Arthritis affects your joints as the joints are the places in your body where the pressure of your body or work gets absorbed and evenly distributed. Hence it is mandatory to have your weight in control and in proportion to your height. Having said that, arthritis does not have any real cure on its own, it becomes mandatory to keep a tab on your lifestyle habits. In case you are overweight, consult with your dietician and put a chart in place to lose weight systematically. A healthy diet is not only about eating the right types of food, but also having a regular intake of food that are rich in essential nutrients. It has already been established that certain vitamins and supplements can reduce the symptoms of arthritis and can be beneficial for the overall health. Eating smart has never looked right and let us warm up to some of the vitamins and supplements that can aid in curbing arthritis.

Calcium
Every time your heart pumps blood or every time your muscle contracts, your body has to use calcium. Your body gets this calcium from the bones; hence you can imagine the amount of calcium needed in order to maintain the robustness of the bones. Have supplements or diets that are especially rich in calcium. The intake should significantly increase when you are pregnant and after child birth.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D has often been associated with building bones. Vitamin D significantly reduces bone loss and can increase bone density. You can have them in supplement form or in foods like fortified milk and oranges.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is found in your body in between the bone cartilage. They act like a soft tissue and help in avoiding the friction when two bones meet or work together. Naturally, a reduction in glucosamine levels can lead to joint pain and can cause inflammation. Try to get these supplements naturally from the shells of shrimp, lobster, and crabs rather than from medications.

Chondroitin
Chondroitin is another supplement that is found naturally in the bones. It is believed to have shock absorbing properties and can put a check on the enzymes that control the bone breakage. They are also very beneficial in keeping the joints lubricated and can aid your joints in performing the free range of movements.

Omega–3 Fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are widely researched upon in recent times and their benefits are simply amazing. They are considered as one of the safest forms of nutrients and supplements, and they have an enormous cleansing effect on the body as a whole. They are found in walnuts, soya beans, and seafood such as salmon and tuna.

Arthritis is a clinical condition which is characterized by swollen, inflamed and painful joints. The condition can affect anybody regardless of the age. There are several types of arthritis, and the most common ones include gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and infectious arthritis among others.

People with arthritis suffer from stiffness in the joints, inability to move and use the limb, muscle pain, fatigue and partial or complete loss of flexibility. People aged over 50 suffer from osteoarthritis since it is caused by the wearing down of cartilage in the bone. Gout is caused by the accumulation and subsequent deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints causing inflammation.

What are the most common treatments for arthritis?
If an individual is diagnosed with arthritis, doctors generally prescribe the steroids along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these medications come with a host of side effects which sometimes become unbearable for elderly patients. Such people look for natural remedies for arthritis. If you are suffering from this painful disease, turmeric for arthritis can offer excellent results. With the turmeric for arthritis, you will notice that the common problems such as swelling, tenderness, intense pain and immovability of the joints are gradually alleviated.

What are the benefits of turmeric for arthritis?
Turmeric is a type of rhizome which is obtained from the plant called Curcuma longa. This plant is native to Asia and grown as a perennial herb. It is widely cultivated in India and China for its medicinal benefits.
Inflammation is one of the primary symptoms of arthritis. The wear and tear of the joints make way for the cascade of inflammation. This invariably causes the production of pro-inflammatory agents that make one suffer from pain, swelling and stiffness. The inflammation of the joints gradually spread to the lubrication of fluid in the joint which leads to a condition called synovitis. This makes the joints stiff and immovable.

Turmeric with its active ingredients, curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient. It is the unique characteristics of the turmeric to inhibit the action of the important pro-inflammatory enzymes LOX and COX. The greatest benefit of curcumin is that it doesn’t cause gastric erosion which is a common side-effect of the popular NSAIDs.
Research shows that turmeric extract inhibits inflammation and degradation of joints by preventing the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B. Also, a review study indicates that curcuminoids reduce the C-reactive protein which is an important cause of inflammation. A recent research report shows that a specialized formulation of curcumin may inhibit inflammation of the synovial fluid which lubricates the joints.

Curcuminoids and curcumin found in the turmeric are an excellent anti-inflammatory agent which helps in reducing the inflammation of arthritis and prevent it from spreading. It also helps in protecting the joints and the synovial fluid from the pain and inflammation without the possible side effects of the NSAIDs.

If you are looking for a viable alternative to allopathic treatment options, you can turn to turmeric for recovery from arthritis.

Recent researches show that curcumin, which is the active ingredient in the culinary arts possesses potential anti-inflammatory as well as anti-arthritic properties. Many pieces of research found that a highly bio available form of curcumin is very effective in helping the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis compared to the NSAIDs.

How does arthritis affect Americans?
At least 2 million individuals in America suffer from classical or definite arthritis which is steadily increasing in the recent years. Most people affected by arthritis suffer from rheumatoid arthritis; they also tend to have a progressive disability. Certain disability occurs in about 50 to 70 percent of individuals within five years of being affected by the disease, and at least half of them are compelled to stop working within ten years of the onset of the disease.

How can turmeric help in alleviating the symptoms of arthritis?
A clinical trial assessing the safety and effectiveness of the turmeric extract in patients suffering from osteoarthritis shows that it helps in reducing the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Using turmeric for arthritis also reduces the need to consume prescribed drugs for alleviating the symptoms of arthritis.

Turmeric contains anti-oxidants: The curcuminoids are a class of compounds present in turmeric with strong antioxidant effect. The concentration of the curcuminoids is known to boost the anti-arthritic properties in turmeric. The turmeric extract contains about 94 percent of curcuminoids which helps in reducing the pain and inflammation in arthritis.

Turmeric for arthritis is highly effective: The oxidative stress along with the imbalance of the antioxidant and pro-oxidant agents in the body causes a degradation of the tissues in joints in arthritis. This is one of the major reasons why turmeric is used for alleviating the effects of arthritis.

Turmeric is high in bone protective characteristics: Inflammation in Arthritis paves the way for degradation in the cartilage along with the joint tissue. The curcumin protects the chondrocytes which are a class of cells in the bone from inflammation. Recent research shows that the effectiveness of curcumin is same as betamethasone when it comes to shielding the bones and joints from erosion in arthritis and thickening of the synovial fluid which aids in the lubrication of the joints. Curcumin helps in the prevention of loss of articular cartilage which is a soft tissue helping in the flexibility of joints.

Turmeric is effective in autoimmune conditions: Some forms of arthritis take place as a result of undesired reactions from the immune system. These autoimmune conditions attack the body tissues in the same manner it should attack the infective cells or organisms. This is what occurs with rheumatoid arthritis where an anti-modulatory effect regulates the immune system. It also helps in prevention of the activation of immune cells.

Turmeric helps in the destruction of various pharmacological actions which have therapeutic potential in the autoimmune conditions. If you have arthritis for a long time, you should consult your doctor to know what can turmeric for arthritis do to help your condition.

The pain that is experienced by an individual who suffers from osteoarthritis is inexplicable. The chronic condition is caused by friction in the joints of the bone. The ends of the bones are coated with a substance that is known as cartilage. However, when the cartilage breaks down, the ends of the bones are left bare and these lead to soreness and inflammation that increases with each passing day.

Osteoarthritis is commonly experienced in the joints of the knees, elbows, lower back, etc. In a few rare cases, the condition can develop in the joints of the toes and fingers of the hands or feet. The condition becomes worst in time, increasing pain and thus effective one’s lifestyle and other factors like work and relationships. While the following foods may not treat the condition, they can bring about effective osteoarthritis pain relief with time:

Fatty fish – Fish fat is believed to have a very good effect in relieving osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. This is because fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, etc are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acid. This acid is widely used in supplements to fight against inflammation in the body. A portion of fish should be consumed as a part of the diet, at least a few times a week. If one is not comfortable with consuming fish, omega-3 supplements are a good option, however, this should only be taken after consulting the doctor.

Broccoli – Broccoli is a green vegetable that is packed with a compound that is called, sulforaphane. This compound helps in slowing the damage process of the cartilage in the joints. Broccoli not only aids with osteoarthritis but is also a great ingredient that promotes good health. It can be added to a salad or eaten after a little toss in some olive oil. Cabbage, cauliflower, and sprouts are also beneficial foods to eat to bring about osteoarthritis pain relief.

Garlic – Garlic, a member of the onion family, contains a compound that is known as diallyl disulfide. This is a component that is found to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of several diseases that also included osteoarthritis. The diallyl disulfide does have an effect in bringing about a control in the damage of cartilage. It is also anti-inflammatory, thereby aiding in osteoarthritis pain relief.

Osteoarthritis or the pain that comes with the condition should not be left untreated. Consulting a medical professional and getting treated for the illness is absolutely necessary.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that results in pain in the joints due to inflammation. Similarly, fibromyalgia, particularly common in women, is another chronic disorder associated with muscle pain in several parts of the body accompanied by fatigue. Since the symptoms exhibited by patients with fibromyalgia are so similar to arthritis and related conditions, it is sometimes grouped under the same umbrella by the experts.

Diagnosis and cure
Rheumatoid arthritis can be easily diagnosed because of the evident inflammation in the joints, but the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is not as straightforward as the symptoms might point to several other conditions. The doctor has to rule out one after the other to arrive at the possibility of fibromyalgia, especially because there is still no standard test procedure available to detect the condition in a straightforward manner.

Both these conditions do not have a cure yet. The only choice available is to manage the condition in a systematic way so that a patient can lead a normal life. Rheumatoid arthritis medications include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling and pain. These are prescribed by the doctor depending on the medical history of the patient concerned.

In the case of fibromyalgia, the doctor might prescribe pain medications to ease the pain. Meanwhile, the fatigue could affect the patient in several ways, and the onset of depression could be one of the results, and hence anti-depressants might be prescribed.

Pain management
It is advisable to seek therapy for rheumatoid arthritis fibromyalgia treatments for managing the condition in an efficient manner, and the doctors highly recommend it as well. Therapy might include a physical therapy session in the case of rheumatoid arthritis wherein the therapist can teach exercises aimed at easing the pain and improving the movement of the limbs.

In the case of fibromyalgia, apart from physical therapy, counseling sessions could be helpful as the condition could take a toll on a person’s mental strength and the counseling can provide the required boost to drive your energy in the right counseling and manage the condition better without being depressed.

If rheumatoid arthritis worsens, surgery might be recommended which will involve one of the surgical procedures such as tendon repair, joint fusion or total joint replacement. The operation carries its inherent risks. The doctor will assess the benefits based on the patient history and condition before advising on surgical intervention, only if the benefits outweigh the risk involved.

Some alternative medicines such as consuming fish oil or oils sourced from plants such as primrose as supplements has also been known to ease the pain. Still, the best way to handle the situation is by making lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, eating and sleeping well and exercising on a regular basis, which will help in the longer run to lead a wholesome life.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints, most commonly in the knees, hips, lower back, and neck. Generally, a cushioning substance called cartilage coats the end of every bone. This covering enables the bones to glide for joint motion swiftly. However, in the case of osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down leading to the bones rubbing against the surface of each other. This causes swelling and severe pain in the joints. The condition worsens over a period, resulting in the cartilage chipping off and remain around the joint.

Osteoarthritis can bring about a drastic change in the lifestyle of an individual. It can affect one’s work and relationships. People from all age bars are at the risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, people above the age of 60 years are at a greater risk. The following ways may not be able to treat the issue, but can bring osteoarthritis pain relief:

Lose weight – In case of an overweight person, the overall weight of the body can put severe stress and pressure on the joints of the knees and hips. This leads to the pain becoming more severe. Thus, losing weight is absolutely essential to bring about osteoarthritis pain relief. Even a small change in body weight can be of great benefit in easing symptoms and pain.

Heat or cold pads – The pain caused by osteoarthritis is excruciating and one that is inexplicable. Heat or cooling pads are good therapy for osteoarthritis pain relief. The preference of whether to use a heating pad or cooling pad depends on the kind of pain that one may experience.

Green tea – Green tea is widely lauded for its weight-loss benefits. And it is also found to aid in osteoarthritis pain relief as it contains polyphenols that reduce inflammation. It is also believed to increase the production of cartilage in the bones. However, green tea should be had in moderation, or it can have side-effects in the form of liver problems.

Massage – Massage brings ease to the joints and increases mobility that is restrained due to the pain caused by the condition. A massage therapy is used to soothe the joints and stimulate blood flow. This helps in relaxing the sore muscles, thus, bringing about effective osteoarthritis pain relief.

Aquatic exercise – Water-based activities allow for a way of exercising without stressing the bone joints too much. Making this activity, a routine will aid in effective osteoarthritis pain relief and increase the ability to perform the everyday task.

Arthritis is an ailment that affects joints resulting in acute to chronic pain. Symptoms include joint pain and stiffness or crooked finger joints. Other signs may include redness, warmth, swelling, and a decreased range of motion of the affected joints. Symptoms may come and go. They can be severe, moderate or mild. They may stay about the same, progress, or get worse over the years. Chronic arthritis can result in severe pain, inability to do daily activities and make it difficult to walk or climb stairs.

Arthritis is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. People of all ages, sexes and races can have arthritis, and it is the leading cause of disability in America. More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have arthritis. It is most common among women and frequently occurs as people get old. Arthritis is the basic cause of disability in the US.

Classification:
Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease that is caused due to the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. Unlike other forms of arthritis, in this case, only the joints are affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints.
Gout and PseudoGout – Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by repeated attacks of a red, hot, tender, and swollen joint. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate deposition (CPPD) disease, also called pyrophosphate arthropathy or pseudogout, is an arthritic disorder with various symptoms and signs arising from the accumulation of crystals of calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate in the connective tissues.
Septic arthritis – Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis or joint infection, is the incursion of a joint by an infectious agent which produces arthritis.
Ankylosing spondylitis- In this type of arthritis, the joints of the spine suffer a long-term inflammation.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – Also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), this is the most prevalent form of arthritis in children and adolescents.
Still’s disease – Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) is a rare systemic inflammatory disease characterized by persistent high spiking fevers, joint pain, and a distinct salmon-colored bumpy rash.

Treatment:
There is no known cure for Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis. Treatment possibilities vary depending on the type of arthritis and include physical therapy, lifestyle changes (involving exercise and weight control) and medications. Studies have shown that the physical exercise of affected joints can noticeably enhance long-term pain relief. Joint replacement surgery may be required in some forms of arthritis. Medications can help reduce inflammation in the joint which decreases pain. Various medications are used for the treatment of arthritis. Depending on the form of arthritis, the medications that are given may vary. Since there is no permanent cure to the condition, many consider taking alternative medicine therapy. Dietary control, acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi are a few popular alternative therapies.

One can never say when arthritis may come and snatch away a person’s ability to climb up multiple flights of stairs. Arthritis leaves the joints weak and swollen, and you lose the ability to move or perform even the simplest of daily chores. Whether you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, there is no need for any other discomfort to intervene with your daily life. With effective arthritis treatment, you will be able to come to terms with the symptoms of the ailment.

Diet plays a major role
It is not always required to take medicines for reducing arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in a regular workout and taking a well-regulated diet can help in reducing the pain and swelling. You must pay attention to losing weight if you are obese or even overweight.

Also, you should aim to reduce the intake of arthritis foods high in purine content. These include sardines, dried beans, meat, kidney and liver meat, asparagus, mushrooms, and anchovies. When the body breaks down these purines, it leads to the production of uric acid. The excessive formation of uric acid can pave the way for painful crystal accumulation in the joints.

In general, fried food, processed food, and pasteurized products are all best avoided to alleviate arthritis pain. Such types of arthritis food produce glycation end product, which increases the swelling, thereby resulting in more pain.

Prescribed medication from the doctor is a must. Before you start any medication, it is imperative to consult the doctor for a prescription, dosage, and other related things.

NSAIDs – You must have come across a group of medications called the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Such medicines interfere with the chemicals termed as prostaglandins present in the body, triggering pain and inflammation. These medicines offer excellent remedies to relieve swelling and pain in all kinds of arthritis.

Analgesics – Another group of medicines known as analgesics are more helpful in arthritis treatment for pain, but they generally don’t have any effect on inflammation.

Counterirritants – Certain variants of ointments and gels consist of ingredients such as capsaicin and menthol. If you can rub these preparations on the aching area, it can effectively interfere with the pain signal transmission from the affected joints and give you some relief from the pain.

DMARDs – Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often used for treating rheumatoid arthritis as they can slow down or even stop the immune system from causing pain and inflammation in the joints.

Biologic response modifiers – These medicines are typically used in close conjunction with the DMARDs. This class of medication has been genetically engineered for targeting the different protein molecules involved in immune response.

Corticosteroids – This group of medicine is an effective arthritis treatment. Your doctor may ask you to take the medicine orally or injected into the affected joints.
Besides these medications, your doctor may recommend you undergo physical therapy. It can help in improving a range of motion and make the surrounding muscles stronger. At times, you may be asked to take braces and splints as well.