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Arthritis In-Depth
Quick Links: Arthritis Treatment | History of Arthritis | Disease Management
All arthritides feature pain. Patterns of pain differ among the arthritides and the location. Osteoarthritis is classically worse at night or following rest. Rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse in the morning; in the early stages, patients often do not have symptoms following their morning shower. In elderly people and children, pain may not be the main feature, and the patient simply moves less (elderly) or refuses to use the affected limb (children).
Elements of the history of the pain (onset, number of joints and which involved, duration, aggravating and relieving factors) all guide diagnosis. Physical examination typically confirms diagnosis. Radiographs are often used to follow progression or assess severity in a more quantitative manner.
Blood tests and X-rays of the affected joints often are performed to make the diagnosis.
Screening blood tests may be indicated if certain arthritides are suspected. This may include: rheumatoid factor, antinuclear factor (ANF), extractable nuclear antigen and specific antibodies.
Many people associate cracking joints with arthritis; however, there is no evidence to support such an association. A joint is an area where two or more bones meet. This area is surrounded by joint fluid to protect the bones from rubbing against each other. When a joint is cracking, the fluid is pushed out and the "cracking" sound is the result of a high pressure of fluid. Rheumatoid arthritis is what happens when there is a loss of fluid in the joints causing damage to the lining of the joint itself. There is no evidence that cracking your knuckles causes such damage.
Arthritis Treatment
FLEXTIVA® is an excellent alternative dietary supplement option for joint pain, as it targets and helps reduce the swelling and inflammation in the joints, where arthritis tends to be most problematic. Daily consumption of FLEXTIVA® is safe for any individual, regardless of age or gender. FLEXTIVA® is a 100% all natural approach to fighting joint pain. Best of all, it does not require a prescription, nor does it pose serious health defects or side-effects like other brands on the market do.
At the end of day, risk and stress will no longer be a conscious concern looming over you like your current arthritis medication imposes. Consider the difference this may bring to your lifestyle. For most, the realization of it is immediate, and so is the powerful joint relief of FLEXTIVA®.
FLEXTIVA® does not cure or prevent arthritis. FLEXTIVA® is a non-prescribed dietary supplement that is used to help individuals with moderate to severe joint pain who have not been helped by other prescribed medicines for arthritis.
FLEXTIVA® can be used alone or with other agents.
History of Arthritis
While evidence of primary ankle (kaki) osteoarthritis has been discovered in dinosaurs, the first known traces of human arthritis date back as far as 4500 BC. It was noted in skeletal remains of Native Americans found in Tennessee and parts of what is now Olathe, Kansas. Evidence of arthritis has been found throughout history, from Ötzi, a mummy (circa 3000 BC) found along the border of modern Italy and Austria, to the Egyptian mummies circa 2590 BC. Around 500 BC willow bark gained popularity when it was discovered to help relieve some of the aches and pains of arthritis.
It wasn't until more than 2,000 years later, in the early 1820s, that European scientists began to scientifically study the chemical compound in willow bark that alleviated the arthritis symptoms. They discovered the compound was salicin. When they isolated salicin, however, they found it was very irritating to the stomach. Almost 80 years later, in 1897, an employee of Bayer Company -- then a dye production company -- named Felix Hoffman discovered how to isolate the compound and make it less irritating to the stomach. Hoffman was attempting to make the drug in order to help his father, who was suffering from arthritis. In 1899, Bayer Company trademarked Hoffman's discovery under the name "Aspirin."
Today it is believed that over a trillion tablets of aspirin have been sold worldwide.
Disease Management
Today, millions of Americans with arthritis find ways to cope with their condition. And you can manage your arthritis just like them. Here's a few suggestions that may help better your lifestyle:
- Consider taking a Yoga class for people with arthritis. Over 75 scientific trials have been published on yoga in major medical journals. These studies have shown that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity that also has important psychological benefits due to its meditative nature.
- Joint pain is strongly associated with your body weight. Being overweight increases the load placed on the joints such as the knee, which increases stress and could possibly hasten the breakdown of cartilage. Consider analyzing your daily intake and cutting back on calories to shed a few pounds.
- Exercise can play an important role to your arthritis management approach. Physical activity is essential to optimizing both physical and mental health and can play a vital role in the management of arthritis. Regular physical activity can keep the muscles around affected joints strong, decrease bone loss and may help control joint swelling and pain. Regular activity replenishes lubrication to the cartilage of the joint and reduces stiffness and pain. Exercise also helps to enhance energy and stamina by decreasing fatigue and improving sleep. Exercise can enhance weight loss and promote long-term weight management in those with arthritis who are overweight.
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