Current Arthritis Medications

One of the biggest misconceptions of arthritis is that it is a problem in elderly people. This is completely untrue. Osteoarthritis is highly present in female seniors. Most sufferers on average are forty seven years old. Cases of arthritis are mostly reported between the ages of twenty to fifty years old. Children have also been diagnosed with arthritis.
Second to heart disease arthritis tops the list as a very serious disorder. The problem with it is it can grow worse over time. The disabling affects can cause a loss of mobility, anxiety and depression. The condition can cause lots of stress to family members and can become extremely costly. It is incurable but its symptoms can be alleviated by pain medication and lifestyle changes.

Treating arthritis has come a long way thanks to innovative techniques and scientific research. Just 50 years ago most patients would have been bedbound with their symptoms but now symptoms can be managed effectively with medication.

When it comes to medication for arthritis, no one size fits all. There are differing types of arthritis and so different types of medication need to be prescribed.

Medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Painkillers are often used to reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis and the most commonly prescribed are paracetamol and codeine.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen can be prescribed to relieve painful, swollen joints; these are traditional non-steriodal anti-inflammatories or you may wish to try coxibs such as celecoxib or etoricoxib which act as a painkiller as well as anti-inflammatory. These drugs have been found to be very effective but there are side-effects associated with them which include stomach problems.

If traditional anti-inflammatories don't work then corticosteroids may be prescribed which can either be given orally or as an injection. The corticosteroids are used only on a short-term basis because of the associated side effects but they are proven to be very effective in reducing swelling and stiffness of joints.
If the RA has been caught at an early stage then disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs can not only help to ease symptoms but also to slow down the progression of the disease. These can sometimes be taken in conjunction with biological treatments which is the latest form of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Biological treatments prevent certain chemicals from sending signals to your immune system which tells them to attack the lining of your joints.

Medications for Osteoarthritis

Treatment for osteoarthritis can be the same as treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, with painkillers providing some relief and anti-inflammatories helping to reduce the swelling. Some anti-inflammatories are available as a cream or ointment which can be applied directly onto the joints affected.

Capsaicin cream may be prescribed which again is applied directly to the joints and works to block the nerves which send messages to pain receptors.

Severe osteoarthritis may benefit from intra-articular injections in which medicine such as corticosteroid is injected directly into affected joints.

As with all medication, some people may find that certain medicines work best for them whilst others don't. Your GP will have full access to your medical history and is best placed to decide which course of treatment could prove effective for you.


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Pain Relief For Arthritis Of The Foot

There are 4 different types of arthritis that affect the feet. They are:

• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Traumatic arthritis.
• Gout.

The 4 Types of Arthritis Explained

Osteoarthritis is brought about through wear and tear of the joints, and tends to manifest itself in 40 to 50-year-olds. It can be experienced earlier in life, although instances are quite rare. This often occurs following a traumatic injury.

Rheumatoid arthritis is what is known as systemic arthritis. This is because it manifests itself in several joints in both the hands, feet, arms and legs. Where arthritis only affects one or 2 joints, then the likelihood is that it is not rheumatoid arthritis.

Traumatic arthritis is so called many because it occurs after a serious injury has taken place; for example, a broken bone. This type of arthritis is similar in nature, and is responsive to the same treatments as for osteoarthritis.

Gout is not like arthritis in the traditional sense in that it is wear and tear of the joints. It is often brought about through poor diet. You will know you have it if you wake up with severe, acute pain in the joint of your big toe. It is extremely painful but it can be cured through diet.
It is possible to reduce the pain of arthritis at home. Whilst this is not a permanent solution (the pain will often return once the treatment stops) it can offer temporary relief. There are 3 stages involved.

Stage one - Reducing Any Inflammation
There are several treatments can be used to reduce arthritic inflammation. They are:

• The use of ice. This treatment (which can be administered at home), involves the application of ice to the joint or joints in question. You should apply an ice pack to the affected areas, for between 15 and 20 minutes, twice each day.

• Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs. These are usually referred to as NSAIDs, a typical example being ibuprofen. Whilst these are available over-the-counter. You should consult your doctor in the first place before taking.

• Injecting a steroid solution. If the pain does not recede, then you should consult your doctor and ask all about having a steroid injection, such as Cortazone.

• Orthotics - you can buy a rigid pair of Orthotics over the counter at most pharmacies. These can help to alleviate the stress that you put your foot under and helped to reduce the pain.

Addressing the Cause of your Arthritis
The solutions listed above are by nature temporary. However, they can become permanent if you successfully address the cause of your arthritis. Here are 3 courses of action that you can consider taking to address the cause.

Weight Loss - arthritis can be brought about through obesity. By reducing your weight, you will be reducing the amount of stress that you subject your joints to.

Made to Measure Orthotics - off-the-shelf Orthotics may not address the problem, unless they are a perfect fit. You may need to consider having them custom-made, although these will obviously cost more.

Stretching exercises - stretching exercises can be very useful in helping to work the plantar fascia on the sole of your foot, your calves, your hamstrings, and your Achilles tendon.

Jody is a health care professional and currently works for The Arthritic Association. A charity setup how help provide natural, drug free pain relief for sufferers of arthritis.

Best Home Remedies Against Thrush

The overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans is responsible for the onset of Thrush, which is also known as a yeast infection or candidiasis. Thrush is a serious disease, but can cause very unpleasant for those affected. The best thing you can do, then you think you have thrush can do is call a physician immediately. There are also many over the counter medications that are effective in the treatment of thrush.

But in addition to seeing a doctor and. With over the counter medications, there are many things you can do at home to treat thrush

1. The first thing to do at the beginning or thrush is to clean the washing area with clean water. It is not advisable, soaps, shower gels and bath gels because these products can worsen the infection. Make sure that the affected area is always clean, dry and cool.

2. If you have thrush, avoid using lubricants and spermicidal creams. These products may make your condition worse. You should also avoid latex condoms because latex or rubber can cause irritation.

3. Do not let synthetic fibers or materials touch the affected area as this may cause further irritation. E 'must wear clothes or underwear made from natural fibers so as to minimize confusion.

4. Thrush can be stressful, this is why you should learn to relax and reduce stress. Do not put yourself in stressful situations as much as possible and try to learn different techniques of stress reduction.

5. Make sure that your partner is not thrush before having sex.

6. Melaleuca oil is an effective remedy for thrush. You can buy oil of Melaleuca on alternative medicine and herbal shops.

7. In addition to oil Melaleauca, is another effective natural remedies for thrush aloe vera gel, which can also be bought in alternative medicine and herbal shops. Apply aloe vera gel to the affected area.

8. Avoid oral contraceptives and broad-spectrum antibiotics, if you think that are susceptible to the fungus.

9. People suffering from iron deficiency anemia and diabetes are more likely to get thrush than those who do not suffer from these diseases. So if you suffer from these diseases, you need to be doubly careful to avoid thrush.

10. Avoid alcohol, steroids and too much sugar, if you feel that you are more prone to thrush. These substances may prevent the growth of Candida albicans.

11. You can also put natural yogurt to the areas affected by thrush to minimize irritation.  Yoghurts have ingredients to fight inflammation.

12. The food is one of the main triggers of thrush. Avoid dried fruits, dairy products, products with yeasts, mushrooms, pickled vegetables and fruits, monosodium glutamate and smoked fish and meats, as these cause thrush. You can also try to follow a diet for at least a month. The diet can help to certain foods that causes thrush. You can then avoid these foods to avoid acquiring thrush.

13. probiotic supplements that support friendly fungi in the intestine, such as acidophilus proven effective in the treatment of thrush.

14. If the thrush is persistent and does not respond to home remedies, then you should start to see a doctor. You should never ignore a persistent thrush infection. Or it could lead to a condition much worse.

A Cure for Near Sightedness - Radial Keratotomy

Radial keratotomy (RK) is a refractive surgery to correct myopia, or nearsightedness. Radial keratotomy was created by accident and not by meticulous research. The process was discovered by Dr. Svyatoslav Fyodorov, has made one of his patients who had met with a bike accident. The guy with the glasses, which broke on impact, and place the pieces of glass in the eye. The doctor had a plurality of radial incisions in corneal tissue to do, to extract the glass. If the cornea is healed, the doctor discovered that the sight of the boy has been greatly improved.

Manufactured in radial keratotomy (RK), a series of micro-lamellae in the external part of the cornea with the aid of a high-precision calibrated diamond blade. The surgeon administers a local anesthetic because the incisions are shallow and the process is fairly painless. The thickness of the cornea of ​​the eye of the patient measured before surgery. Before the incisions are made, the deep cut diamond cutting tool is located just under the operating microscope. Thus, flattening the curvature of the cornea in such a way, RK easily correct myopia or nearsightedness.

Radial keratotomy was introduced in the United States in 1980. Initially, it was much more than an experimental procedure, the doctors who work with only one eye at a time and wait at least 3 months in order to see the results before you. But the other eye surgeons gathered over time and now could work well both eyes simultaneously. Now is a slight radial keratotomy surgery, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes for each eye.

Radial keratotomy is in continuous improvement, both because of the rapid advances in technology, and the fact that a number of such methods have been successfully carried out. However, RK is not as precise as LASIK and PRK. Since RK is less predictable, a few surgeons now perform this procedure.

10 Reasons For Eye Surgery Lasik!

There is no "best" method for the correction of vision errors. The appropriate correction for you depends on your eyes and your lifestyle. You should discuss the situation to decide with your ophthalmologist or optometrist, the correction will be most effective for you.

10 reasons to Lasik!

1. Nothing is as sweet as freedom from the hassles and inconveniences of contacts or glasses.

2.According to Save Money! Over the years, the cost of the lenses, solutions and the amounts glasses to thousands of dollars.

3. You Save time! In one year, the average contact lens wearer spends nearly 60 hours wetting, soaking, grinding, cleaning and maintenance otherwise. It is about 2.5 for the whole day!

4. Ask to see before waking up in the morning and be able to set the clock!

5. You go swimming, diving and be able to see things!

6. You are going to remain in a position to field or spontaneously.

7. are able to take a nap when the mood strikes, without the need to remove the lenses. Imagine the hassle saved!

8. You will be able to see when applying makeup or shaving, no more squinting!

9. You will be able to participate in outdoor sports without getting glasses, fog or rain or lenses that dry injected in the wind.

10. And most important of all, is ill able to avoid the negative consequences of long-term contact lens!

The doctors want to undertake laser eye surgery should ensure that patients understand the benefits and possible risks of the procedure. Sun, the better you will understand your LASIK surgery, and what happens after the surgery, the more prepared you are for the surgery. Patients about the risks and benefits of LASIK should be informed, and make an informed decision. No matter what your motivation may be, the decision is in eye surgery enhancement not have an easy task, and should be carefully considered. If you decide Lasik surgery is for you, consult your eye care is essential to an informed decision.

3 Ways To Life Happy And Healthy With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Let me tell you one thing. What do Tyra Banks, Camille Grammer and Cybil Sheppard have in common? All suffer from irritable bowel syndrome - with about 20% of the rest of the population, according to recent studies.

I'm the IBS Diva. And I say this with irritable bowel syndrome is not necessarily a death sentence. There are ways to manage not only that, but to thrive and live a happy and healthy life. Yes, I know it can be a bit 'embarrassing at times - always looking for the next bathroom when you go, always at the center of the film and only eat certain foods.

IBS Diva does not allow you to get in the way of their time, though. And you should not let get in the way of you, either.

Here are three simple tips IBS Diva to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

1.  She is still fabulous, darling. The way they act. Change the way you think about this functional disorder. You're not an outcast. You are a tough, no-nonsense leader. Believe it.

2. Don’t stress - just rest. Just like the IBS Diva, you need your beauty sleep. Make sure that you are. Less than eight hours per night Let your body to rejuvenate and heal in the night. Then you can wake up fabulous like the IBS Diva.
 
3. Keep searching. The IBS Diva seeks solutions for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Let's face it. This disease is not a walk in the park, but there are ways to cope and is a happy and healthy life. Look for them while you are on your way to self-acceptance. It can only help.

Honey, you have irritable bowel syndrome as a challenge to overcome, you can not see it as a death sentence. With the right mindset and a willingness to try new and effective dietary changes and medical solutions, you can live a healthy and happy life with IBS.

How To Choose The Best Weight Management Product For You

By Michael Skatoli

Weight management and weight loss products and programs have
grown into a burgeoning industry in the last number of years
and it is only getting bigger. The big problem is that there
are such a large number of weight management products for
sale, all promising quick results, that it is difficult to
figure out which ones may be most suitable for you.

It is thought that up to $55bn is spent on weight loss
products and weight loss programs in the US each year. The
range of weight loss products available is quite staggering.
They range from pills, ointments, diet supplements, fitness
machines, CDs, creams and rings to clothes and books.
Certainly, many of these products will be genuinely
beneficial, while others will not. The trick is finding the
right ones.

We all would prefer a quick and easy fix when it comes to
shedding those pounds. A lot of supplements will guarantee
dramatic effects with little or no healthy eating or
exercise. It is questionable whether these will really
deliver results, and if they do they might be dangerous to
your health.

That said, there are numerous genuinely helpful supplements
out there that, with the aid of the right diet and regular
exercise, will help you achieve your weight loss goals. A
good way to begin is to check out which supplements are
approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There
are a lot of fully approved widely available products that
will help in your fight against weight gain.

It is also helpful to consult your GP. There are a lot of
prescription weight loss drugs which, with the correct
supervision, can help you attain your goals.

That said, if possible, it may be advisable to avoid
supplements and drugs completely and lose weight the healthy
and natural way - namely by eating well and getting plenty
of exercise. This method might take more effort and
willpower, but it is more sustainable and satisfying in the
long term.

It is safe to say that there are a plethora of weight loss
products to help you if you choose to go down this path.
Fitness machines, stair masters or cycling machines are a
good way to begin. On the other hand, if you are feeling a
little more adventurous, you could invest in some jogging
gear and hit the streets.

Also, a visit to your local bookstore or Amazon may be a
good start. Self-help books may not be for everyone but a
good one might help motivate you and help you set your mind
on the task of losing weight. Investigate what the most
popular books on weight loss are these days, and pick up a
few healthy eating CDs while you're at it.

The right weight loss products for you will depend on your
personality, your preferences, your aims and a number of
other factors. Visit your GP and try to find a game plan
that works for you and then choose what weight loss products
you require.

Michael is a reporter with over 15 years writing experience.
Michael is currently employed as a columnist for the
fuzing.com portal and has become the resident authority on
weight loss products. Be sure to visit our very useful
website for additional information on Fat Burning Capsules
and Diet Pills.

CPR - To Breathe Or Not To Breathe?

By Samantha H Kiva

For many years, the old method of CPR deep breathing along
with chest compressions has been trained in all CPR classes
for the amateur and expert medical professional.

However, times are changing and so is the practice. To make
CPR more effective in emergency situations, there is a push
to eliminate the rescue breathing steps, just as checking
for pulse was removed awhile back for non-professional
rescuers.

The shift is not without controversy, but backed by two new
studies: one by the American Journal of Medicine (April
2006) and the other by The Lancet. The American Heart
Association also changed its guidelines in 2008, based on
these findings.

The reports looked at deep breathing and non-breathing into
the victim and found an increase or nearly 100% in chance of
survival.

However, CPR with rescue breathing as a major component has
been around since the 1960s. Any change is sure to be met
with resistance, especially if the change is a matter of
life and death.

Hands only CPR does simplify the often complex method of
mouth to mouth breathing along with the proper timing of
chest compressions. Most non-trained persons will make
mistakes during an emergency. Hands only CPR makes a
mistake much less likely.

So now without any rescue breathing, the CPR method has been
streamlined to just include chest compressions until help
arrives.

You can not argue with facts and proper studies. However,
also you can not over look the personal factor. A recent
study shows many more people would be apt to get involved
and help if they do not face danger themselves. Most people
are concerned with the close personal contact with mouth to
mouth.

However, it should be noted that this change in technique
does not apply to drowning victims. The new hands-only CPR
is intended for untrained rescuers and only when there has
been a witnessed cardiac arrest.

If you want to read more about Online CPR Certification
visit the (http://www.nationalcprcertification.com) National
CPR Certification Organization.

Why Vitamin C Powder Must Be Part Of Your Daily Diet

By Richard Rosal

Vitamin C powder is a wonderful supplemental addition to the
diet, having a wide range of health benefits. Derived from
Ascorbic acid, this water soluble vitamin is important in
many bodily functions but its main use is as a preventative
measure in the degradation of LDL cholesterol (low density
lipoproteins) from causing irreversible heart damage.

The Ascorbic acid found in Vitamin C powder is necessary in
the maintenance and growth of cells in the human body.
Without it, your cells could not repair themselves. It
assists with cell and nerve growth, with the maintenance of
bones, cartilage, teeth, blood vessels and ligaments and
with wound healing and the formation of scar tissue.

A lack of this important protein in the diet can lead to all
sorts of health issues and problems, including bleeding
gums, gingivitis, rough, dry skin, slow rate of healing,
painful and swollen joints, a tendency to bruise more
easily, a penchant for nosebleeds and weakened tooth enamel.
All the more reason to make the addition of vitamin C powder
to your daily diet a regular one.

Vitamin C powder contains anti-oxidants which are useful in
the fight against free radicals. These are by-products of
our body's conversion process of food to energy.
Anti-oxidants can protect against heart disease, the
crippling effects of arthritis and even cancer.
Anti-oxidants can dramatically reduce the negative effects
of pollutants found in our air, water and food, as well as
toxic chemical and cigarette smoke.

There are a variety of available options to consider when
purchasing your vitamin C powder. Thanks to the convenience
of modern society the consumer can choose from a wide range
of products, some odorless and flavorless and some with
additional nutrients, including calcium and magnesium. The
addition of bicarbonate of soda makes for a fun and fizzy
drink. An intake of 60 milligrams of Vitamin C is
recommended for adults, an additional 35 milligrams to guard
against free radicals for smokers.

If you are looking for the best
(http://www.lifewithoutdisease.com/Heart-Disease-Treatment.html)
vitamin c powder, read up on Dr. Linus Pauling's
(http://www.lifewithoutdisease.com/No-Fool-I.html) ascorbic
acid treatment.

Beyond Your Type 2 Diabetes Symptom

Just because you don't have the symptoms doesn't mean you
don't have. This may not always be true though and
understanding the true nature of a type 2 diabetes symptom
may help save your life.

The Figures

Having the condition means that the cells in your body are
not reacting properly to the work of insulin which is
supposed to open up the cells to glucose. Without glucose in
your cells you will have no clear source of energy.

More people suffer from Type 2 diabetes than type 1 diabetes.
It is estimated that at least 90% of diabetics belong to
the type 2 category. The sad fact though is that more than
6% of diabetics are not aware that they have the condition.
The lack of awareness may be due to a dismissal of seemingly
harmless type 2 diabetes symptoms or a total lack of warning
signs.

Different Symptoms

Although type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1, the
former is much easier to deal with since it does not involve
the pancreas and insulin production. Despite the difference
in cause however, both types of diabetes share the same
symptoms. A diabetic might begin to feel frequently tired,
thirsty and may have occasionally blurry vision and wounds
that do not heal quickly.

The main difference between the two types is in the onset of
the symptoms . A type 1 diabetes symptom can develop rapidly
and worsen in the span of a few weeks. Even with the rapid
symptom development however, cell damage may already have
been occurring for some time before type 1 diabetes is
finally discovered. A type 2 diabetes symptom on the other
hand is not as obvious and as bad as a type 1 symptom.

Effects of No Symptoms

Effects of not detecting or not having a type 2 diabetes
symptom may be drastic. The key to effectively managing this
chronic disease is early detection. Once you fail to detect
a type 2 diabetes symptom however, you can suffer from
complications that are even more difficult to reverse. Some
diabetics only realize that they have type 2 diabetes
because of complications like retinopathy, heart ailments,
kidney problems and nerve deaths. A complication is
therefore their only type 2 diabetes symptom.

Uncommon Risk Factors

A family history of diabetes and one's weight should be
enough to warn you about the condition. You should however
also consider yourself at high risk of developing diabetes
if you are over 45 years old, had a baby over 9 pounds and
had a history of gestational diabetes or pre diabetes. For
undetermined reasons, individuals who are Asian, African,
Hispanic and American are at greater risk of developing
diabetes.

What Has to be Done

Naturally, you would need to consult experts in diabetes to
help you manage your condition or your type 2 diabetes
symptom. There are however basic things you should remember
on your own. You should monitor your glucose levels, take
your medication as prescribed, follow your diet and exercise
plans and watch and manage your weight.

LASIK Eye Surgeries - A Few Important Facts

By Vincent Tanita

LASIK eye surgery is a procedure which uses a specialized
laser and treats refractive errors of the eye. After the
surgery, you can expect to have improved vision without the
need for spectacles and contact lenses. This is the
overwhelming reason for most people who think about having
the procedure, because their occupation or way of life is
compromised by wearing glasses. In some occupations, you are
disallowed if you need to wear glasses or contacts.

Some, but not all, can be helped with Lasik surgery.
"Refractive error" occurs when there is an incorrect
alignment of the two elements responsible for correct focus
- the cornea and the lens in the eye. The result for the
patient is blurred vision, either close up or at distances.
Spectacles are prescribed to correct the problem which
allows the person to see normally. Lasik surgery corrects
the refractive error permanently.

Wavefront Lasik treatment, which uses a Wavefront laser, is
the latest and most popular type of Lasik eye surgery. This
system uses calculations based on the eye prescription of
the patient and the thickness and curvature of the cornea.
Each procedure is finely calculated to the individual
patient. It is effective in reducing the side effects
previously common in conventional Lasik surgery, though they
can still occur.

The first question most people ask is about side effects.
Lasik eye surgery has been performed on thousands of
patients over the years, and has proven itself to be
effective, with most patients happy with their results. As
with any surgical procedure, however, there are risks
involved.

Some of these risks can include inaccurate results causing
over or under correction. Resulting effects of the surgery
may not be permanent. Vision problems can be caused like
double vision, halos, sensitivity to light and glare, hazy
vision. A dry eye condition is also possible, which can be
very uncomfortable. There is also the possibility that the
surgery could make the vision worse than before.

Specialist clinics have been established to offer the Lasik
procedure and are staffed by qualified doctors. Prices can
vary greatly between clinics so it is wise to shop around.
Find out what exactly is covered in the price quoted and if
there are any additional costs. You can expect Lasik eye
surgery to cost you between $1,600 and $2,400 per eye.

Research will help you find a doctor to perform your
surgery. Look for an eye clinic or doctor who is experienced
in Lasik procedures and has earned a good reputation. Make
an appointment with more than one clinic or surgeon and ask
all the questions you have and discuss the procedure fully.
A good doctor will have no problem with this strategy.