after the surgery. Many people prefer not to know what happens in their body because they are squeamish about it, but ultimately, knowledge of what to expect can have a powerful calming effect - especially if the patient feels a sense of control.

Technology has come to the rescue! If you want to know what the surgery is going to be like, try virtual surgery!

What Is It?

Virtual surgery is a virtual reality simulation of any number of surgical procedures including laser hair removal, open heart surgery, root canals, gastric bypass, tonsillectomies, knee surgery, c-sections and more - even tattoo removal! You can find a number of sites that have great interactive virtual surgery "games" where you take the part of the surgeon and perform the procedure. Of course you're guided through it the entire way!

Become Your Own Surgeon Temporarily

The beauty of virtual surgery is that the patient becomes the surgeon and assumes control of the situation. In some games, the procedure begins with an explanation of the procedure, important safety guidelines and familiarization with the people involved and their duties. This empowering feeling can carry over to the actual physical procedure. The patient will be informed, and much more relaxed about the whole thing.

With all the virtual surgery sites available to choose from, which ones are the best?

Well, it depends in part:

  • on your knowledge of anatomy

  • whether you're squeamish, and

  • whether you prefer to experience the surgery as cartoon representations, or

  • more realistic virtual body parts

Most sites are geared to the public; a few to the medical profession.

On the interactive "virtual surgery games" sites, procedures are simplified for the general public and generally don't show blood.

My only complaint is the oversimplification of some procedures, which may make the user believe that surgery is a piece of cake.

Wrong!

There are many intricate systems at work in the body, and virtual surgery can't possibly replicate them all (at least not with today's technology). That said, these games are very entertaining and educational at the same time.

Be Prepared

Being educated about what's going on in your surgery or the surgery that a loved one will undergo, will put your mind at ease. It will give you enough information to talk to the surgeon and understand the terminology during pre-op consultations, and educated post-op conversations.

Understanding the magnitude of the trauma that any surgery imposes on the body is important for healing, too.

Many people try to do too much, too soon (that's easy to do, when the pain mediation has kicked in!). Some surgeons suggest that their surgery patients should be encouraged to play virtual surgery games so that they understand how much trauma occurs and how much healing the body has to undergo after surgery, in hopes of preventing post-operative problems and speed healing.

The Value of Virtual Surgery

Perhaps the biggest benefit to virtual surgery is the ability to put the patient's mind at ease about the procedure.

A stressed mind impairs healing. If a patient can release stress by knowing what to expect, their mind will be more primed for healing and less worried about the "what ifs" that keep the brain on high alert. This is important both pre-op and post-op; a relaxed brain quickly goes into healing mode and becomes very effective at secreting healing substances - unless it's stressed, in which case healing is put on hold.

Try a virtual surgery game today! They're fun, educational and will put your anxiety about surgery to rest!

Joint Pains Treatment - Home and Ayurvedic Remedies


Pains in the joints are very common complaints as a person advances in years. More often than not, these joint pains are due to arthritis. There are several kinds of arthritis which may occur in old age. In all these types, the indication is that the joints have become worn down with age and so they are not attacking themselves. In this manner of speaking, joint pains are an autoimmune disease, i.e. one in which the body attacks itself.

The Ayurvedic name for arthritic joint pains is Sandhi Vata. As the name suggests, it is caused by vitiation of the vata dosha in the human body. The word sandhi means 'joint' in Sanskrit. Ayurveda believes that Sandhi Vata can be caused due to rheumatism, infections, gout, hemophilia, trauma and even due to digestive problems which result in a buildup of ama in the body.

(1) Useful Herbs in the Treatment of Joint Pains

1. Alfalfa (Medicago satina)

The alfalfa herb is very effective in the reduction of joint pains. It must be had in the form of a tea four times a day.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Ashwagandha is the herb popularly known as Winter Cherry in the west. It has several positive properties for the human system. Treating joint pains are included in that list of properties.

3. Banyan (Ficus bengalensis)

The banyan tree produces a sap much like the latex from rubber. This is used as an external application over the joints. This application relieves the pains in the joints after a few regular applications and massages.

4. Bishop's Weed (Trachyspermum ammi)

Oil extracted from the bishop's weed is applied locally on the affected joints to relieve pains in them.

5. Celery (Apium graveolens)

Celery can be used as an effective treatment for rheumatism and gout, both of which can cause pain in the joints. Thus, celery provides more lasting treatment from the problem. The alkaline content of celery makes it effective in treating joint pains.

6. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion is rich in magnesium, an element that is needed for the proper mineralization of the bones. Use of dandelion makes the bones stronger and protects them from pains.

7. Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic is a very effective remedy for the treatment of joint pains. About five to six cloves of garlic must be eaten every morning to seek relief.

8. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is also one of the best methods in the treatment of joint pains. It must be included freely in the daily diet of the person. Tea made with ginger in it is also beneficial.

(2) Dietary Treatments for Joint Pains

Ginger and garlic are extremely good for controlling joint pains. Some people find the odor of ginger intolerable. In order to reduce the odor, the cloves of garlic could be slightly fried in butter. All bitter tastes are good for arthritis. Hence, people could consume bitter gourd and bitter drumsticks without any worry.

People with joint pains should totally steer away from all kinds of sour foods, since these can increase the vata. Constipation can aggravate the pains. Hence foods that are difficult to digest must be avoided. This also extends to protein-rich foods such as pulses. Foods must not be fried so as not to vitiate the vata further.

(3) Ayurvedic Treatments for Joint Pains

Ayurveda prescribed different kinds of treatments for different kinds of joint pains. When a patient approaches an Ayurvedic doctor, the first thing to do is to ascertain the cause of the pain. Depending on that, the medicines are prescribed.

1. Rheumatic arthritis is known as Ama Vata in Ayurveda. It is caused due to a low digestive fire, due to which ama is retained in the body. For its treatment, first the ama is removed by fasting and purgation if needed. Then a mixture of punarnava, guggulu, galangala and garlic is administered in dosages of one gram per day. Dashamoolarishta is also prescribed in 15 milliliters quantity thrice a day for three weeks.

2. If the joint pain is due to trauma, then Vishagarbha taila is prescribed for external application over the region where the joint pain is felt. For internal administration, the patient is prescribed Rasnadi Guggulu and Guduchi tablets, which are to be taken in a quantity of 250 milligrams thrice or four times a day with water.

3. In people with age above fifty years, a type of arthritic joint pains known as osteoarthritis is observed. This is known as Ashtigata Vata in Sanskrit. For this condition, either Pravala Panchamrita or Lakshadi Guggulu is prescribed. The dosages are 125 milligrams twice a day for one month and 250 milligrams thrice a day for three months respectively.

(4) Home Remedies for Joint Pains

a. Massage the joints with a mixture of camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol before going to bed.

b. Have a glass of carrot juice early in the morning. Continue this till you find reduction in the pains, which should happen within a week.

c. Do not exercise wildly, but at the same time do not keep your joints lethargic. Perform some activity with them so as to keep them mobile.

d. Have a bath with warm water every morning. This facilitates proper blood circulation.

Knee Aches and Pains - The Throb That Makes You Sob - Knee Braces Can Help You Get Back on Track


Knee aches. They may have become your constant companions; the throbbing, the aching sensations that engulf your knee.

You may have tried your own home remedies- ibuprofen, ice, heat, rest, massage - but the discomfort keeps coming back. The pain may be in one knee or both. The pain or instability problems that you may currently have may also only occur with activity, or even when you are at rest.

Who needs that!?

Knee discomfort can arise from any number of conditions, many of them centered around muscular skeletal issues and inflammation. Many of the causes of aches and pains can stem from instability, misalignment, or swelling within and around the knee joint.

Whatever the particulars of your situation, in all likelihood you are frustrated with it all, and you just want the problems to stop. Period. Still, thoughts of possible surgery or time-consuming therapy may be just as unpleasant as your current pain problems themselves and you may be wondering about what your options are currently...

What about using a knee brace? Seriously, think about it for a second.

It's easy, it's affordable, and it just may be the answer you've been looking for. This may be the turning point for you, discovering how you can benefit from these kinds of supports.

While only a qualified physician can definitively diagnose the cause of your aches and pains, a brace can help relieve pain and discomfort by helping to add the stability that you can use. A knee brace is designed to help support the muscles, ligaments and tendons affecting the knee. It is also designed to help relieve the stress on the joint, and help keep the patella properly aligned. Consequently, whatever the underlying condition (or conditions) causing your discomfort, a knee support can be the answer you are looking for...

Knee braces are comfortable to wear and easy to use. They do not have to be oversized and heavy to be effective... This is a common misconception for some people. They are available in a variety of styles, some soft and pliable, others more firm and rigid, depending upon the extent of your knee aches and pains. Moreover, you can generally perform your usually activities while wearing a knee brace, as most are designed to allow for broad mobility.

Braces can be adjusted to fit the almost every knee, and generally do not have to be custom made to fit you or to be effective. This makes them more affordable and readily available for use. They are comfortable to wear and may offer the perfect solution you need to help manage the discomfort caused by knee aches.

In the end, the choice is yours. Do nothing, or do something. If you wait your problems might get worse. The reason why knee braces are so helpful is not just the stability that they help provide, but they are also a low cost option that you can use right away to help support yourself.

Does Tape For An ACL Injury Work? Kinesio Tape For Knee Pain - Special Report on Support


Does taping your ACL injury, or tape for a knee injury really work?

Is there anything else you can use that would be better to help support your knee?

1.) Introduction

ACL injuries can happen in contact or non-contact situations. Nobody will argue that. You can easily plant your foot and twist your leg and all of the sudden you can actually find that you have torn your ACL, especially when you are moving at a fast pace. - The question is though, does taping really help support your knee? - What if there was something better you could use that would help support your knee when you have knee pain, or a ligament injury for example?

2.) Taping

Tape may have some effect on your knee, but there are a lot of "what ifs" with taping. Let's think about this for a second... What happens to tape when you start moving your leg around a lot, or when you start to sweat? Would you trust tape to really do the job when you really need a high level of support? - Taping kind of reminds us of holding your car together with duct tape? Maybe it will work on some level, but something is not really right about the whole thing...

3.) Knee Braces Can Really Provide The Support You Need

When it comes to bad knee pain, or an ACL injury, it is time to really start to consider using a quality made lower profile knee brace. Why? - Well, for one a well designed brace will not slide off your leg when you start to sweat... unless you are wearing it really loosely. Plus, it is a lot harder to overpower a knee brace than it is to overpower tape. Wouldn't you agree with that?

Knee supports can definitely help to provide you with improved support and they can do so with a light weight, lower profile knee design. Many people shy away from a knee brace because they worry that it is going to be something that is big and bulky. The truth is that many designs exist today that are really light weight. If they were not, many knee brace companies would be out of business because nobody would ever wear their braces.

The protection, pain reduction and support of a knee brace can really take you much further than the benefits of taping, and we hope this article has helped you think about this difference.

*This is health information. We really believe in the benefits of knee braces due our experience in helping thousands of people. However, we have to refer you to your doctor for medical advice for your particular situation.

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Workplace Knee Injuries


Unfortunately, many workplaces are full of hazards that can cause serious injuries to employees. While the risks posed by heavy machinery, tools, and high heights at a serious construction site are fairly obvious, there are potential causes of injury in almost any type of work environment. A simple leak or exposed cable can create a dangerous situation in even the most comfortable and low-stress office environments.

Knee injuries are one common type of on-the-job injury. Unfortunately, they are also difficult to recover from, since the knee is a complex body part and a load-bearing joint. A person can do serious damage to their knees in a number of ways. Common sources of occupational knee injuries include hyper-extension from unnatural body movements, slips and falls, impacts with hard surfaces, overuse or repetitive motions, twisting or abnormal lateral movements, awkward turning or stopping.

If a worker is unfortunate enough to suffer a serious knee injury, the consequences can be painful and long-lasting. Physical symptoms can include knee pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling, popping, swelling, limited range of motion, or sensitivity to pressure. If a person's job requires regular strain to be put on an injured knee, the problems will only get worse. This is why jobs involving physical labor are the most common sources for workplace knee injuries.

Knee injuries can result in problems that extend far beyond the reach of physical pain, though. Medical bills can put serious financial strain on a family, particularly if they do not have good medical insurance. If the injured individual is the family's main provider, the results can truly be catastrophic, forcing a reliance on credit cards and other debt-inducing payment methods. Having to take time off work to recover will only make the financial strains of a knee injury more devastating. Even if an injury appears to have been cured, there is a chance that serious, expensive surgery may be necessary to fix problems in the future.

If an employer does not keep a workplace clean and free of unnecessary obstacles, the risk for workers suffering knee injuries will be greatly increased. When a negligent employer does not meet safety standards and puts their employees in harm's way unduly, they should be held responsible for their actions. Employees can seek compensation by contacting a legal professional experienced in dealing with workers' compensation cases.

Knee Replacement Surgery - How You Can Get Ready


Having a knee replaced is a significant procedure and requires frequent therapy and exercise sessions, after the operation, to regain both strength and mobility. There are some things the potential knee recipient can do before the operation to shorten the recovery time afterwards. One of the simplest is to exercise in advance of the surgery to build strength in the joint muscles.

Deteriorating knees move the patient into a destructive cycle that makes recovery more difficult. Increased pain leads to a reduction in activity. Reduced activity means a gradual weakening of the joints associated muscles. And weak muscles mean recovery afterward is prolonged and made more difficult.

Every individual is different in terms of the degree of discomfort or pain they are suffering as a result of their knee problems. Fortunately, doctors are more likely to recommend and schedule knee replacements earlier in the process now than they did years ago. Whereas previously they would only do the procedure for individuals suffering significant discomfort and reduced mobility, now they will schedule the replacement when it is obvious it will need to done soon, thereby saving much suffering.

The good news is that, with reduced levels of pain, higher levels of exercise are tolerated by the individual. They can embark on a muscle strengthening program before the surgery, ensuring they are in optimum condition for recovery afterwards.

Exercising for flexibility, while useful, is not as critical as exercising for strength. Simple exercises using your own body weight are sufficient to make a difference in post-surgery recovery. Two simple exercises that the individual can do at home are described here.

1. Leg Extensions - Sitting on a straight back chair, place one hand on your thigh muscle and simply extend your leg in front of you, pointing your foot back towards yourself as much as possible. You should feel your thigh muscle tighten up. Try and get your leg straight and level at full extension. Do ten repetitions, holding your leg extended for a count of 6 for each rep. If you can do this easily, try extending the length of time it takes you to lift your leg. That is, lift the leg very slowly, taking 5 seconds or so to get it fully extended. Then hold it for a count of 6. Then take a full 5 seconds to lower it to a relaxed position. If this is still easy, try putting on a heavy shoe or boot while you do the exercise, making the leg work harder. You can repeat this exercise twice a day in the months leading up to your operation.

2. Step Ups - Standing at the bottom of a set of stairs, or a step, place your foot up on the next higher step. Using your hands to balance yourself on a handrail or door frame, slowly step up by shifting your weight to the higher leg and extending it. The key here is to do this exercise slowly, until you have fully extended your leg. Then slowly bend at the knee and allow yourself to lower back down to your starting position. No additional weight is necessary for this exercise. If you find it easy to do, do it slower. If you find it hard to do, use the back of a chair or an extended cane to help boost yourself. Maintain an upright posture, avoid stooping or bending sideways and take it easy the first week or so you do this. Perform 10 repetitions twice a day.

The key with any exercise program is to start slow and build gradually. Do not fight through high levels of pain. Pain is a message. Find the best time of the day to do the exercises. For many people this will be morning. Consider placing a cool pack or bag of frozen peas or beans wrapped in a towel on your joint after exercise. Follow your doctors recommendations and best of luck.

Knee Osteoarthritis and Supartz Joint Fluid Therapy


Osteoarthritis is common in the knee joint. It is a disease that involves both biomechanical and biochemical factors that destabilize the cartilage matrix and cause pain, functional limitations, and disability. In the United States, it is the leading cause of disability and over 20 million people are affected by it.

Cartilage is a rubbery tissue at the end of bones which allows the joint to move easily. Normally, the knee contains lubricating substance called hyaluronan in the synovial fluid, a fluid which cushions your knee.

In osteoarthritis, there is not enough hyaluronan by which it can be hard to move your joints. The surface layer of cartilage breaks and wears away. The bones under the cartilage rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion of the joint. Over time, the joint may lose its normal shape.

Symptoms of Knee Osteoarthritis

The deterioration of cartilage occurs gradually and there may be no symptoms in the early stages of osteoarthritis. Symptoms may appear over time. These include:

• Knee stiffness especially in the morning
• Knee pain whether a person moves or not
• Crackling sound or grating feeling
• Red and swollen skin around the knee

Symptoms do not always correlate with the amount of damage to the joint and they may come and go for no apparent reason.

Risk Factors of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee is vulnerable to pain, and a number of widespread risk factors are causing a rise in osteoarthritis of the knee. Some risk factors include:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Heredity
• Injury to the knee joint
• Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle
• Muscle weakness
• Overuse of the knee joint
• Skewed feet
• Wearing inappropriate footwear

How Supartz Therapy Can Help with Knee Osteoarthritis

Supartz Joint Fluid Therapy is a viscosupplement which is used as a nonsurgical and nonpharmacological treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. It contains highly purified sodium hyaluronate, also known as hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid. Viscosupplements are designed to replace normal component of the joint involved in joint lubrication.

In five randomized, double-blind studies in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee Supartz injections were significantly more effective than phosphate-buffered saline control injections. The goal of Supartz Joint Fluid Therapy is to supplement the poor quality hyaluronic acid in your knee with additional highly purified hyaluronic acid. A course of Supartz therapy can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and get back to exercising, which is important for arthritic joints.

Most patients treated with Supartz therapy experienced minor to no discomfort during the injection. There is no definite treatment that can cure osteoarthritis, but with effective Supartz treatment and proper physician care, many people with osteoarthritis can have healthy and active lives.

Why People Use Stair Lifts


To most people, the staircase represents the most dangerous part of the home. Every year, more accidents happen on the stairs then anywhere else, with the majority of accidental deaths and serious falls occurring on the stairs. The senior age group is typically most at risk for a fall, so it is imperative to help reduce the risk of a fall whenever possible. This is one of the reasons that stair lifts have been used for over eighty years.

The first stair lift was developed in the early part of the twentieth century, by a man who saw how his neighbor struggled with the stairs. It was a simple device that used a chair and track to lift a person up the stairs. Since this early model, the basic design has remained the same, but there have been many improvements to the quality, durability, and safety of the lift.

The most common type of stair lift used today is the straight stair lift. These are installed onto a straight or 'L' shaped staircase and are one of the most cost effective ways to increase safety, without requiring a major home renovation or lifestyle change. It is also one of the quickest ways to increase accessibility, with lifts often arriving in less than a week after being ordered. For curved staircases, a stair lift is a much more expensive option, which can also take months to be built and installed. A straight stair lift, on the other hand, can often be installed by the homeowner or a handyman, saving on installation costs.

Stair lifts are typically either battery powered or powered directly from an electrical outlet. The lifts that are powered directly from an electrical outlet are usually called AC Stair Lifts and cost a little bit less. Since these lifts are getting their power directly from the home, they will only work while the power is on. If there is a power outage, such as during a severe thunderstorm, the lift will stop working.

The battery powered lifts are called DC Powered Lifts and while they will still require access to an electrical outlet, the lift itself is actually powered by one, and sometimes two, rechargeable batteries. This way, if the power goes out, the lift will still continue working. The upfront cost is a little greater and there is a higher maintenance cost, because the batteries need replacing every twelve to eighteen months. The cost of batteries is usually between $35 and $85 dollars, but the added advantage of always being able to use the lift, even in the event of an emergency, usually outweighs these costs.

Usually the chair lift model is used. This is the kind that is loosely based off of the original stair lift and allows its occupant to sit in the chair as they move between floors. For some, however, it is not medically possible to sit done on the chair, nor is it safe for them to do so. This is true of individuals who have had a major surgery, such as knee replacement surgery. For these individuals a standing stair lift, called a perch lift, is available as an option. Due to the fact that the individual must stay standing while the lift moves, it is not as safe as the traditional chaired stair lift.

People use and rely upon stair lifts to safely carry them up the stairs every day. They have a rich history and are today packed with safety features.

Articular Cartilage Injury


Injury or damage to the tough cartilage that covers the ends of bones is articular cartilage injury.

Articular cartilage (AC) is very smooth and hard. It is composed of collagen, which is present on a bone's articulating surface (surfaces that come into contact with other bones).It is responsible for smooth interaction between two bones in a joint. Thus, any damage or injury to AC causes disruption in the flexibility of joint movement. It is also extravascular, i.e. it has no direct blood supply. This results in slow healing after the injury.

Symptoms of Articular Cartilage Injury:

• Intermittent pain in the knee joint.
• Swelling in the knee joint.
• There may be 'locking' or 'catching' of the knee due to loose bodies present within the joint.
• There may be audible 'clicks' with knee movements.

Causes of Injury to Articular Cartilage:

Injury can occur to the AC as a solitary condition on its own or the injury may occur in relation with other knee injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament helps in preventing rotation of the knee. Due to this reason, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are usually associated with injury to the medial and lateral surfaces of the femur and tibia. The articulating surfaces of the femur and tibia become injured due to an ACL tear caused by a twisting movement.

Forceful impact on the knee joint, such as a tackle in football or rugby also causes articular cartilage (AC) damage. AC damage is commonly associated with injury to other structures within the joint e.g. ACL and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears, damage to medial and lateral meniscus and dislocation of the patella.

AC damage results in inflammation and pain in the knee joint. It is also known to progress the commencement of osteoarthritis. In case of severe injury to the AC, fractures occur in the bone lying below it. This condition is also known as an Osteochondritis Dissecans or Osteochondral Fracture.

Treatment of Articular Cartilage Injury:

• RICE technique application to minimize the swelling.
• NSAID's such as ibuprofen help in easing pain and swelling.
• Patient should see a sports injury specialist.
• An x-ray or arthroscopy confirms the injury.
• Rest should be taken by the patient.
• Rehabilitation program should be started.
• In case of a fracture (osteochondritis dissecans), surgery is required to fix the broken fragment.
• Other surgical measures involve recruitment of marrow stem cells into the affected area by piercing the subchondral bone in an effort to accelerate recovery of the articular cartilage itself.

Read more article related to knee injury on: https://www.painassist.com/sports-injuries/knee-injuries/

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

How to Slow Down Or Prevent Knee Arthritis


Arthritis unfortunately has become a way of life for many people not only in the United States but around the world. We know there are over a hundred different types of arthritis that affect humankind but, one that seems to prevail more then others is osteoarthritis.

Known also as OA it has become prevalent over the years due to our life spans increasing and the obesity factor that has its grips on western society. Our diet also has been help somewhat responsible for the rise in arthritis over the years and, it costs the healthcare systems millions of dollars to treat each year.

There is a multitude of information on arthritis today that can keep you well informed. Exercise is just one of the components listed in the prevention of osteoarthritis.

As we age there are numerous changes that takes place within our bodies. Most of them are preventable by taking the time to address them. One of those areas that is easily addressed is strength training to keep are bodies strong and to allow the muscles to do the job they were meant to do.

By having strong muscles in your legs for instance namely the quadriceps they will allow the knee joint to work smoothly and not bear the brunt of our bodyweight. As our thigh muscles weaken over the years due to lack of strength training the muscles can no longer do the job of supporting the knee joint so therefore the joint absorbs our bodyweight and the wear and tear now increases.

Of course if you are overweight as well, this only exacerbates the problem as the forces generated through the knee structure are more then it was designed to handle. Once the knee joint has to absorb a larger amount of force through it then, you begin to develop bone spurs and the quick decomposing of the cartilage which acts as a cushion between the femur and the tibia can no longer do what it was designed to do.

By keeping your thighs strong you allow the knees to work more efficiently and pain free.

Several exercises that I recommended that will get the results you seek are as follows.

1. Long arc quads: also known as seated leg extensions. Depending on your strength level you attach a weight to the end of your leg while seated in a straight back chair lift your foot until its straight and hold your foot up for a slow count of five. Completing this exercise for ten repetition is a good place to start. As you get stronger you increase the weight to work the muscle harder and to promote further strengthening.

2. Quadricep sets: Using this isometric exercise will increase your thigh strength but only in the plane or position that you are completing the exercise in. With isometric exercise the key here is to squeeze the muscle you intend to strengthen as hard as you can then count to five. You have to be sure not to hold your breath with isometrics as it will increase the pressure within your chest cavity and raise your blood pressure. You simply place your legs out flat and flex your thigh muscles. the back of your knees will touch the surface you are laying on when doing the exercise correctly.

3. Straight leg raises: While laying flat in bed bring one foot up and place it flat on the bed. lift the opposite leg up keep it straight do not bend the knee, bring it up to the level of the bent knee and again hold the leg up for a count of five. You will feel the stress on the thigh muscles you should not feel it in the back. If you feel back pain with this exercise disregard it.

These are just three simple exercises that will help increase your leg strength. there are many more out there but it all depends on your current strength levels and overall fitness as to what exercises to prescribe. By keeping your legs strong you help ward off in one way the ravages of osteoarthritis in the knees that plaque so many with age.

Richard Haynes

Coping With Arthritis - Disposition And Attitude Make A Difference


Coping with arthritis is coping with pain. Approximately one in six people will suffer from arthritis at one point in their lives. In most people's minds arthritis is associated with being elderly. It's true that, as we get older, there is wear and tear on the tissues in our joints. But, it can also be the result of an injury. Even then, it can take years before arthritis manifests itself.

There are many different types of arthritis. But they all seem to share the same symptoms. Symptoms of arthritis are: Swelling, inflammation, pain and stiffness of the joint, or joints that are affected.

The best way to diagnose arthritis is by taking an X-Ray. But this will show the damage, but cannot determine the severity of pain. The pain can be different for every patient. And it doesn't just depend on the amount of damage that was done. A person with less damage could hurt worse, than a person with severe damage. It depends on where exactly in the joint the damage occurred.

People have different pain thresholds. Also, people have different dispositions. So some people are coping with arthritis better than others. Attitude is definitely a big factor in coping with arthritis.

Let me give you a list of known arthritis treatments.that may give you some arthritis pain relief::

o Physical Therapy

o Weight Control

o Exercise to keep flexibility

o Ice- or heat packs for temporary relief

o Topical analgesics

o Acupuncture

o Natural/herbal medicines.

o Support bandages for wrist or knee

Make sure you give your joints enough exercise, without overdoing it. If you have arthritis in your knee, or hip, make sure you do not take on tasks that require too much time. Just do some of the work, and then take a short rest before you finish the job.

A good way to rest is sit in a Lazy Boy chair, with your legs elevated. Don't sit in one position for too long a time. Pull your legs up on the support, and bend your knees. After a few minutes stretch your legs again. If you alternate this every once in a while, your knee, or knees, won't get that stiff, and it will be easier to get up.

Personally, I'm taking some natural products for arthritis pain relief, and weaned myself off the morphine I had been taking for nearly seven years. The morphine was by prescription, but I was getting concerned about all the chemicals going into my body. (Yes, I realize it took me a long time to figure that out).

I feel myself to be much more alert, and don't feel drowsy all the time. Nothing will take the pain away completely,( not even the morphine), but it is now almost negligible. There are a multitude of natural products on the market for arthritis pain relief.

The best way of coping with arthritis is to not dwell on what we can't do, but enjoy the things we are still able to do.

Reducing The Appearance Of Scars After Knee Surgery


Knee surgery is a procedure that helps to restore mobility and independence to a large number of people. New arthroscopic techniques have reduced the amount of physical trauma patients experience during and after the procedure. Additionally, the recovery time afterwards is lessened for many patients who receive this kind of advanced care. Patients are always left with some scarring after the surgery has been completed. There are a number of treatments that are possible in order to reduce the appearance of scarring and assist in proper recovery.

Massage And Physical Therapy

The scarring that occurs after knee surgery often affects areas above and below the skin. Some of this tissue becomes dense and starts to make the knee feel stiff. One common way to help reduce the appearance of a scar beneath the skin while also loosening the tissue is to have regular massages and to engage in exercise or physical therapy every week. The correct type of massage combined with a good exercise routine will increase the flexibility of the area and prevent scars from forming harmful bonds with important tendons. Particularly active individuals will need to have therapy for quite some time, since the tension from the knee causes scar tissue to regenerate over time.

Silicone Creams

Silicone has become one of the most popular ways to reduce the appearance of scars on the skin. A silicone scar gel is applied to the surface of knee after the wound has closed, but before the final layers of tissue have fully formed. The gel will reduce the swelling that causes some of the discoloration and restore the skin to a more natural appearance. Additionally, a silicone scar gel that is applied soon enough will assist in regulating collagen around the area resulting in long-term scar fading. A silicone scar gel is particularly effective after knee surgery, because the scars are normally hypertrophic.

Plastic Surgery

Scar tissue inside of the knee is almost never removed surgically. Certain formations on the skin, however, can be treated with plastic surgery if other options are unavailable. These procedures involve the use of ablative lasers, microdermabrasion and even skin grafting. The results are not always consistent and some treatments will actually increase the density of the scar tissue. Lasers are gaining acceptance for use in cases where large keloids form that stop the patient from being able to bend the knee freely. Removing the surface of the scarred skin with microdermabrasion techniques will temporarily reduce the appearance of scars but will also reduce sensitivity in the area.

What Is The Best Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief Remedy?


Arthritis is a joint inflammation disorder accompanied by crippling and bothering pain. The inflammation occurs when joint tissues react to some kind of damage to the bones, cartilages and also muscles, tendons and ligaments surrounding the joint. Arthritis may affect one or more joints. The pain associated with arthritis occurs due to deterioration of bones and over-straining of muscles against stiffness. Of the several types of arthritis, the following are the most common.

1. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis that occurs due to the wearing out of cartilages paving the way for bone friction and formation of spurs called osteophytes. Knee joint and joints of the spine are more prone to osteoarthritis. Aged people suffer from osteoarthritis.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis is a more disastrous form in which the misdirected immune system invades the healthy joint tissues, resulting in considerable damage. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the synovial membrane lining the joint gets thickened and inflamed, resulting in joint deformity. Joints of fingers, wrist, hip, knees and feet are generally affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in system and gets caught in the form of crystals in the midst of a joint. Thumb, knee, elbow and big toe are commonly affected by gout.

Apart from joint pain, an arthritis patient also experiences joint stiffness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, crepitus, and redness of skin around affected joint, formation of nodules around the affected joint, fatigue, weight loss and anemia.

Arthritis Causes

1. Natural aging of joint
2. Heredity
3. Joint injury or fracture due to bad fall, severe jolt or traumatic accident, heavy physical activity.
4. Joint infection
5. Obesity
6. Lack of exercise
7. Stress induced hormonal imbalance
8. Nutrient deficiency
9. Damp environment
10. Diet consisting of animal products, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers and wheat.
11. Faulty metabolism
12. Faulty joint alignment
13. Autoimmunity.

Best Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief Remedy

Jaguar cream is perhaps the best natural arthritis joint pain relief remedy. It is an effective fast acting topical pain relief remedy that treats joint pain, swelling, stiffness, muscle strains and sprains. The potent natural vitamins, herbs and nutrients in the cream soothe pain and inflammation in minutes. The cream uses a counter-irritation technology that stimulates receptors of the skin generating sensations of heat or coolness, barring pain and dilating blood vessels, thereby increasing blood supply to the zone of pain.

The product also applies a technology that sufficiently hydrates the outer layer of skin enabling quick and easy absorption in to the skin. The product is non-allergenic, non-irritating and non greasy on the skin. Jaguar is the best pain relief remedy formulated by a medical practitioner. It exclusively includes ingredients like methyl Salicylate, menthol, camphor, Diclofenac, Australian EMU oil, arnica, MSM, Glucosamine, DMDM Hydantoin, carbomer, sodium hydroxide, tetrasodium EDTA, hypromellose, mineral oil, thyme, eucalyptus, Montana flower extract and water. The potent natural ingredients take away pain from your life and make you more active.

Warning - Do Not Take Your Knees For Granted! - Help Knock Out Pain With a Knee Sleeve


Do you need a little extra knee support? - Then read on...

A knee brace sleeve offers a comfortable alternative to someone who needs a little extra support for their injured knees but does not want to invest in a more deluxe brace.

Injuries can be caused due to several different reasons and can afflict anyone irrespective of age, gender or occupation. No matter what the cause, the one common characteristic of all knee problems is the excruciating pain that is often present and most sufferers will often be advised to wear a knee brace to help manage this pain.

When is an Elastic Knee Sleeve Preferable over a More Deluxe Knee Brace?

Case Study #1- Tony had some small knee pain issues from arthritis that were on his mind. He did not think he had a major knee instability problem, but he did like the idea of a little extra support to help remind him not to make certain painful movements. Tony uses his elastic knee sleeve and his knee pain has diminished while his knee support has increased.

Case Study #2- Rebecca saw her physician last week, and he told her that she did not have any major knee problems. He recommended time and rest to help her deal with her knee issues. She agreed, but also incorporated the use of a simple knee sleeve into her daily activities, including jogging. The little extra support really gave her a mental boost as it reminded her not to do certain painful movements. She also like the fact that she could move very easily in it and it helped to keep her knee warm.

Using the Knee Brace Sleeve as a Preventative Measure

If you have problems with your knees but they are not serious enough to warrant a deluxe knee brace, then you should consider wearing a knee sleeve as a preemptive measure. A sleeve can be worn without hampering your movement in any way at all. This is a great way to help protect yourself from any potential knee injuries.

An Inside Look at the Knee Brace Sleeve

Called a sleeve because of the way it is slipped onto the leg and over the knee, this ingenious device is constructed of lightweight materials such as neoprene or drytex and fits snugly around the knee without any additional bulk. Knee brace sleeves come in an assortment of sizes and designs to suit different needs. As opposed to more deluxe knee braces, which are worn to provide more firm support to the knee, an elastic sleeve is worn to provide gentle compression and a little extra support to the area around the knee.

Arthritis Worsening and Artificial Knee Costs


For those who have knee problems and arthritis of the knee there maybe a need in the future to replace the human knee entirely? That is right an artificial knee. Why do so many people have knee problems these days?

Well, consider if you will that your average American is carrying around about an extra twenty pounds of weight these days and what that means over the years to our knees? Additionally the lack of exercise, which along with the food we eat is complimenting this problem; our knees do not have the proper muscles in them to handle our demands.

It is for these reasons that knee replacements are increasing at an astronomical rate. Arthritis of the knee is such a common complaint in fact some say one in five people have it over the age of 55. Luckily science is moving ahead with better and better knee replacements these days. Some is due to soldier injuries and repairs, but most is due to sheer need of our society for replacement knees.

Of course if you end up getting a replacement knee it can cost anywhere from 25,000 to 60,000 depending on what you get and where you go. This means if you have high insurance deductibles you need to be thinking ahead and saving your money and make plans for going easy on your knees for weeks after the operations. Think on this in 2006.

Unexplained Knee Pain - Healing Knee Injuries Without Surgery - Special Report


How are your knees feeling lately?

Do you suffer from pain and you are not exactly sure how or when it started?

1.) Introduction

Knee pain is a problem that can often times be dealt with, without having to go in for surgery. Let's face it though, we all know that there are those instances where surgery is your best option... However, a qualified knee surgeon will tell you that they would like to avoid knee surgery if possible and that is what this article is all about. We provide this free information to help you reduce or prevent knee pain from happening in the first place!

2.) Knee Pain Sources

Our bodies are wonderfully constructed, but they do break down. The knee can suffer an injury to your meniscus, ACL, MCL, PCL, or LCL for example. (The last four acronyms talk about the major ligaments in your knee.) Unfortunately, it does not take a trauma for you to have knee pain. It can come on as a result of aging, "wear and tear" and a non-contact accident. For example, if you plant your foot and twist your knee it is possible to really hurt yourself. These are some of the common reasons why people suffer from knee pain and although we want to make you generally aware of some common culprits, we are more willing to help find you a solution to your problem!

3.) A Powerful Method For Pain Reduction & The Promotion of Healing!

One of the best ways to help you reduce knee pain is by using a low profile, light weight knee support. If you have never thought about using one of these supports, now should be the time. Why? - You may ask... A knee brace will help to keep your knee secure while you move. Sometimes your physician will ask for it to be locked in extension, but usually people can use a knee brace with a very healthy range of motion. This means that you will not be stopped from doing the activities you want to.

One interesting point is that many people tell us that their pain goes down the moment they put the support on. The sense of security that they help to provide can be a great physical and emotional boost for people as well. Moreover, these kinds of supports (when quality made) are able to help limit those movements that will further your injury level. It is in these moments where the promotion of healing happens and you benefit!

*This is health information. Knee braces can be extremely effective for people, but this article is not meant to replace the medical advice of your physician.

Monday, February 24, 2014

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis - What You Should Do and What You Shouldn't For Permanent Pain Relief!


The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary depending on factors such as lifestyle, age, etc. Preventing further deterioration of cartilage and osteoarthritis pain relief are two of the main goals of treatment. Find out the expert facts on the best treatment methods in this article.

Pain is a common characteristic in all the types of arthritis. Therefore, a proper diagnosis should be done by a doctor before the use of any medication. Progressive stiffness without fever and pain are some of the early symptoms of osteoarthritis, but they are also found in other types of arthritis.

Among the symptoms of osteoarthritis, pain free intervals are also seen for a temporary period which may last even up to a few years, while there are others who do not find even the slightest osteoarthritis pain relief for a single day.

Among the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis, is joint pain after repetitive use. It occurs due to the grinding of joints as a result of destruction in the cartilage that plays the role of a shock absorber. For example, the occurrence of knee pain that is not associated with any sprain, injury, etc. for those who have a history of mountain climbing, heavy sports, etc. is a common example of osteoarthritis.

The pain generally worsens with the passage of the day. Among the symptoms of osteoarthritis that occurs in weight bearing joints such as hips, ankles, knees etc. a limping outward curvature is seen.

A "joint replacement" operation is suggested when the cartilage has deteriorated to such a point that no osteoarthritis pain relief is found even during period of rest. In fact, osteoarthritis is the biggest reason for knee replacement in USA.

In the spine, symptoms of osteoarthritis include neck and low back pain. In osteoarthritis of the big toe, painful swelling of the bursa of the first joint or bunions are seen.

In osteoarthritis of finger joints, the joints become swollen and enlarged. Even simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt also become difficult in advanced stages of the disease.

Most people often use over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen for osteoarthritis pain relief. But, care should be taken that it can cause heart diseases in the form of side effects. Other prescription based pain relievers also have a lot of serious side effects.

Omega-3 fatty acids and green lipped mussel extract found in New Zealand form part of the best natural treatment for effective osteoarthritis pain relief. It has no side effects and in fact is very beneficial for vital body functions and overall health. Their benefits include improved cardiovascular health, brain health, radiant skin, better digestive system and many more.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce joint stiffness, pain and inflammation, improve grip strength and help to enhance joint mobility in osteoarthritis patients. Unfortunately, the average Western diet has become highly deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties and play an excellent role in the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Research studies also show that omega-3 fatty acids inhibit the functioning of those enzymes that play a role in destroying cartilage. In this way, they prevent any further deterioration in the cartilage cushions. Fish oil supplements are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Regular exercise and light physical activity, proper weight maintenance, adequate rest and a healthy diet with purified high quality fish oil omega-3 supplements can help to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and prevent it from occurring and serve as the best means of osteoarthritis pain relief naturally.

It Ain't How Hard You Hit - It's How Hard You Can Get Hit and Keep Moving Forward!


It was about 22 years ago when I watched my first ROCKY movie (Rocky III) and it really inspired me to get up from defeat (after failing my exams) and to train hard to become a winner in life.

Today, 22 years later, I find myself being inspired once again by Sylvestor Stallone's latest Rocky Movie (Rocky Balboa- part 6). In this latest movie, Rocky is aged 60+ and retired from boxing. One day, Rocky decides to come out of retirement and to get back into the ring. He feels the need to fight because of emotional issues that he needs to resolve within himself. Naturally, he is criticized and made fun of because he is fighting opponents half his age.

His son (a corporate executive in his 30s) is totally against the idea. His career is going nowhere and he blames his father for casting a big shadow over him. His friends make fun of him because of who his father is.

This is where the 60-year old Rocky gives his son a heart-to-heart reprimand about how he needs to stop blaming and take charge of his life. A saddened Rocky says he remembers when his son could fit in the palm of his hand.

He says that he saw great potential in him and when he first started off in life, he did great. However,at some point, he changed. He lost his way and started blaming other things and people for his own misfortune. Telling him:

"Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life.

But it ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. . It's How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done.

Now, if you know what you're worth, then go out and get what you're worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not point fingers and blame other people. Cowards do that and that ain't you. You're better than that!"

This movie had a huge impact on me just like the first few Rocky movies did because what was said was so true in my own life. " Its not how hard you hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."

I have found that in my life, I have met so many people who were much smarter, talented and luckier than me. What made me more successful at the end of the day was my ability to get hit again and again and to keep moving forward. I never gave up. However, I know of many friends who got hit hard by life and could never find the courage to get up again. Instead, they quit dreaming and accepted a mediocre life.

There were many times in my life when I did get hit hard and felt that I had problems I could never solve. There were times when I felt that life was unfair and too painful to live. What kept me going forward was that I knew that no matter how bad, every problem will not last forever. Every recession will end. Dawn always breaks after the darkest hour. It was this belief that allowed me to keep getting up.

o When I got expelled from school at age 9, I kept moving forward
o When my parents split up when I was aged 13, I kept moving forward
o When my first girlfriend dumped me just before my major exams (and I was subsequently dumped by 2 other girls), I kept moving forward
o When everyone looked down on me because I got poor grades in school, I kept moving forward
o When my interior design business went bankrupt (Losing me $250,000), I kept moving forward
o When I lost over $300,000 in the stock market as an early amateur investor, I kept moving forward
o When my first book, 'I Am Gifted, So Are You!' was rejected by over 9 publishers, I kept moving forward
o When only 1 person signed up for my first Patterns of Excellence program 7.5 years ago, and everyone thought that my company would never make it, I kept moving forward
o When I lost all the money I made from my mobile disco business because I was cheated by a supplier I trusted, I kept moving forward

Whenever we see people achieve great things, it is easy to think that they had less problems and less obstacles than we have. That their brilliance, luck or talent gave them super human abilities to sail through life easily. That everything always goes according to plan.

I can tell you from experience that things NEVER EVER always go according to plan. 80% of the goals you set and plans you make will never go the way you want. Things will screw up and obstacles will appear that will knock you down. Its all part of the game of life.

Have you heard of George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars? On the surface, it seems this guy could do not wrong. He had the genius to create one of the most successful franchises in the world, Star Wars that made hundreds of millions of dollars.

Did you know of all the things that went wrong? When George Lucas had the vision of creating the special effects for the battle scenes, the technology did not exist at the time. That didn't stop Lucas. He set up a company, Industrial Light & Magic to invent and create the special effects needed to make Star Wars.

Did it work? Not at first. During production, everything that could have possibly gone wrong went wrong! At the end of sixteen weeks of filming, everyone had every reason to believe it would fail.

The equipment kept breaking down, the actors could not get along and everything that was filmed turned out lousy and had to be discarded. The movie had grossly exceeded the initial budget, it had overrun the filming schedule, the special effects unit could not create the desired special effects and everyone had the opinion that the movie was too childish.

As a result, 20th Century Fox studios (the producers) wanted to cancel the movie and fire Lucas. After Lucas begged for a chance to save the movie, they gave him three days to finish two weeks of work that was lost. It seemed like an impossible task.

What made things worse was that Lucas suffered severe chest pains in the middle of all this and was rushed to hospital for severe stress and exhaustion. Everyone thought that the movie would fail (even some of the actors didn't dare to go for the premier).

But Lucas just wouldn't quit. Lucas hired a triple filming crew, divided the film stage into three sets and directed three scenes concurrently! Within 3 days, he filmed weeks worth of scenes and finished the movie only moments before the movie premier. The rest was history!

I am sure you have heard of Honda Motor Corporation, one of the most successful automakers from Japan. Again what made Honda a success was that its founder, Soichiro Honda was able to take the hardest hits and still get up and move forward.

In 1938, while Soichiro was still in school, when he started a workshop to develop the piston ring that he hoped he could sell to Toyota. He worked 7 days a week, even sleeping in his workshop at times. When money ran out with no success, he pawned his wife's jewelry for working capital.

Finally, came the day he completed his piston ring and was able to sell it to Toyota. However, he was told that the rings did not meet their standards! Soichiro went back to school for 2 years to improve his invention only to suffer ridicule when the engineers saw his design.

He refused to quit. After two more years of struggle and improvement, he successful won the contract with Toyota. He needed to build a factory to supply Toyota. Unfortunately, his timing was bad. At this time, the Japanese government was gearing up for war and needed all the concrete for the war effort, so he could not get the concrete necessary to build his factory.

Instead of giving up, he invented a new concrete-making process that enabled him to build the factory. With the factory now built, he was ready for production, but again, his luck was bad. His factory was bombed twice by American war planes and steel became unavailable, too.

Instead of giving up, he started collecting surplus gasoline cans discarded by US fighters - "Gifts from President Truman," he called them, which became the new raw materials for his rebuilt manufacturing process. Again, his timing was bad. An earthquake hit and his factory was destroyed the third time.

After the war, an extreme gasoline shortage forced people to walk or use bicycles. Soichiro saw this opportunity and built a tiny engine and attached it to his bicycle. His neighbors wanted one, and although he tried, materials could not be found and he was unable to supply the demand. He also didn't have the money to build another factory to make these 'motorbikes'.

He still didn't quit. he wrote letters to 18,000 bicycles shop owners and asked them to pay him in advanced so he could build his factory to sell them his newly invented motorbikes. Unfortunately, the first models were too bulky to work well, so he continued to develop and adapt, until finally, 'The Super Cub' became a success and took Japan by storm. With success in Japan, Honda began exporting his bicycle engines to Europe and America.

This was how the Honda Motor Corporation was formed. Was that the end of his problems? Nope! As he ran Honda, it went into lots of financial problems. Honda also went near to bankruptcy five times, only to be turned around just in time. Everytime he took a hit, Soichiro would just get up, learn from his mistakes and keep moving forward.

Today, Honda Corporation employs over 100,000 people in the USA and Japan, and is one of the world's largest automobile companies. Honda's excellent engineering and clever marketing even resulted in Honda motorcycles out-selling Triumph and Harley-Davidson in their respective home markets.

So, the greater the success you want in life, the bigger the hits you got to be willing to take. There is a price for everything. A Suzuki costs $30,000 and a Ferrari costs $1m (at least in Singapore).

Success too has a price. The price is massive rejection, frustration, and hardwork, People never succeed either because they thought that success comes easy or because they are not willing to pay the price!