Is Osteoarthritis Part of Metabolic Syndrome?

Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of cartilage, a spongy protein that covers the ends of the bones within a joint. Normal cartilage helps with shock absorption by serving as a cushion at the ends of the bones. The cartilage as the fluid within the joint allows for smooth joint movement. As osteoarthritis progresses, the space between the bones narrows, the cartilage wears down and the underlying bone is exposed. This results in painful movement of the joint as well as limited motion. Bone spurs can develop around the joint, limiting motion further and contributing to more pain. Inflammation plays only a minor role in osteoarthritis.

There are many causes of osteoarthritis, the most well known is the aging process. As we age, the water content of cartilage increases and the protein content decreases. As the water content increases, the cartilage becomes softer, more permeable and loses it's mechanical properties. The protein content decreases which contributes to slow degeneration of the cartilage, resulting in flaking and erosions.

Other causes of osteoarthritis include abnormal bone alignment. In the foot, the most common cause is faulty foot mechanics. When the foot is not in alignment and not functioning properly, this causes abnormal stress on joints in the foot, ankle, knee, hip and back. Trauma is a well known cause of arthritis. Direct trauma can disturb the joint structures, cause mal-alignment of the joint or cause weakness of the surrounding structures, resulting in instability of the joint and eventual osteoarthritis. Other causes, such as infection, medications (such as steroids) and genetics contribute to the development of arthritis.

Obesity is a common cause of arthritis. The exact mechanism of how excess weight influences osteoarthritis is unclear. Although the excess load placed on joint surfaces will accelerated the breakdown of cartilage, obesity is also correlated with osteoarthritis of the hand, indicating a more systemic cause. Obesity increases the chances of having metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by a set of risk factors which are linked to coronary artery disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. The risk factors include high blood pressure, abdominal obesity (fat around the waist), abnormal cholesterol levels (such as high triglyceride levels & low HDL levels) and insulin resistance (which corresponds with high blood sugar). The underlying theories of metabolic syndrome are tied to the body's metabolism, most likely insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is the cells inability to efficiently use insulin, a hormone which transports sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. The result is high blood sugar. Insulin resistance is correlated to weight gain and inactivity.

In a recent study in the journal Skeletal Radiology, popliteal artery wall thickness was evaluated in individuals with osteoarthritis. Forty-two patients who were diagnosed with osteoarthritis at multiple joints were compared to 27 patients without osteoarthritis (the control group). An MRI of the knee was used to evaluate vessel wall thickness of the popliteal artery. The osteoarthritis group had thicker vessel walls than the control group, even when the researchers made adjustments for gender, weight and age. Because vessel wall thickness is directly related to high blood pressure and peripheral and coronary artery disease, the authors suggest that osteoarthritis might be another facet of metabolic syndrome.

One theory to explain the link between osteoarthritis and metabolic syndrome is based on white blood cells, immune fighting cells, increasing in areas where fat accumulates, especially around the abdomen (abdominal obesity). As the white blood cells increase, they contribute to widespread inflammation in the body, causing a pro-inflammatory state (as indicated by high blood levels of C- reactive protein) and the production of immune chemicals (specifically cytokines) which cause a chain reaction resulting in damage to the cartilage. The combination of insulin resistance and the pro-inflammatory state may also affect the normal cartilage repair process.

It is possible that osteoarthritis might be an inevitable outcome for those with metabolic syndrome.

Kornaat PR et al. Positive association between increased popliteal artery vessel wall thickness and generalized osteoarthritis: is OA also part of the metabolic syndrome? Skeletal Radiol. 2009 Jul 3.
Rojas-Rodríguez J, et al. The relationship between the metabolic syndrome and energy-utilization deficit in the pathogenesis of obesity-induced osteoarthritis. Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(4):860-8.
Cicuttini FM, Baker JR, Spector TD: The association of obesity with osteoarthritis of the hand and knee in women: a twin study. J.Rheumatol. 1996; 23:1221-1226.
Felson DT: Weight and osteoarthritis. J.Rheumatol. 1995;43:7-9.
Armstrong CG, Mow VC. Variations in the Intrinsic Mechanical Properities of Human Articular Cartilage with Age, Degeneration, and Water Content. JBJS. 1982; 64:88-94.

How High Heels Are Related to Arthritis

Although there seems to be very little connection between high heels and arthritis yet deep study has revealed that the two are actually interrelated. Chiropodists and podiatrists have been studying the maladies which are related to the continuous use of high heels over a long duration. Apart from the common side effects such as bunions, ingrown nails and corns another malady has now been included in the list. This is the condition of arthritis of the knee and foot joints.

The actual structure of the footwear which has high heels is by itself very problematic due to the odd angle which is formed from the heel and the toe. This results in a lot of pressure on certain key areas such as the ankle, the foot and the knee joints. After bearing the brunt of the extra pressure these parts may get inflamed and the cartilage joints may become weak. This makes the person prone to osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most frequently occurring kind of arthritis. Women are more vulnerable to this as compared to men.

Another major cause is the unusual hike in the rate of obesity in most of the countries of the world. Obesity is the main culprit and leads to inflammation and other ailments related to the joints. If an obese person gets injured by wearing high heels then his case becomes even more complicated as he has to tackle weight issues as well. Obese people are at a high risk of suffering from arthritis.

Many people have the misconception that arthritis is an inevitable part of the process of growing old. So they never imagine that the kind of life we lead often brings arthritis to our doorstep. Statistics reveal that more than 25% of the women wear high heels. When this is coupled with the growing obesity rates then the chances of arthritis increases manifold. This makes one realize that the process of growing old does not make it mandatory for a person to suffer from arthritis. This brings forth the fact that by taking certain precautionary measures this disease can be avoided. By being free from arthritis you ensure that you do not have to experience the excruciating pain and joint stiffness which is synonymous with this disease.

As there is a relation between high heels and arthritis therefore it is justified to keep comfort over style and switch over to footwear which is comfortable and supports your foot. To lower the amount of stress on the foot and the joins you should ideally switch over to footwear with lower heels and proper support. By selecting good and comfortable footwear you lower the risk of damaging your joints and reduce the wear and tear impact.

'A stitch in time saves nine.' This holds true for foot injury as well. Finding the root cause of any foot pain or injury will help to minimize the damage which may lead to arthritis if not checked on time. Any inflammation or injury which is caused from wearing high heels should be attended to in a timely manner. If you feel uncomfortable and suffer from pain then you should not hesitate to take medical help. This will help to diagnose arthritis at the onset itself.

Although in the days gone by the people often failed to see the relation between high heels and arthritis but research has led to the masses understanding the connection between the two. In order to make a style statement women often tend to ignore the need to keep their feet cushioned and comfortable. By making some healthy changes you can ensure that you have better foot health and can enjoy wearing heels without having to worry about contacting arthritis.

Arthritis Knee Exercises - Knee Workouts to Prevent Arthritis, Joint Pain and Swelling

There are many types of arthritis knee exercises and knee workouts that can be done on a regular basis to prevent joint pain and swelling. All these exercises and knee movements are very helpful for the patients and doctors highly advise the patients to follow the regime on a regular basis to keep the situation under control. Knee exercises and knee workouts if done properly and on a regular basis can prove to be really beneficial for curing joint pain and swelling.

Here are some effective knee workout types to help you stay fit as well as fight with the disease:

· Walking - Walking is considered to be one of the easiest and effective arthritis knee exercises for fighting pain. Walking does not need much effort and there is no much strain on your knees and side by side is pain free also.

· Water Knee Workout - This workout has the same effect as of the one done on the road or land. Water knee exercises may include doing aerobics, jogging, walking or playing sports like polo etc in the water. Water supports your body weight and it becomes easy for you to move around without causing much pain.

· Swimming - Swimming is again considered to be a very effective joint pain exercise as it gives you a great cardiovascular knee workout. Water supports the body and while swimming, you do not feel much pain. Patients with serious pain can also go for swimming.

· Cycling - Though it can be a bit painful initially but cycling is one arthritis knee exercise that every doctor recommends. The body moves all together and loosens the stiff joints and relaxes your knees. Cycling is a very good knee workout for reducing pain and swelling as it is a muscular exercise.

Arthritis in Hands: Best Treatment for Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

There are two main types of arthritis in hands, rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid is the most disabling while osteoarthritis is the more common.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Hands

This type of arthritis specifically targets the synovium tissue. These are the cells that lubricate the joints in the fingers that when this disease kicks in, they swell up forcing the ligaments and tendons supported by the joints to deform and weaken.

Most prevalent in the knuckles and wrist, the bone and cartilage will begin to decay making them feel hot and sore, and rheumatoid arthritis in the hands tends to be symmetric- therefore if one hand's affected so will the other.

Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis in Hands

This disease is to date incurable so your only means of fighting it is to slow its progression.

Treated on a number of fronts, it's a collaboration with your rheumatologist, hand therapist, hand surgeon and your primary care physician.

The rheumatologist will advise you of which particular medicine to take while monitoring you along the way, with your hand therapist instructing you on the movements that will relieve stress and pressure on the joints and advising you of ways to protect them.

They may also provide splints or devices to help you cope better with certain activities.

Surgery in certain cases may be advised. This can involve removing new bone known as "spurs", extracting nodules, joint fusion and removing inflamed tissue.

Osteoarthritis in Hands

Like osteoarthritis that occurs in the cartilage of hip and knee joints, it is the deterioration of the cartilage - the protein that helps support the connection between the two bone endings in the joint - that inflames the bones causing them to grind and occasionally form spurs.

These spurs can sometimes become dislodged and surgery may be required, but this more often occurs in larger joints.

In the case of the hands, referred to as Herbenden's node, early development of this can be detected by the visual appearance of the smallest joint at the end of each finger looking knobby.

These knobs - or nodes - can also begin to take shape in the middle joint, known as Bouchard's node and while the development of these nodes may not be that painful, they may restrict the fingers movements.

If however there is some discomfort the following treatment may be prescribed:

Treating Osteoarthritis in Hands:

Troubling little pains in the joints of the fingers can be dealt with through one or a combination of methods.

NSAID's or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relieving medications may be prescribed, but these may put you at risk if they are being used long-term, as the jury's still out over the affect they have on the liver, kidney and heart, so don't be afraid to seek a second opinion if these are prescribed.

The preferred treatment now however is using a combination of medications.

Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and/or natural food supplements which include capsaicun, omega-3, reishi and tongkat ali, combined with topical creams and cold/heat pads are argued to provide a much safer, sustainable, natural and more effective treatment plan, and most of which can be bought over the counter - OTC - and/or online.

Arthritis Knee Pain - Joint Pain Causes

Understanding what causes joint pain is important as it helps you to be better able to prevent and lesson joint pains. Fortunately there are many joint pain relief treatments to enable you to lead a normal life and to enjoy everyday activities, and depending on the cause of the pain, relief can be either temporary or permanent.

Joint pain causes can vary, and can be related to many conditions other than Arthritis. Our joints are cushioned by cartilage and supported by muscles, tendons and ligaments. Everyday activity, aging, injury, obesity and repetitive motion all place stress on the joints and will ultimately cause the supporting structures to wear down over time. Common causes include unusual exertion or overuse of joints including strains or sprains, injury (including fracture), Gout (especially found in the big toe), Tendonitis, Bursitis and Lupus. Causes can also include infectious diseases such as Influenza, Measles, Rheumatic Fever, Hepatitis, German Measles and Chickenpox. When joint pains strike, sufferers are often thrown off balance and made to change their daily routine because of the nature of the pains. Adopting proper health and diet routines can also help delay the need to look for joint pain relief.

Let's look at joint pain causes as they directly relate to Arthritis.

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints caused by wear and tear, injury or any infection. There are over 100 different types of Arthritis - all cause pain and swelling and limit movement in joints and connective tissue. This inflamed condition of the joints is mostly seen in the elderly people. It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and itis meaning inflammation. It affects almost half of the population of the world and, in the United States alone, approximately 50 million people suffer from one type of arthritis. Arthritis is more common than cancer and heart problems although does not have the level of fatalities associated with these conditions.

Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder, results from the loss of bone tissue from the joints and is also known as "wear and tear" Arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. The symptoms usually occur in middle age and it quite common in adults older than 50 years of age. Interestingly as the age of the sufferer increases the occurrence is more likely in women, and there are many studies on the association between Osteoarthritis and Menopause. It is mainly related to aging but other factors such as a person's metabolism and genetic history can all be an influence. Often patients who have a history of taking certain types of medication, such as cortisone, can also be more susceptible.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints resulting in stiffness and pain. Normally our bodies are very efficient at taking care of keeping viruses and the like at bay, but when the immune system malfunctions it confuses healthy tissue for foreign substances and the body attacks itself. Ligaments and tendons that join the bones and muscle become inflamed and the result is pain in the effected joint. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be quite effectively treated with medications, although some of the treatments can have side effects that are difficult to manage. This disease can occur at any age but is most likely to occur in women. The course and the severity of the illness can vary considerably, with some sufferer's being pain free for years while their medication is working efficiently. Infection, genes, and hormones may contribute to the disease.

Both Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis are major contributors to joint pain causes.

How To Delay The Progress Of Degenerative Arthritis

Degenerative arthritis is a type of arthritis that commonly affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, next to rheumatoid?? arthritis, this is the next most common form of arthritis that never fails to make people suffer from pain on a daily basis. Usually, degenerative arthritis happens when the cartilage that is supposed to act as a shock absorber to the bones decrease. Because of this, parts of our body that beats weight such as hips ( for women) and knees often get affected by degenerative arthritis especially for those who are overweight. Daily activities such as walking and climbing? stairs gives our joints a beating that we often ignore until the time pain is felt.

Arthritis can affect people who are in their mid-40s, especially men. In the United States alone, 20 million people suffer from arthritis according to a report from the national health department. As the cartilage wear out, spurs or small new bones develop that is actually greatly responsible for the pain in this type of arthritis. The swelling causes pain and as a response the cartilage produces new bone growth. The rubbing bones definitely amplifies the pain felt by the person suffering from degenerative arthritis.

Although more often than not, doctors are often perplexed by the cause of OA to a person especially when there is no history of previous trauma which is why it is referred to as primary? osteoarthritis. Nevertheless, obesity is a main contributing factor to OA since excess body weight puts so much strain on the joints. When obesity becomes the main culprit, it is now referred to as secondary osteoarthritis.

Degenerative arthritis is also known as Osteoarthritis (OA)?? since the situation worsens as cartilage becomes worn out. In fact, there is no way yet to stop the progressing of this ailment although some supplements and medication may be able to reduce the pain and swelling as well. Usually, doctors advice people with OA to lose weight and continue moderate physical exercise. Also, physical therapy? as well?? as weight training exercises that strengthen affected body parts may help delay the progress of degenerative arthritis. In conclusion, degenerative arthritis cannot be stopped but its progress can be delayed by taking some precautions advised by the doctor.

How To Relieve Arthritis By Losing Weight

Every step you take, every move you make will be made worse if you are carrying extra weight. To carry even a single pound extra places added stress through your feet, ankles, knees and hips.

The pressure is made worse if you are walking up or down steps and much worse when running. Arthritis sufferers are not likely to go jogging but we all have times when we move quickly to cross a road or escape the rain.

The pressure on upper joints is just as bad. The spine has to support much of the body's weight.

So often doctors will mention that you should lose weight then write a prescription for an anti inflammatory. They know that most people will struggle to shed their excess pounds, so it is much easier to medicate.

Arthritis is stressful enough without adding the stress of losing weight to the equation.

However it is very important to find way to shed the extra pounds, because every day your extra joint compression is adding to your pain. Extra weight also adds to the bodies overall inflammatory load. Fat cells are typically inflamed, just image carry millions of them.

Lose your weight successfully and you will overcome much of your stress. You can eliminate your resistance to dietary change and exercise.

By losing just a few kilos your joints will have a greater chance of recovery. Your arthritis will progress much slower, your joints will receive a better blood supply and your cartilage will last much longer.

Young joints have well formed cartilage, but through wear and tear the cartilage thins, and through injury the same cartilage tears. The result is much the same effect as walking on concrete in bare feet compared to wearing comfortable walking shoes.

With added weight combined with reduced cartilage the jarring effect through the knees especially, becomes worse and worse. This leads to increased inflammation and pain.

As you lose weight every pound or kilo lost relieves the stress in the joints and allows your anti-inflammatory medications and supplements to be of greatest effect for you.

Arthritis doesn't tend to resolve itself, and usually gets worse simply through increased wear and tear. Weight loss doesn't occur by itself, but it is the one thing that you can do that doesn't require drugs. It is one aspect of control you can exert over the crippling effects of arthritis. Take control, take action, lose weight, and reduce your pain.

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

Dog Arthritis - Common Types of Arthritis in Dogs

Dogs can suffer from different kinds of arthritis, which literally means inflammation of the joints. The most common form of arthritis in dogs is osteoarthritis or canine arthritis. Dogs are more prone to arthritis than in cats or horses and can usually take one of the several forms:

Osteoarthritis - A slow, progressive disintegration of cartilage in your dog joints is called osteoarthritis and is a chronic degenerative joint disease. When the cartilage of a joint is worn away the adjoining bones begin to rub against one another causing muscle discomfort and joint pain.

Hip Dysplasia - A malformation of the hip sockets is called hip dysplasia. The irregular malformation of the "ball and socket" allows excessive movement in the joint causing muscle pain, chronic inflammation leading to tissue deterioration and occasional calcium deposits. Hip dysplasia is most common among larger breeds of dogs.

Elbow Dysplasia - Another form of dysplasia is found in the elbows usually of large breed dogs. This disorder is typically hereditary in nature. In elbow dysplasia the bones become misshapen causing chipping with use resulting in discomfort and pain. An animal suffering from this condition will display lameness in the affected leg.

Knee Dysplasia - This malformation of the joints can also be found in the knees. Knee dysplasia also has the same "bone chips" which cause pain and lameness as it progresses.

Stifle Knee - A common problem with the stifle joint (knee) involves torn ligaments which creates instability of the joint. Joint dislocation is a common complication of the stifle knee. The stifle joint is placed under tremendous use and strain making inflammation at this location common. Poor or irresponsible breeding practices are the greatest reason for these issues.

Osteochondrosis - Inflammation of the cartilage or osteochondrosis is directly linked to poor breeding. Inadequate nutrition can also exacerbate this condition. The symptoms of osteochondrosis include pain and inflammation, and is coupled with cartilage disintegration.

Kneecap Dislocation - When the kneecap repeatedly moves and pull out of it's proper joint position it is known as kneecap dislocation and is associated with leg bones that are poorly formed. Again, this is a condition resulting from poor breeding or genetic inheritance.

Stairway to Heaven - Why Climbing Stairs Prolongs Quality of Life

Are you 40 years old or older? Do you have vague knee or hip pain that might be stopping you from wanting to go up and down stairs as often as you used to? Did you know that this might be the least of your problems?

In reality, if you are a woman, you may have already started to lose bone mass. If you are a man, you probably have not started to lose bone mass, but you will soon. Yes, men over the age of 65 are also at risk of osteoporosis.

"But it hurts. Why would climbing stairs hurt and be good for me?"

Well, you may be experiencing arthritis in one/both of your knees. There are several contributing reasons as to why stairs may aggravate this pain, but most importantly is form. The next time that you climb stairs, I want you to focus on putting your whole foot onto the higher step before climbing (i.e. toes flush against the beginning of the following step.) In doing so, you'll place your foot and knee in a much healthier position as you ascend. If this is still difficult and/or painful for you, you might want to try a smaller step and progress only if pain-free. And, guess what? Stairs will help strengthen the muscles around your knee to eliminate future pain.

Stairs are one of the most important 'maintenance' exercises that you can do. Not only do stairs require that you use at least 3 joints at once (hip, knee, ankle), requiring increased oxygen consumption and therefore increased metabolism, but they also help build bone. Through weight-bearing exercise, such as stair climbing, squatting, lunging, push-ups, etc., your body's "osteoblasts" are activated. 'Osteoblast' is just a fancy name for 'bone builder.' Your body feels stress through the long bones of your legs while climbing stairs and responds by layering more bone to protect the area.

Did you know that hip fractures are one of the most deadly injuries to occur in the older adult population? If you are 40 or older, and you'd like to live a fracture-free older adulthood, I highly recommend that you find a way to make stairs a regular part of your routine NOW! Even if you do not exercise regularly, this is one area that can help you without having to leave your home.

Arthritis Treatment: Stem Cells - Master Cells for Treating Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common problem for which only symptomatic treatment is currently available. In recent years, the use of stem cells (SCs) has drawn interest as a therapy that might help to slow down or perhaps even reverse this condition.

The use of SCs in medicine is not new. They have been used in bone marrow transplant procedures for almost half a century.

What is also known is that these cells have a number of desirable features including the ability to repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, modulate the immune system, and respond to areas of injury through a complex series of messages sent via cytokines, protein "Pony Express" riders.

It is only recently that these properties have stimulated the interest of researchers who view these cells as having "pharmaceutical" potential in treating disease.

SCs are the body's basic building block cell. They are essentially "blank slate" cells that can renew themselves and mature into various cell types in organs as diverse as the heart, the gut, muscle, and joint tissue.

In previous articles I've discussed the different types of SCs that have been used in basic as well as clinical research.

Embryonic SCs are the cells that have been mentioned in the news most frequently. They are unique in that they are capable of differentiating into any type of mature cell in the body.

They were once touted as the "miracle cell" that would be used to make entire new organ systems.

However, the harvesting of SCs from embryos requires the destruction of the embryo, a process opposed by conservative religious groups.

On a different note, the perpetual capacity to divide can lead to the formation of SC induced cancers.

By contrast, adult SCs have less ability to differentiate, but can reduce inflammation as well as stimulate blood vessel formation. This latter property is useful for tissue repair. In fact, they are often referred to as "repair SCs."

Some companies are developing allogeneic products designed to be eventually marketed just as any pharmaceutical product would be. These cells are harvested from a healthy donor. They are then cultured outside the body in order to increase the total number of stem cells. Theoretical problems include transmission of disease as well as rejection, by either the host or by the SC graft.

The autologous approach, using a patient's own SCs, is the subject of interest by a number of biotech companies. Various investigations into proprietary methods for enhancing stem cell number and potency have attracted much attention.

This approach of using the patient as their own source of "medicine" eliminates the risk that the cells will be rejected.

There are multiple branches of medicine where there is growing enthusiasm to use these healing cells. In particular, our center has been conducting procedures where there is early, yet undeniable proof of improvement in both clinical as well as objective parameters in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.

I Have Knee Arthritis - Now What Am I Supposed To Do For Pain Management?

Knee arthritis is a very common problem that affects millions of Americans each year. There are numerous types of problems that lead to be arthritis. The most common would be normal wear and tear arthritis. The problem is the knee is wearing out from lack of cartilage.

The human body does continue to make cartilage just as it did when the person was younger, however the rate at which cartilage is lost increases substantially from where it did as a younger individual. Therefore the ratio of cartilage productions to cartilage loss changes and the end result is less cartilage and arthritis.

Treatments for knee arthritis are termed quality of life treatments. Arthritis is not fatal and surgery is a quality of life decision so nonoperative treatments should be tried first and foremost. One such treatment is activity avoidance, which essentially means if it hurts don't do it. This may include tennis, running, golf, etc. To some people, this may be acceptable.

But in this day and age with Americans desiring to stay very active, probably not acceptable to most. The next treatments are as follows:

1. Cane - A cane may offload over 50% of the weight on the arthritic knee during walking.


2. Pain Medications - These may range from NSAIDS (Aleve, Advil, Ibuprofen) to Tylenol and up to narcotic medications on a short term basis.


3. Knee injections - Injections into the knee range from the usual steroid injections which can be extremely effective to a substance like hyaluronic acid which works fairly well promoting joint lubrication. At a certain extreme of arthritis, the hyaluronic acid injections no longer provide benefit.


4. Physical Therapy - Strengthening the muscles around the joint may offload the joint and provide pain relief.


5. TENS Unit - stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation - may provide pain relief on an as needed basis.


6. Acupuncture - has been shown in numerous research studies to work well for osteoarthritis.


7. Knee Bracing - Can offload the arthritic parts of the knee that are causing pain. This can allow for nonoperative pain relief.


8. Surgery - If all nonoperative treatments fail, knee replacement surgery has been shown to be one of the top quality of life surgeries in the world. There are lesser options too depending on where the arthritis is and whether or not it's focal or diffuse.

None of these treatments actually fix arthritis. They are designed to manage symptoms and avoid surgery.

Treatment Of Knee Joint Pain - Is Medication Or Natural Remedies Best For You?

Are you looking for the best treatment of knee joint pain? Most people suffer from minor or major knee problems particularly after a certain age. Sometimes, it can be a challenge to find out what the real cause of the problem is, whether it is due to sudden injury, an underlying condition like arthritis or an injury due to overuse of the knees.

How To Treat Knee Joint Pain

There are several treatments ranging from medication to natural remedies which can give relaxing and soothing effect to your soaring knee pain. Treatments for knee pain vary according to the cause of the knee pain, with some of the most effective treatments listed below:

1) Medication
This option involves getting some effective medicines prescribed by a doctor.

2) Therapy
- Orthotics and bracing: Braces, arch supports or wedges to shift the pressure from the knee joints are used.
- Physical therapy: Training and exercises to improve and strengthen the muscles around the knees, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, are given to the patients.

3) Injections
Knee joints are treated with injections containing drugs like corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid which reduce the flaring pain of arthritis. These shots are very painful as they are injected in the knee joints.

Disadvantages Of Using Medication Or The Above Methods For Knee Pain
• May cause side effects
• Overdose of injections or medicines can trouble the person
• Slow healing process

4) Natural Remedies
Studies at a reputable Health Institute have discovered powerful herbal ingredients which include Lachesis Mutus, Naja, Belladonna, Rhus Tox and others. When these homeopathic ingredients are combined in one, it has the ability to stop pain and inflammation of joint pain quickly without any side effects. It has become one of the most popular options for many knee joint pain sufferers because of its effectiveness and speed in treating knee pain.

Advantages Of Using A Topical Cream As Treatment Of Knee Joint Pain
• Instant relief as soon as you apply it on the affected area.
• Carry it anywhere and use when needed.
• It does not irritate the skin or upset the stomach which some medications do.
• Zero side effects.

Going for natural treatments which contain homeopathic ingredients as mentioned is one of the most sought after remedy because of it zero side effects and ability to stop pain quickly. The breakthrough of discovering these homeopathic ingredients make such a natural remedy more favourable than medication or other therapies. It is definitely something worth looking at for those who are seriously looking for a safe and effective treatment of knee joint pain.