ARTHRITIS:
While often referred to as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually an umbrella term used for a group of more than 100 medical conditions that collectively affect nearly 46 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. While the most common form of arthritis -- osteoarthritis (OA) -- is most prevalent in people over 60, arthritis in its various forms can start as early as infancy. Some forms affect people in their young-adult years as they are beginning careers and families and still others start during the peak career and child-rearing years.
The common thread among these 100-plus conditions is that they all affect the musculoskeletal system and specifically the joints - where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related joint problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage (the tough, smooth tissue that covers the ends of the bones, enabling them to glide against one another) and surrounding structures. Such damage can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that, depending on the location of joint involvement, can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, using a computer keyboard, cutting your food or brushing your teeth.
For many people with arthritis, however, joint involvement is not the extent of the problem. Many forms of arthritis are classified as systemic, meaning they can affect the whole body. In these diseases, arthritis can cause damage to virtually any bodily organ or system, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels and skin. Arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and the bones.
Myth: Not much can be done to alleviate the pain and disability of arthritis.
Unfortunately, there are no cures for most chronic rheumatic diseases. You may think that little can be done to help your arthritis, but this is not true. Some improvement in the pain and loss of function is possible in almost everyone with arthritis. Furthermore, the disease process that may lead to joint destructions can be controlled effectively in most people - particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis. More can be done today to ease the pain of arthritis and to slow joint destruction than ever before.
Many people with serious types of arthritis, which were severely disabling as recently as a generation ago, are now leading full and productive lives, thanks in part to many developments, including new drugs and treatments, exercise programs, surgeries and self-management. As a person with arthritis, your future is full of possibilities that were only a dream 25 years ago.
How we can help:
Patients turn to alternatives for many reasons. It may be because conventional medical treatment isn’t giving them the relief they need. Also, they may be concerned about the side effects associated with drug therapy, or they may feel that alternative therapies are safer because they are “natural.”
Whatever the reason, many patients are finding additional relief by incorporating the following five practices into their arthritis management regimen:
— Regular exercise – The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) recommends that arthritis sufferers use these three types of exercise:
1. Range-of-motion exercises such as dancing to help maintain normal joint movement, relieve stiffness, and increase flexibility.
2. Strengthening exercises such as weight training to help keep or increase muscle strength.
3. Aerobic or endurance exercises such as bicycle riding to improve cardiovascular fitness, help control weight, and improve overall function. Weight control is important because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints.
— A healthy diet – Since there are over 100 known types of arthritis, there is no single diet that will help everyone.
1. Eat a variety of foods, and avoid those that can interact with your medications.
2. Use fat and cholesterol in moderation.
3. Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products.
4. Use sugar and salt in moderation.
5. Drink alcohol in moderation.
6. Take in the daily requirements of vitamins and minerals, including calcium.
7. Eliminate night-shade (inflammation-causing) vegetables such as tomatoes and eggplant.
— Manage stress – Stress is a normal part of life; but for arthritis sufferers, there are additional stress factors like increased dependence on family members and changes in appearance due to joint deformities or the side effects of drugs.
The Arthritis Foundation says that controlling stress is imperative for arthritis patients because “when you feel stressed, your body’s muscles become tense. This muscle tension can increase your pain and fatigue and may limit your abilities, which can make you feel helpless.” Stress can lead to depression, which can touch off a cycle of stress, pain, fatigue, and limited/lost abilities. Managing stress can break that cycle.
— Hot and cold applications – The Mayo Clinic makes the following recommendations:
“Heat will help ease your pain, relax tense, painful muscles and increase the regional flow of blood. One of the easiest and most effective ways to apply heat is to take a hot shower or bath for 15 minutes. Other options include using a hot pack, an electric heat pad set on its lowest setting or a radiant heat lamp with a 250-watt reflector heat bulb to warm specific muscles and joints. If your skin has poor sensation or if you have poor circulation, don't use heat treatment.
Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and decreases muscle spasms. Don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness. Techniques may include using cold packs, soaking the affected joints in cold water and ice massage.”
Patients should always exercise caution when considering any other alternative therapies. Before beginning any alternative or complementary therapy, talk with your doctor to see if it is right for your particular situation, and ask about possible side effects and harmful interactions, especially if you are taking any additional medications for other conditions.
Supplements we use in our practice:
We have compiled a listing of the most useful nutriceuticals and phytonutrients for the nutritional support of patients with Arthritis.
Many of today's commonly used medicines had their origins long ago in herbal remedies. These remedies may be useful in easing many of the uncomfortable symptoms you feel. However, use of these supplements is definitely not intended to be a substitute for careful medical evaluation and treatment by a competent, licensed personal health care professional. These recommendations have not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Patients Medical and our doctors do not recommend changing any current medications or adding any new therapies without personally consulting a fully qualified physician.
If you would like more detailed information about the supplements before ordering them, please click on the supplement’s name below.
Wellness Essentials™ JOINT FOCUS® Each packet contains a highly researched anti-inflammatory / pain reliever, a potent Glucosamine Sulfate tablet, and a joint lubricating fish oil capsule. This “Triple Therapy” approach has helped so many of our patients.
TO ORDER: Please be prepared to complete the registration form before going to the shopping cart by Clicking Here. After you register, go to the Online Store and place your order. Alternatively, feel free to call Jasmine at 1-212-679-9667. She will process your order by phone. For fastest delivery, please order online.
Next Steps:
As the next step we recommend a consultation with our physicians. To schedule an appointment, please call us at 1-212-661-7673.