Posted on 20. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
So, you want to know about the different causes of joint pain swelling! A joint is a part in the body where two bones come together. It contains ligaments, cartilage and tendons. Certain diseases can cause joint inflammation and pain. Thus, in order to get rid of the pain and swelling, it is important to address the underlying cause of the problem.
Known as an autoimmune disease typifies by swelling joints, rheumatoid arthritis affects the fingers, joints, knees, ankles and feet. Common symptoms include appetite loss, fatigue, weakness, swollen glands and low fever. As the disease develops, pain in the joints can be felt by the affected person. Sufferers may even lose motion range in their joints.
Treatment includes taking of some medications, undertaking physical therapy and exercising regularly. If rheumatoid arthritis is serious, surgery may be suggested as a treatment option. Normally, the joint is replaced with a synthetic one.
Joint pain swelling may also be experienced by anyone because of gout. Uric acid is a body substance that develops from purine breakdown. In a healthy individual, the body is capable of breaking down uric acid and taking it off from the body. For those with gout, the body may either be producing excessive uric acid or cannot seem to break it down properly. This often results in uric acid accumulation in the blood.
Excess uric acid can become urate crystals that collect around the joints, causing sudden attacks of pain, inflammation and stiffness. Gout commonly affects the joint in the toe, ankles, knees, hands, feet and wrists. Gout symptoms usually can be felt at night.
Aside from swelling and uncomfortable pain, other symptoms of gout may include redness and lingering discomfort. Gout treatment usually involves intake of some medications, usually those that can prevent uric acid production in the body.
Characterized by swelling of the bursae, bursitis commonly affects the hips and elbows. Bursitis occurs due to repetitive or frequent movement of the joints, prolonged sitting and extensive kneeling. Common symptoms include stiffness and pain in the joints, especially when moving.
Bursitis treatment includes resting of the inflamed area and application of ice to address swelling. To reduce pain, a sufferer may be suggested to take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In severe cases of bursitis, anti-inflammatory medications may be injected into the affected area in order to reduce swelling.
It is common to experience joint pain swelling especially if you are an athlete or fond of doing sports activities. Joint pain and swelling linked with sports injuries can keep you out of action. Experiencing aches, pain and swelling are signs that there is something serious to be addressed, thus, such symptoms should not be ignored.
The moment you feel pain, noticed swelling in the joint area or find it difficult to move and walk around, seek professional help immediately to have your condition checked. Too often, joint pain and swelling are symptoms of a disease. You can only get rid of the pain and prevent it from coming back by treating what could be causing it.
Posted on 16. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
Are you suffering from joint pain and inflammation? If so, you should be looking for effective remedies. Painful and inflamed joint treatment involves the use of some medications, taking supplements, regular exercises or surgery.
Joint pain can affect your capacity to do work. Normally, people who are over age 40 are suffering from joint inflammation and pain due to osteoarthritis, joint infection, sports injuries, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and many other causes. The most effective way of treating pain in the joints is to address its principal cause.
Treating painful joint due to arthritis involves the prescription of medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work by having pain contributing body chemical reactions blocked. Common examples include naproxen sodium, aspirin, ketoprofen and ibuprofen. These drugs reduce your body’s protective functions and can sometimes irritate the stomach, thus, must not be taken without the guidance of a physician.
The goal of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is to provide relief at the lowest dosage possible and administer possible side effects. Some people though have bad reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that they are experiencing stomach ulcers and internal bleeding after taking any of it.
Only your physician can help you have the right medication for you. So, prior to taking any medication, make sure to seek medical advice to ensure if you could be a candidate for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If you are allergic to any of these drugs and if you have kidney problems, heart problems and hypertension then you are not a candidate.
For joint treatment, physical therapy is often suggested since it has been proven to be beneficial in lessening the symptoms of arthritis, which causes joint pain. Generally, physical therapy includes a fitness program that can improve your aerobic capacity and takes away depression as well as anxiety among sufferers of arthritis. Exercises may include endurance, motion range and strengthening exercises.
If the pain in the joint is no longer manageable or you can no longer cope with mobility loss, surgery may provide you with some relief. Your doctor can discuss to you a number of surgical options that you may go for to get rid of the pain in your joints. These include total joint replacement, arthroscopy, cartilage transplant, fascial reconstruction, fusion and osteotomy.
If you have advanced arthritis symptoms that can no longer be addressed with physical therapy or medications then you are a candidate for total joint replacement, wherein the worn out joint surface will be surgically removed and replaced with a synthetic surface. If you are an ostheoarthritis sufferer, small cartilage pieces tend to wear and tear away from the surface of the joints and float around within the joints. Such debris has been to cause swelling and pain.
Your doctor may suggest arthroscopy to eliminate the debris and offer temporary pain relief. Cartilage transplantation is good for those who are suffering from joint pain due to cartilage damage but have not yet developed arthritis. If arthritis progresses then it is not a viable joint pain treatment option. Your doctor will examine your condition first and see which joint treatment option could be right for you.
Posted on 15. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
Nowadays, osteoporosis is one of the widespread conditions that many people in the world suffer from. Osteoporosis (or porous bones) is a disease described by deterioration in the bone mineral density, bone microarchitecture and bone proteins. As a result, this heightens the risk of getting bone fractures. Osteoporosis had been observed to be more common for women who already underwent menopause. There are three types of osteoporosis discovered by medical professionals: primary type 1, primary type 2 and secondary. The type of osteoporosis is commonly associated with the patient’s age and the means of contracting it. Medical professionals have already conducted different research projects that successfully yielded treatment for osteoporosis.
Undergoing medication is one of the methods that can help treat osteoporosis. These medications should be taken as recommended by the patient’s doctor. Medications are often prescribed in order to prevent developing porous bones and to avoid bone loss. These treatment objectives are often addressed through drugs which increase bone mass. Doctors see to it that the medications they suggest will match their patient’s lifestyle. According to research studies, most of these treatments diminish fracture risk by about fifty percent.
There are two classifications of drugs used to treat osteoporosis: antiresorptive drugs and bone forming drugs. Antiresorptive drugs aid in reducing the probability of bone loss. Antiresorptive drugs can be easily purchased over the counter from drug stores. Examples of antiresorptive drugs include selective estrogen receptor modulator, non-sex hormone, hormone replacement therapy and biphosphonates. On the other hand, bone forming drugs contain components which improve bone mass. This type of drug is currently being developed and introduced by medical researchers. Bone forming drugs include strontium ranelate and parathyroid hormone.
Intake of appropriate vitamins and minerals also plays a huge role in treatment for osteoporosis. Foods rich in calcium should be included in the diet to strengthen the bones. Calcium-rich foods include cheese, yogurt, milk, leafy vegetables, sardines, tofu and almonds. People who do not frequently eat this type of foods can opt to drink supplements in order to avoid calcium deficiency.
Vitamin D is also important in preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin D plays a significant role in helping the body absorb calcium from the food they eat. Deficiency in Vitamin D might result to the inability to get calcium from foods. Vitamin D can be obtained from two sources: through sunlight exposure and through food intake. Foods that contain Vitamin D include dairy products, liver and saltwater fish.
Magnesium is also important in maintaining good bone mass. Magnesium aids in storing calcium in the bones and avoiding calcium leaks towards soft tissues. Foods that are rich in magnesium include dark leafy vegetables and legumes.
Regular exercise is also important part of treatment for osteoporosis. Physical therapists can recommend different routines that can help in strengthening bones and protecting them from external injuries. Weight bearing routines such as hiking, dancing, walking and jogging…even home workouts help develop bone mass. Resistance training (i.e. weight lifting) can also improve both muscle and bone mass. Exercise as well as various exercises at home also improves body coordination which reduces the chance of getting into damaging falls.
Posted on 15. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
One of the most important parts inside the body is a joint. Joints are required by the body in order to connect several bones together. Primarily, it is used for the movement of arms, legs and even the neck. Joints also support and help the movement of special body parts. If damage happens to the joints, it might interfere with the movement of several parts of the body and it will surely be painful. There are many reasons attributed to painful joints, namely it can be caused by arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, strains, bursitis, sprains and several other injuries. Of course, accidents such as the joint being hit by a blunt object or a traveling accident can also cause pain in the joints.
In reality, joints pain is really common, especially to old individuals. According to the national survey, about 1/3 of adults apparently suffer from this condition. According to the people who have attended the studies, knee pain is the most common pain experienced along with pain in the hips and in the shoulders. Since the joints are affected by age, older adults tend to be the most affected.
Various types of Joint related Pain
People who suffer from this condition will most likely range the pain according to its intensity. Most patients will point out that the pain is debilitating while others will point out that it is mildly irritating. The pain might be gone in just a couple of days yet in severe cases, the joints might be painful and it may take months before the pain is alleviated. Whatever the type of pain in patients, it can always be alleviated through the use of medication and physical therapy. The use of analgesics is said to have a great effect in alleviating the pain. In order to further assess the condition, the best way is through asking a doctor to diagnose the affected area. Usually, the doctor will inspect for inflammation and joint function.
Medications applied for joints pain
Once the diagnosis is done, the next step is to provide the proper medication per patient. If there is presence of swelling, doctors will often prescribe nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. Such drugs are effective in swelling and in relieving pain. Examples of NSAIDs are ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium. If the pain is still unbearable, new generation NSAIDs will be given to patients. The new generation NSAIDs is effective in relieving the pain and they work faster than the first generation. The only problem with NSAIDs is that most of them are banned from the market because of their risk of stroke and several other cardiovascular diseases.
However, if the patient is not suffering from any swelling then acetaminophens are prescribed. Topical agents are also effective in relieving joints pain. Capsaicin, a material found in chili peppers, is actually rubbed on the affected area. The added capsaicin cream can actually trigger the release of endorphins which can block pain. Along with the medications, physicians also urge patients to exercise lightly and to visit a physical therapist in order to improve the joints.
Posted on 14. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
Systemic Lupus is a very serious condition. Lupus erithematosus is a condition wherein the body has several autoimmune diseases which can actually destroy healthy tissues. People who are suffering from this condition have secondary conditions which are pinpointed to the joints, kidneys, blood, heart, lungs and skin. In reality, there are many types of lupus. There is the cutaneous form which is centered in the skin while there are ones which are based on certain conditions. For example, there is the drug induced version wherein the affected person has lupus because of the drugs he has taken. There is also the neonatal lupus wherein mothers and infants are often affected.
What is Lupus America?
In order to combat this terrible disease, several institutions have created a group which is designed to combat the disease and help those who are affected. The Lupus foundation of America or Lupus America is one of the oldest health organizations which focus on helping those who are affected by the disease. Their mission is to serve the patients with lupus and to aid in finding a cure for the condition. Through constant research and education, the group has been able to collect various types of information about the disease. Their research might someday lead a cure and a vaccine which will ultimately eradicate the condition.
What is their research about?
The group is targeted namely on medical research in order to find a cure to an unpredictable and very dangerous disease. They have hired several researches in order to look for better symptoms and proper tests for the disease. Their research has also been used in order to tackle the critical issues in lupus and it has helped other groups. Along with research, Lupus America also aims to increase public understanding of the disease so that families and friends of those who are affected will be able to understand the condition and will not be afraid of their own members. The group has applied several awareness campaigns and media outreach in order to educate the public.
Today, the group has also applied innovative social networking and online sharing in order to further educate the people. They have applied a website which is specifically designed to help people understand the disease and to know the different symptoms for this condition. The site offers information for health care providers and for other support groups. Their website also aims to ask the public to help aid in providing the affected with tools and materials which can aid in their recuperation.
What information is given to the public?
The public is provided with information such as symptoms and diagnosis. One of the most well known symptoms of lupus is photosensitivity. Patients who are suffering from the condition actually have various problems in their skin. They also have cytotoxicity and apoptosis. In order to fully check if the patient is suffering from this condition, a series of tests are applied. Patients are tested according to condition and history. For instance, if the patient has a history of using various medications then he might be suffering from drug induced lupus.
Posted on 13. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
There are various types of antibodies and substances which are designed to test and prevent certain diseases in the body. One of which is the lupus anticoagulant. This anticoagulant is actually an antibody which is found in the lining of the cells. Its main function is to prevent blood clotting, especially in a test tube. People who have this type of antibody will most likely be at risk of abnormal blood clotting. This anticoagulant also binds to phospholipids and it precipitates the formation of several thrombi.
Is this coagulant related to the lupus disease?
In reality, lupus anticoagulant is very different from lupus erythematosus and it might often be misleading especially inside the hospital. This anticoagulant does not lead to lupus erythromatosus. However, patients who are suffering from lupus erythromatosus might develop the anticoagulant and once it is developed it might lead to joint pains, renal failure and several other conditions. This anticoagulant can be found in several medications including antibiotic amoxicillin, phenytoin, hydralazine and quinine. Patients who are suffering from ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease and other infections can also get this anticoagulant.
Symptoms and Complications
Presence of prolonged clotting can be seen in patients. Most of the time, the condition can only be diagnosed through serological testing and the use of several medical devices. In order to check if the patient is suffering from the anticoagulant, mix testing is done on the blood. The patient’s blood is mixed with normal pooled blood. Once clotting starts, continuous checking and timing is done. If the clotting is prolonged and the time is abnormal then the patient is suffering from this condition. Some other symptoms include continuous blood clots and recurrent miscarriages. For those who are already suffering from the condition, possible complications include stroke, heart attack and clotting in the lungs which might lead to pulmonary embolism.
The Partial Thromoboplastin Time test
The Partial Thromoboplastin Time test or PTT is designed specifically for patients who are suffering from clotting conditions. It is a test to see if the patient might be suffering from any clotting problems or if he is at risk of bleeding. The test is performed through the use of a needle. A needle is used to take the blood from one of the veins and the collected blood is placed in a specimen container. The doctors will then add specific types of chemicals to the stain sample and they will check on how long it takes for the blood to clot. In order for the test to be effective, patients are required to stop taking medications that might affect the results. Some of the drugs which are not allowed are Vitamin C capsules, aspirin, antihistamines and chlorpromazine.
What is the treatment?
Patients who are suffering from, lupus anticoagulant will have a series of treatments. The treatment is usually based on the presence of thrombosis and the history of the patient. Patients with a history of thrombosis will most likely be given anticoagulants. If the patient does not show any symptoms then no form of treatment is given. If the blood becomes thinner, a dosage of warfarin or heparin is provided.
Posted on 12. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
There are many autoimmune diseases which might plague the body. One of which is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. A million people are affected by this type of disorder and over 90 percent who are suffering from it are experiencing muscular and joint pain. One of the most common effects of SLE is lupus arthritis. In fact, over 35 percent of people who are suffering from Systemic Lupus Erythematosus are suffering from this form of arthritis.
What are the symptoms of this condition?
People who are suffering from this form of arthritis will most likely have pain and continuous swelling in the joints. The added pain will often be accompanied by a warm feeling in the affected area along with a form of tenderness. Patients who are suffering from this condition will also suffer from morning stiffness accompanied by a paralyzing effect in the joints. This is due to the fluids which are collected in the bones and in the joints. The fluids cause additional pressure in the joints and it also causes swelling. It can be quite an uncomfortable condition to other people and that is why most hospitals provide various medications in order to combat the pain.
In reality, lupus arthritis is only situated in selected joints and it does not affect the spine and the neck. Joints found in the extremities, such as in the legs and arms, are the ones which are most affected. In the arms, this form of arthritis often affects the hands, wrists, fingers and joints in the elbows. In the leg area, the affected areas are the ankles, toes, feet and the knees. The fluid often travels from the center of the body towards the extremities; hence the joints are affected through a certain pattern.
Identification and Diagnosis
Most conditions also have symptoms of joint pain and swelling, that is why they are often traced back to lupus. Therefore, joint pains and swelling are not effective symptoms in detecting lupus. People who have the condition will most likely suffer from tendinitis, bone necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. In order to effectively diagnose a patient, several x-rays are applied to the patient. However, the x-ray tests might not be able to effectively diagnose the condition since it only shows slight inflammation brought about by joint fluids. The only effective way is through physical examination along with the checking of symptoms and patient history.
Can this condition be treated?
Yes, the treatment for lupus arthritis is based on several medications which are used to combat lupus. The dosages will depend on the severity of the condition and will often be adjusted according to symptoms of patients. For those who are suffering from slight pain or mild swelling, NSAIDs are provided. NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin are the ones which are often prescribed by physicians. Several other medications such as corticosteroids and anti-malarials are also given. Lastly, physical therapy is provided in order to prevent swelling. Low impact activities such as swimming and brisk walking are the most effective types of exercise for lupus patients.
Posted on 10. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
Lupus is actually one of the most feared autoimmune diseases today. This autoimmune condition actually turns off the natural protective barriers of the body, which makes the person more prone to secondary infections. One of the most well known types of lupus is the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE. SLE is an autoimmune disease wherein most of the parts of the body such as the joints, kidneys, lungs, heart, skin and several other systems are affected. Most of the parts of the body are actually affected by inflammation, remissions and flares. Patients will often have a constant change of feeling, sometimes the body will be suffering from flares whiles sometimes it does not. This form of lupus can be treated through a wide number of medications including a Lupus diet.
Other types of Lupus
Another form of lupus is the Drug induced lupus which is based on the kidneys. This type of lupus is similar to SLE yet it particularly targets the kidneys and the brain. Patients who are constantly using drugs such as isoniazids, minocycline, promine and hydralazine are the ones which might have this condition. In some cases, patients often have recurring symptoms of this disease wherein the body might show signs of lupus when certain drugs are induced and then the symptoms will stop once the patient stops using such forms of medication.
Aside from drug induced lupus, another common condition is the discord lupus. Discord lupus is a type of chronic skin disease which is characterized as red scaling rashes. The rashes can lead to scarring especially when the patient scratches often. The rashes will last for days and even months according to the case of the patient.
Most patients might even suffer from recurring lupus, wherein they will actually be affected every after a couple of years. Along with drug induced lupus, patients will also suffer from neonatal lupus. This form of lupus is based on mothers who have problems with their autoantibodies. The autoantibodies are passed from mother to infant through passage of the placenta to fetus. The baby will be born with several mild rashes which are often seen in adults who have the condition. However, unlike SLE, the infants will have no signs of lupus after six to eight months. Infants who are suffering from neonatal lupus will often have serious heart problems due to the altered rhythm of their heart.
What is a Lupus diet?
In order to combat lupus, proper diet is needed. The key to proper treatment of the disease is to eat well and to look for dietary foods which can actually have an anti-inflammatory effect to the patient. A good example of this are saturated fats which are pro-inflammatory than certain types of fat based foods. Such types of food are filled with EPA and DHA, which are great in combating the disease. The best type of diet is some meals which are rich with fish oil, lean beef and a slice of cheese. Fruits and vegetables are also effective for a lupus diet, as long as they are not taken before tests. Vitamin C can actually alter the results of lupus and coagulant tests.
Posted on 09. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
Considered to be a chronic dermatological disease, lupus discoid usually manifests in the form of skin scars that often cause affected individuals to have psychological problems. Treating the disease can be tricky but totally not impossible. It is crucial to begin treatment early as further stages can be difficult to treat.
Many people from different parts of the world are suffering from discoid lupus. The presence of scars trouble people and since they are not comparable to pimples, the scars cannot just go away easily. The disease needs to be addressed early on. Symptoms may vary from individual to individual but here are some of the most commonly reported ones:
- Skin discoloration
- Rashes inside the ears or mouth
- Lymph node enlargement
- Rashes that do not seem to go away
- Scaly rashes
- Rashes that often appear on the scalp or face
- Frequent itching of legs and arms
- Rashes on the nose bridge
- Scarring due to rashes
- Increased blood gamma globulin levels
- Red skin patches in different parts of the body
- Hair loss due to scalp rashes
Many people who have been diagnosed with lupus discoid do not experience all the aforementioned symptoms. Most sufferers will exhibit some of the said symptoms while others will experience all but not so serious.
While there is no established treatment for discoid lupus yet, medications are often prescribed to alleviate itchiness, relieve scars and take away the pain that comes with the signs and symptoms of discoid lupus. Among the medications that are usually prescribed by doctors to discoid lupus sufferers include the following:
- Acetaminophen. This is usually prescribed to control pain. However, it cannot help address inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Commonly given to sufferers include ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and ketoprofen.
- Narcotic pain medications. These are generally reserved for mild to severe pain experienced by affected individuals.
A variety of nutritional and everyday living changes can lead to an overall reduction in the harshness of discoid lupus’ signs and symptoms. If the disease has been detected at an early phase, it is relatively easy to treat. Affected individuals need to see a good dermatologist in order for the scars to be treated.
Aside from dermatological treatment, it is crucial for the sufferer to take some measures to avoid the spread of rashes and scars. Generally, doctors suggest discoid lupus affected individuals not to be exposed to the sun as sunlight can only aggravate scarring. So, the utilization of sunscreens is encouraged especially when the scars are prevalent.
Appropriate clothing must also be worn to avoid further exposure to sun as well as other elements that could only worsen the scars. Following simple precautions can help prevent scarring from increasing further. Treat the scars as soon as possible as if you left them untreated, they could become permanent. Also such delays in seeking treatment can be so costly indeed.
It is important to seek the help of a doctor before taking anything to treat lupus discoid. Majority of drugs can have adverse effects once taken in incorrect dosage or taken for long time period.
Posted on 08. Aug, 2012 by Admin.
Medically considered as a chronic autoimmune disease, lupus affects many people worldwide. The nature of this disease implies that the immune system is attacking healthy and normal body tissues aside from the bacteria and viruses that it fights off. What can cause a person to have a lupus disease is still unknown but the experts believe that it is likely due to a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition.
According to some reports, lupus affects women more than men. Teens, children and adult alike can have lupus but it has been observed that the disease manifests two or three times more in individuals of color. Diagnosing the disease can be a challenge as the symptoms are a bit widespread.
Symptoms of a Lupus Disease
In most cases, lupus symptoms are also only experienced when affected individuals already have flare ups. The rate of recurrence of flare-ups can range from scarcely to very frequent. Among the reported common symptoms of lupus include the following:
- Appearance of rashes on the face, ears, arms, legs and other areas
- Easy bruising
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Joint swelling, pain and stiffness
- Increased lung blood pressure
- Difficulties in breathing
- Kidney inflammation
- Severe weight loss
- Dry eyes
- Memory loss
Lupus symptoms differ from person to person. Some affected individuals may experience all of the said symptoms but very light while others may only experience some of the aforementioned symptoms but severe. Many are suffering more psychologically because of the scarring that makes their skin look terrible.
Types of Lupus
There are different types of lupus with varying symptoms and correlated with certain form that an affected person has. Among the different types of lupus include the following:
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosius. Lupus of this kind is limited to the mouth and skin. Lesions and rashes generally spread all through the body and are usually scaly, red and raised. They do not itch though and they are circular in shape.
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. This is the most common lupus form, which affects all areas of the body including inside the ears, mouth and vagina. Systemic lupus erythematosus often harms the blood vessels, heart, skin, joints, kidneys, liver and the nervous system. Its course is unpredictable and has been reported to be common in people with no European descent.
- Drug-induced lupus erythematosus. There are some drugs that can react negatively in some patients and produce lupus. Sufferers usually experience almost the same symptoms as systemic lupus but with their organs and body systems undamaged. Among the drugs that have been reported to cause this lupus form include procainamide, isoniazid and hydralazine.
- Neonatal lupus. This is an uncommon disorder, which affects infants of lupus affected women. In most cases, infants experience liver problems, low blood cell count and skin rashes. It rarely happens and most lupus affected women can still deliver healthy babies.
The severity of lupus disease flare ups determines how a sufferer can cope with the disease. If you think you have any of the symptoms discussed, it is advisable to visit the doctor, listen to what he says and follow his instructions on how you could combat the disease.