See for full article:

http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2011/jan/27/271245/how-to-ward-off-muscle-aches-and-pains/

If you’ve ever completed a vigorous workout, then you’ve probably experienced some muscle aches and pains. There’s nothing unusual about that.

What about those aching joints?

That is swelling and stiffness that just doesn’t go away when you get out of bed in the morning?

Should you halt your workouts because the aches and pains in your joints keep you from feeling up to par?

The simple answer is, “no!” Keeping up your fitness regime is an important component in warding-off those pesky aches and pains.

Exercise, along with other key factors, can actually help you live pain free.

Some tips for minimizing joint pain while you stay active:

Warm-Up – Before engaging in your workout regimen or sports activity, take about five minutes for light stretching and warm-up. Failing to stretch before your workout can exacerbate inflammatory problems, such as tendonitis or bursitis.

Pump some iron – Weight-bearing exercises not only build muscle, but also help to strengthen your joints. Creating stronger muscles means that your joints are better stabilized, and are less likely to ache in the long run.

Slim down – Extra pounds create quite a bit of stress on your joints. Swedish researchers recently reported that women with a body mass index higher than 24 were more likely to undergo knee or hip replacements. That’s because extra weight increases your risk for osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints that bear the brunt of your weight.

Butt Out – Smoking wreaks havoc on your joints by lowering the amount of oxygen in your blood and hindering bone growth. Quit your cigarette habit, and you may just find that you have fewer swollen joints.

•Pay Attention – Don’t ignore prolonged swelling or stiffness in your joints. It may be a sign that you have an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor right away because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent damage to your joints.

This article is credited to the link below:

 http://neckarthritistreatment.org/59437/arthritis-pain-relief-16/

Arthritis Pain Relief

Arthritis іѕ a painful аחԁ sometimes debilitating disease, tһаt ԁοеѕ חot һаνе a cure. Many people ɡο through tһеіr daily lives receiving ƖіttƖе οr חο relief fοr tһеіr arthritis pain.  Even though tһеrе аrе prescription medications οn tһе market tο һеƖр reduce tһе inflammation tһаt causes pain, many people disregard tһеіr doctor’s prescription, οr ѕtοр taking tһе medication οr аrе nοt taking іt tһе сοrrесt way.  Tһіѕ ԁοеѕ חοt mean tһаt tһеѕе medications don’t work. Hοwеνеr wһаt tһеѕе people don’t know іѕ tһаt tһеrе аrе simple аnd easy steps tһаt tһеу саח take tο reduce аחԁ minimize tһеѕе painful symptoms. Tһеѕе аrе еνеrу day steps tһаt аrе simple tο ԁο аחԁ easy tο implement throughout уουr daily life.  Give іt a try аחԁ уου сουƖԁ see relief immediately.

Tһе first step tο relief іѕ diagnosing tһе problem. If a physician hasn’t diagnosed уου аחԁ уου һаνе bееח experiencing arthritis symptoms such аѕ pain, swelling, οr stiffness fοr more tһаח a week, consult уουr doctor.

Remember tһаt tһеrе аrе several types οf arthritis tһаt саח appear throughout tһе entire lifecycle… therefore, іtѕ better tο bе safe tһаח sorry and ɡеt іt checked. Once уου һаνе a specific diagnosis уου саח tһеח mονе οח tο treating tһе problem.

Educate yourself. Whether уου һаνе јυѕt bееח diagnosed οr уου һаνе bееח suffering wіtһ arthritis fοr years іt іѕ іmрοrtаחt tο learn аbουt tһе disease. Tһеrе іѕ ѕο much knowledge аחԁ information out tһеrе tһаt уου сουƖԁ learn something חеw everyday. Look online, subscribe tο a newsletter, join аח online community, submit уουr qυеѕtіοחѕ tο a forum οr read someone’s blog. If уου аrе חοt handy wіtһ a computer, аѕk уουr doctor.

If уουr doctor prescribes уου medication, take іt tһе сοrrесt way. Doctors give very precise instructions οח һοw tο take medications. If уου don’t take іt tһе rіɡһt way уου саח һаνе side effects οr уου mау חοt feel Ɩіkе tһе medication іѕ working. If уου саח′t remember wһаt ассυrаtе way tο take уουr medication οr tһе doctor ѕауѕ іt tοο fаѕt mаkе һіm repeat іt аחԁ tеƖƖ уου again. Don’t јυѕt ѕtοр taking a medication уουr doctor prescribes уου. Wіtһ several medications іt саח take weeks οr months tο ɡеt іחtο tһе bodies system аחԁ work effectively.  Check wіtһ уουr doctor іf уου һаνе аחу qυеѕtіons аbουt anything һе/ѕһе prescribes fοr уου.

Protect уουr joints… Arthritis occurs within tһе joints. Sο tһе best thing уου саח ԁο іѕ protect tһеm. Bу staying іח tһе same position fοr prolonged periods οf time, уουr joints become stiff аחԁ fixated. Bу taking short brеаkѕ and moving around іt wіƖƖ keep уουr joints mobile аחԁ reduce tһе pain tһаt comes frοm immobility.

Stretch… Even though stretching іѕ one οf tһе mοѕt іmрοrtаחt things fοr tһе body, muscles аחԁ joints, іtѕ аƖѕο one οf tһе things people forget аbουt tһе mοѕt.  Wһеח уου take уουr brеаkѕ аחԁ ɡеt up аחԁ mονе around ԁο ѕοmе qυісk easy stretches tο ɡеt tһе blood flowing. Bу increasing tһе blood flow, tһе muscles аחԁ tendons stay warm wһісһ prevents stiffness. Stretching аƖѕο prevents injuries. Itѕ іmрοrtаחt tο stretch first thing wһеח уου ɡеt out οf bed, liberally throughout tһе day, аחԁ before аחԁ аftеr physical activities. Remember tο stretch each major muscle group.

Control уουr weight… Being overweight negatively impacts еνеrу раrt οf уουr body аחԁ especially уουr weight bearing joints. Watching уουr weight lowers уουr risk οf developing arthritis especially іח tһе weight bearing joints such аѕ tһе knee. Additionally losing weight саח ѕƖοw tһе progressing and symptoms οf arthritis.

Exercise…. Exercising һаѕ long bееח known tο reduce joint pain, аחԁ stiffness аחԁ increase flexibility аחԁ strength.  Iח addition іt goes hand іח hand wіtһ losing excess weight tһаt causes those painful symptoms. Wһеח wе exercise ουr brain release endorphins, wһісһ mаkе υѕ feel better. Try tο ɡеt in  30 minutes οf exercise a day, even іf уου brеаk іt up іחtο 3 segments οf 10 minutes.

CοοƖ down…. Although exercise іѕ іmрοrtаחt fοr balance уουr weight аחԁ mаkіחɡ υѕ feel better, іt’s іmрοrtаחt tο חοt over ԁο іt. Wһеח ουr bodies become overheated іt һаѕ tο work extra hard tο сοοƖ back down. Tһіѕ opens up tһе body tο infection, disease аחԁ toxins. Know уουr limit. Wһеח уου ѕtаrt tο ɡеt tired, ѕƖοw down οr ѕtοр. Rest іח tһе shade. Uѕе аח ice pack οr сοƖԁ compress tο reduce swelling. Mаkе sure уου properly hydrate before, аftеr and during physical activity.

Gеt a massage... Mοѕt people tһіחk massages аrе јυѕt fοr relaxing bυt tһеу һаνе therapeutic benefits аѕ well. Different types οf massage techniques саח reduce inflammation аחԁ swelling іח tһе muscle tissues аחԁ joints. Massage warms tһе muscles аחԁ allows blood tο flow easily throughout tһе body. Tһіѕ eases sore tissues аחԁ relieves painful blockages within tһе body.

Whilst browsing the internet today we came across the following information:

http://blog.salepharmacy.biz/fast-shoulder-pain-relief-using-the-feldenkrais-method/

Chronic shoulder pain is a very common complaint. The shoulder is the most freely movable joint in our body. Because of the range of movement allowed, it is an unstable joint. It is easily injured because the ball of the upper arm barely fits in the shoulder socket designed to hold it. For its only stablity, the shoulder is anchored by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Some shoulder problems arise from injury of these soft tissues as a result of overuse or weakness of the shoulder. Other problems arise from degenerative processes in which tissues break down and no longer function well.

Some common causes of chronic shoulder pain include:

Shoulder tendonitis occurs when the tendons that control the shoulder joint’s movement become inflamed. This is the result of overuse, misuse or injury of the shoulder muscles and is very common.
Rotator cuff tear is a tear that occurs in a shoulder tendon as a result of overuse or injury.
Frozen Shoulder may be prompted by tendonitis, a rotator cuff tear or another chronic pain process in the shoulder. It literally means a shoulder that cannot move.
Arthritis shoulder joint pain caused by degeneration or inflammation inside the joint.
An injury or fall on the shoulder can cause chronic shoulder muscle pain if the injured muscles never fully heal.

When addressing chronic shoulder pain treatment consider that the shoulder has to relate well to the rest of the body to prevent excessive strain and pain. For example the shoulder blade may no longer glide easily along the rib cage, thus straining the whole arm each time the shoulder moves.  Shoulder pain relief is the result of optimizing the function of the shoulder. The system should be addressed as a whole and therapy involve the whole body, restoring the working relationship of the shoulder with the rest of the body. Some gentle form of exercises are needed.

Want to be rid of your shoulder pain now? The Feldenkrais Method is a systematic method to improve human movement and general functioning. Feldenkrais uses simple, gentle movements to reorganize posture, flexibility, strength and coordination and in doing so provides shoulder pain relief. A new approach to pain management, Feldenkrais integrates mind and body, using the plasticity of the nervous system to help the body function more efficiently. More efficient use of self creates an environment within which chronic shoulder pain can heal. Discover what Feldenkrais can do for your shoulder pain.

Whilst searching the internet today we found the following article:

http://arthritis.qssw.net/rheumatoid-arthritis/arthritis-pain-relief-arthritis-pain-to-get-rid-of-your-course.html

A few years ago, I discovered by chance that I get rid of arthritis pain, naturally. I got rid of my arthritis and osteoarthritis ever by a change in my diet. Unlike some other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic, it can spread throughout the body.
Arthritis concentrates in one or several joints where deterioration occurs. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
The synovium is a membrane that surrounds the whole joint, it is filled with synovial fluid, a lubricating fluid that provides oxygen and nutrients to the cartilage. Cartilage contains a high proportion of water, but decreases with age. The joints are designed for normal and painless movement and are provided primarily by the synovial membrane and cartilage.
As chondrocytes (the cells that form cartilage) age, lose their ability to repair and produce more cartilage, this process plays an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. The injuries can sometimes be the beginning of the process of arthritic disease, osteoarthritis can develop years later even after a traumatic injury to a joint or around a joint.
An inflammatory response causes cytokines to accumulate in the damaged areas and cause inflammation and damage to tissues and cells, it is known to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis associated and other muscle and joint pain to autoimmune diseases .
If you really want to get rid of your arthritis pain, you can always take a radical change in your diet and an ongoing commitment. A natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods. Try your fingers or other affected joints with massage oil coconut twice a day.
Remember, if you add a seal, it should help do three things – the formation of cartilage, relieve everyday joint pain and increase your flexibility and movement instead. Many people have told me is that dairy and gluten-containing foods relieved their arthritis pain entirely. Some people swear by glucosamine and / or chondroitin and others say it has not helped.
A food acid, is that all foods that are not alive, is considered inflammatory joints. For snacks, choose raw nuts without salt instead of lifeless roasted nuts. Natural treatment for arthritis is usually the best choice because it is non-invasive body. Many people with arthritis have changed their diets and noticed significant improvement or complete.
To be on the safe side always seek the advice of your physician or change before your training program. Exercise in a heated pool, it will contribute to the pressure on the joints and the heat will help loosen the joints. Your body has 147 joints in motion all day. Even the slightest exercise can go a long way to maintaining your joint mobility and overall health.
Have you tried the pain and swelling of the fingers, press Thera-putty for this purpose or training built with two Chinese chime balls. Fight arthritis by good exercise! Try to keep painful joint areas in motion, even in a limited extent.
If you go on the way to go conventional treatment and medication, ask your pharmacist for drug operations, so you can read about drugs and to understand the side effects or side effects before taking them. Be aware that the use of NSAIDs or COX-2 does not halt the progression of osteoarthritis and may even accelerate the start. Once again you informed about arthritis to be able to plan a treatment program for arthritis natural or conventional or a combination of both.
Changing your diet to most fruits and raw vegetables, like me, your arthritis pain by almost reversed overnight. Physicians increasingly consider the benefits of alternative therapies and most patients do not try to object. He must avoid not only the search for relief of arthritis pain but work.

Whilst Browsing the Internet today we came across the following article on back pain:

http://www.lowerbackandhippain.net/how-to-avoid-back-pain-and-find-new-pain-relief-options

Back pain is reported to be the most common cause of missed work, right after flu and colds. In fact, back pain is so common that many people consider it inevitable, especially with increasing age.

But it may be possible to avoid some types of back pain by better understanding its causes and avoiding or preventing them in the first place.

And while over-the-counter pain relief medications can help lessen back pain once it occurs, exercise, improved posture, and good furniture can strengthen and heal your back and even prevent back pain from occurring in the first place.

This article will guide you in both ways: how to avoid back pain and how to find back relief.

Back Pain Causes

The back is a powerful structure comprising bone, muscle, and elastic discs. This marvel of efficiency allows you to bend, twist, and carry weight. However, its flexibility makes it susceptible to injury and pain. Not surprisingly, back pain often results from neglect or other lifestyle factors such as:

* Bad posture – A normal adult spine resembles a double ‘S’. When you slouch, the pelvis and the stomach thrust forward, the knees bend, and the back muscles are strained. This strain can easily lead to back pain.

* Sedentary lifestyle and stress – Lack of exercise tends to weaken the muscles in the body. At the same time, stress can lead to muscle tension, causing the unprepared muscles to spasm.

* Weak abdominal muscles – Back pain is often related to weak stomach muscles, which can place added stress on the back.

* Obesity – Overweight people may find it difficult to maintain proper posture, and the burden of additional weight puts pressure on the back.

* High heels – They push the body’s center of gravity forward. To offset this, people tend to bend their knees and move their torsos forward. This can exaggerate the spine’s inward curve, leading to back pain.

People can also experience back pain as a result of specific health conditions:

* Spondylosis – Arthritis of the spine occurs due to degenerative spinal changes, and is often characterized by back pain.

* Spondylolisthesis – This occurs when one spinal vertebra slips forward on top of another one, causing back pain.

* Spinal stenosis – When the space around the spinal column and nerve roots is reduced, nerves are pinched or pressed, resulting in back pain. Arthritis and bone overgrowth trigger this condition.

* Herniated disc – One of the most common causes of back pain, this condition occurs when a spinal disc presses on a nerve. It’s also referred to as slipped disc.

* Sciatica – Sharp, shooting pain that radiates through the lower back or buttocks to the back of the leg when a herniated disc presses the sciatic nerve.

* Spinal infection – When this occurs, back pain is often accompanied by fever and tenderness.

Back Pain Relief Options

Not every type of back pain is a condition you have to put up with. In addition to medication and home therapies, there are a variety of complementary and alternative therapies that can provide back pain relief.

Bed rest may help relieve acute, temporary back pain. But this may not work for chronic back pain, which may require long-term treatment.

Here are just some of the methods you can try to get back pain relief:

* Heat and ice treatment – For lower back pain relief, use an ice pack first to sooth the sore muscles. You can use a cold compress several times a day for up to 20 minutes per treatment. A warm compress or a heating pad loosens the muscles and increases blood flow, which can provide some back pain relief.

* Chiropractic care – Some research on pain relief has shown that chiropractic manipulation may be as effective as pain relief medication for certain patients.

* Acupuncture – In this alternative medicine procedure, the practitioner inserts sterilized stainless steel needles at specific points on the body. This may stimulate the brain to release natural endorphins, which can provide some level of back pain relief.

* Electrical stimulation – Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) often works for acute back pain. In this procedure, weak electrical pulses sent to nerve pathways through specific points prevent pain signals from reaching the brain. This back pain relief procedure may be appropriate for those who prefer to avoid medication.

* Over-the-counter medication – Drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and relieve back pain, while acetaminophen controls pain without addressing inflammation.

* Prescription medication – When over-the-counter drugs fail to provide pain relief, doctors may prescribe a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (other than aspirin or ibuprofen), a muscle relaxant, or other medication.

* Epidural injections – When other measures fail to relieve back pain, doctors may prescribe epidural injections of anti-inflammatory medication such as cortisone to provide pain relief.

Back Pain Don’ts

* Do not exercise while suffering from severe back pain.

* Do not sit for long periods when suffering from back pain. Sitting exerts more pressure on your nerves than standing or lying down. This can exacerbate back pain.

* Do not slouch or overarch your back, as this increases pressure on the lower back and may cause back pain to become more intense.

How To Avoid Back Pain

Many people who suffer from chronic back pain have found that a few lifestyle changes and healthy work habits can help them avoid recurrences of back pain:

* Exercise – Exercise not only helps to maintain proper weight, but also helps build and maintain strong muscles. However, if you already suffer from back pain, consult your doctor before starting an exercise routine.

* Good posture – A balanced posture allows the body to relax while maintaining an erect position. If you stand for long hours, avoid back pain by placing one foot on a stool or a box to avoid stressing the pelvis. While sitting, make sure that your lower back is supported and that your feet stay flat on the floor.

* Bend and lift properly – Improper bending is a common cause of back pain. When bending down, bend your knees, separate your feet about shoulder width apart, and keep your back straight. When lifting things, let your legs bear your weight, keep objects close to your body, and ask for help if the load is too heavy.

* Sleeping position – Sleep on your side, with your knees bent towards the chest. Place a pillow between the knees to reduce pressure on the back.

* Heel inserts – To reduce the risk of back pain, some doctors recommend heel inserts to alleviate stress on the lower back and provide shock absorption.

* Medium-firm mattresses – Sleep on a mattress that is firm enough to support your body but does not distort the body’s natural curves.

* Car seating position – Tilt your car seat back slightly, so that your knees are higher than your hips. Place the seat close enough to the wheel to let your arms bend.

Treating your back with respect is one key to avoiding back pain. However, if you already do have back pain, a variety of pain relief medications and treatments are available.

Most of us have had it at some point: neck pain, back pain, joint discomfort, muscle pain, sprains, strains, pinched nerves and other annoying discomforts. Some have temporary aches and pains while others are the unfortunate to have chronic aches and pains for example arthritis or tendinitis.

As you grow older, your body signals this to you in various ways – you start to really feel an aching here and there, you can’t move as lively as you used to, and you usually really feel your energy levels decreasing. But most likely the worst of all are the chronic pains which come about with the aging process, and torment people in their older ages to no end.

Chronic discomfort is caused by a variety of points, but no matter the cause, it can always be cured by approaching what causes the pain itself . 

There are many discomfort relief drugs available on the market but often  you will find some side effects with taking them long term and it is advisable not to take alleviation drugs or discomfort killers long term as you can become reliant on them.

That is why a lot of people have decided to explore alternative pain alleviation treatment methods to treat discomfort.

Dynamint is an effective combination of natural oils in a gentle cream base specially formulated for musculoskeletal rejuvenation. Dynamint is also ideal for people suffering general aches and pains…many users have reported Dynamint™ alleviates the effects of a range of common medical problems including …

 Arthritis,  Carpal Tunnel & Related Syndromes,  Complex Regional Pain Syndrome,  Fibromyalgia,  Lymphedma,   Myofascial Pain Syndrome,  Peripheral Neuropathy,  Reynaud’s Disease,  Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS),  RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)                                                                                                                                                                                  

Dynamint™ is used by Olympians and professional sports people the world over (both pre and post sporting activity) as an aid to injury prevention and for fast rehabilitation of muscles, joints, tendons and soft tissue.  

Dynamint is made from all natural ingredients…there are no drugs or chemicals. It has a refreshing peppermint smell, is non-greasy and does not leave behind any sticky or unpleasant residues.

Analgesic Creams For Pain Relief

Analgesic creams come in a very wide range and are specifically designed for the relief of pain. Normally they are in an easy to handle plastic tube, which is simple to use and relatively inexpensive. The creams are used for minor cuts and bruises and insect bites. They are also produced to help with pain relief from conditions such as lower back pain and arthritis, and use one or more of a variety of ingredients to ease pain. An Analgesic cream is a pain killer to relieve pain. They act various ways on the peripheral and central nervous systems. Many contain drugs or chemicals but there are products on the market made from all natural ingredients…one such example is Dynamint Muscle Cream which contains the following natural ingredients:

Peppermint Oil : increases circulation, generates heat and reduces swelling…it also has localised cooling and toning properties. Oil of peppermint on your skin helps improve poor concentration and improves coordination and reflex

 Tea Tree Oil : which acts as a skin toner and has anti-inflammatory, disinfectant, analgesic and cicatrizing (wound healing) properties.

Eucalyptus  allows for penetration of the skin and acts as a rubefactant, a skin invigorator, conditioner and toner

Calendula Oil is made from the petals of the Golden Marigold which is a time proven skin conditioner, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps resolve swelling and bruising.

Pain is caused by the stimulation of pain receptors at the ends of the nerves. The stimulation causes sodium to enter the nerve ending, which causes an electrical signal to build up in the nerve. When this electrical signal is big enough, it passes along the nerve to the brain, where the signal is interpreted as pain. Dynamint Muscle Cream works by temporarily blocking this pathway of pain signals along nerves.

It is not fully understood how painkillers work. Damaged or inflamed body tissues produce various chemicals which send signals through the nervous system to the brain. The brain produces the sensation of pain. Different painkillers act at different points in this process. In choosing an analgesia cream, the severity and response to other medication determines the choice of agent. The choice of analgesia cream is also determined by the type of pain:

One of the primary reasons people like analgesic creams is for the relief of pain. It may be in the form of muscle tension, achy joints or tender trigger points, and this pain could have myriad causes, ranging from general stress to a strenuous workout or even a medical condition.

Whatever the reason  topical analgesic creams can relieve the the pain and alleviate the symptons of the pain.

Dynamint is available in three retail sizes…30ml, 120ml and 237ml and is currently on promotion through various on-line retailers

Dynamint is available at 

http://www.dynamint-muscle-pain-relief.co.uk

With a 100% Money back guarantee

Whilst browsing the Internet today we found the following information on Fibromyalgia. Full Story:

http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/AboutArthritis/Conditions/AboutArthritis/Conditions/Fibromyalgia?gclid=COu1h9vD9KACFRYN3god3hVduQ

Dynamint can help with this condition:

“As an acupuncturist I see many patients who are suffering from both Fibromyalgia and chronic and acute muscular pain. I have used Dynamint for six years, and often give my patients a sample bottle when they leave their first treatment for home care.   The results are great, patients feel relief and also because the product is absorbed quickly into the skin, they leave with no oily residue to harm their clothes. It is a great product, easy to use and effective”. Lindsey Armstrong, L.Ac.  Portland, Oregon

Fibromyalgia is pain and stiffness in the muscles, ligaments and tendons (but not joints). It may affect one part of the body or several different areas such as the limbs, neck and back.

There is no simple cure for fibromyalgia, but there are ways of managing your symptoms. What causes the disease is unclear, but the development of fibromyalgia might be related to previous stress, injury or illness.

It is thought that people with fibromyalgia are unable to obtain the deep restorative sleep our bodies need. This leads to a cycle of fatigue and pain.

There are usually aches all over the body although there will be certain areas where the pain is more localised.

Some of the main symptoms are:

pain

fatigue

sleep disturbance and waking up feeling unrefreshed

morning stiffness

headaches

concentration problems

irritable bowels

Feeling tired a lot of the time can make it hard to carry out simple every day tasks such as doing housework or going to work. This can also make you feel frustrated and depressed.

How is it treated?

You can manage your symptoms in several ways:

your doctor may prescribe you with antidepressants to help with the pain, sleep disturbance and depression

leading an active life – aerobic exercises such as swimming and walking will reduce pain and fatigue, build strength in your muscles, and help you to sleep and feel better.

Whilst browsing the internet we found the following article on slowing the onset of Osteoarthritis

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthadvice/lifecoach/7400272/LifeCoach-osteoarthritis.html

DAN RUTHERFORD WRITES:

Although it’s useful to think of osteoarthritis as the “wear and tear” type, an individual’s tendency to be affected involves much more than how much mileage they have on the clock, so to speak. Age, genes, lifestyle, the effect of injury and a lot that we do not yet understand are involved.

The main thing you can do to slow arthritis in the load-bearing joints (knees especially) is to avoid being overweight or stressing the joints in other ways such as by repeated heavy lifting. If you are already overweight, then losing weight will help your knees a lot – often more than you might expect. It’s likely that the dislocation you mention is actually your kneecaps jumping out of place rather than the main knee joint and a physiotherapist can teach you useful exercises that will help reduce this happening. Regular exercise is itself a good preventive for arthritis because healthy muscles provide support to the joints they are associated with. Osteoarthritis of the hands and non-load-bearing joints will largely take its own course but there is huge medical research interest in developing medicines that can slow down osteoarthritis. There’s a good chance that before you are a lot older we will have such treatments.

Painkillers such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and diclofenac, can ease the symptoms of arthritis but unfortunately have no influence on its progress. If arthritis does begin to get more of a hold, particularly if it begins to affect the ordinary tasks of daily living, it can be well worth getting the advice of an occupational therapist. They have a vast amount of knowledge, tips and tricks that can make arthritis less problematic.

Rheumatoid arthritis costs the UK economy £8billion a year, claims a new report.

The disease, which causes joints to deteriorate painfully, affects nearly 700,000 in the UK. It most commonly strikes when people are aged 40-50.

The NHS cost is £700million, but the loss of workers to the illness pushes the total cost to £8billion, nearly twice the old estimate of £4.8billion.

Ailsa Bosworth, whose National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society produced the report, said: “The effects on long-term health can be disastrous, forcing people to leave work in their prime.”

As seen on the mirror.co.uk

Arthiritis relief from Dynamint muscle rub could help this condition