Lupus Or Rheumatoid Arthritis: Ways To Tell The Difference
The fact that they are both autoimmune disorders in which the body turns inwardly and causes harm, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are often mistaken for the other. So, how do you differentiate between these two almost impossible to diagnose these disorders because the clinical symptoms and laboratory abnormalities tend to have in common with each other.
these diseases afflict women much more frequently than men. They are also both multisystem diseases, meaning, they can affect many organs. Like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis targets and causes damage to the blood vessels. Both diseases disrupt the normal function of the immune system, resulting in damaged tissues.
Lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus, is a complex disease whose cause is still unknown. It can affect many parts of the body including joints, skin, and internal organs. Usually, the person develops a rash in the shape of a butterfly on the cheeks and across the bridge of the nose. Other symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, inflammation of the kidney, mouth sores, sensitivity to light, fever, and weight loss.
Like lupus, the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It usually affects the wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles. The disease usually begins to manifest itself with fatigue and weakness, morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour, widespread muscle aches, and loss of appetite.
People afflicted with lupus usually feels pain in the joints, but this pain is not associated with actual damage to the join itself. In some cases, swelling is not present in people with lupus. In rheumatoid arthritis, however, there is always swelling of the lining of the joints. This swollen lining is called the synovium. Pain is commonly felt by patients, but it is less prominent compared to that of lupus.
Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may be experienced by one person at the same time. When rheumatoid-like symptoms are felt by lupus patients, including deformities of the joint, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis should be applied instead. Standard RA treatments like methotrexate,sulfalazine, and, in some cases, medications to control joint inflammation.
Discover more about Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and more Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms at anaudlife.com
Understanding About Foot Arthritis: Everything That you Need to Know
Arthritis is an incredibly serious affliction, one that affects nearly every person in the world in fact, in one way or another at least. In fact, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis that are out there today, and those are just the ones that are known – there are assumed to be plenty more that are just not known about yet.
What is Foot Arthritis?
Foot arthritis is just one of the many different types of arthritis that are known, and although foot arthritis is in fact considered as being one of the more mild forms of arthritis for the most part, it can still be incredibly detrimental to a person’s life, and thus should be taken just as seriously as any other type of arthritis.
The Basics of Foot Arthritis
Basically, there are several different types of foot arthritis, with one of the most common being that of rheumatoid arthritis, which is a systematic disease that attacks multiple joints in the body; it should be known that about 90% of the people across the world that suffer from this affliction eventually develop symptoms that are related to the foot or the ankle.
As well, these symptoms will typically appear in the toes first and then usually in the hind feet or the back of the feet, and will eventually make their way to the ankles. Although the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is actually unknown, there are several theories that have been taken seriously into consideration.
For instance, it is assumed by some that people are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis if other people in their family have developed it previously, and another theory is that it takes a chemical or environmental trigger to actually activate the disease.
What you can do
Again, although there is as of yet no actual cure for the affliction, there are certain things that you can do in regards to relieving the pain that it causes. For instance, most people are able to relieve themselves of at least some of the pain through a daily regime of exercise and proper medication, and there are many medications that can be used in order to help control the pain.
Aspirin and ibuprofen are two of the most commonly used medications in regards to a situation such as this, and there are also others that can actually help to slow the spread of the disease, and this would include that of methotrexate, prednisone, and gold compounds, for example.
About The Author:
John Ugoshowa. For more information on arthritis see the arthritis section of Quickregister.net Free Search Engine Submission Service at: http://www.quickregister.net/infowizards/SUB/Arthritis_115_1.html
Some Alternative Remedies For Gout
Gout is one of the most dreaded types of arthritis, known to be something that just strikes out of the blue, causing simply intense degrees of pain, which often hits at night time. Basically, it is a type of arthritis associated with the build up of uric acid crystals in the joint areas, which basically is the cause for the pain. Some of these crystals are known to grow to large sizes, with some cases actually erupting from the skin, excreting a white chalk-like substance.
Joints are left swollen and tender, pain is experienced all in all, and to make things worse, some gout attacks are known to last for days. Imagine a day of excruciating pain in your joints. Now imagine that happening straight for two days. In extreme cases of gout conditions, some last for a week. Gout, as a condition, is a no nonsense condition at all, as it is quite painful.
As gout is a condition, there are actually a number of alternative remedies for gout, alternative from the regular medical variety of treatments for the condition. These alternative remedies for gout aren’t exactly FDA Approved, but are known to actually stand as good options, even tough they are termed as alternative remedies for gout. Here are two of the more popular of alternative remedies for gout.
Charcoal Poultice
Charcoal Poultice stands to be one of the more popular alternative remedies for gout. Basically, charcoal has the ability to draw toxins from the body. By applying a charcoal concoction onto the skin where the gout condition is known to be, one has basically applied the underlying principle behind this alternative remedy for gout.
Typical ingredients and mixing instructions would include: warm water, a few tablespoons of grounded flaxseed and half a cup of powdered activated charcoal. Mix these ingredients to form a paste, which is then what one would apply onto the affected area.
Cherries
As one of the more popular alternative remedies for gout, one thing worth knowing about cherries as a gout remedy is that there is no scientific proof which indicates that cherries do help gout, but is quite hailed by many to be very beneficial. From eating cherries, to drinking cherry concentrate juice mixes, taking in cherries is noted to be one of the most popular alternative remedies for gout.
So there you have it. Two of the more popular varieties of alternative remedies for gout, which has aided those with the condition in dealing with their illnesses.
Arthritis Natural Treatment - When You Want To Avoid Taking Drugs
There’s no question that NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, and DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) can help alleviate the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling if you’re suffering from arthritis.
Unfortunately, these drugs aren’t always the best choice in all situations. Some arthritis sufferers may already be facing other conditions for which they’re taking drugs, and may prefer not to add more drugs to their daily regiment. Others may experience terrible side effects from their arthritis drugs and prefer to look for an alternative. And still others may simply prefer a more natural arthritis pain relief solution.
Glucosamine is the most popular arthritis natural treatment on the market. This is a substance that is naturally manufactured by the body and is designed to help repair cartilage and maintain joint mobility. Because the body only manufactures small quantities, glucosamine supplements are recommended to strengthen this healing process.
Another popular arthritis treatment is Boswellia. This is a botanical sometimes referred to as Indian frankincense. It’s made from the resin of a native Indian tree and has been traditionally used in ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic pain and stiffness. It’s regular use helps to maintain the blood supply to the joints, keeping the soft tissue nourished and viable.
Feverfew is an old folk remedy that has long been used to treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and migraines. However, there is no research evidence that has demonstrated its effectiveness on treating the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or other forms of arthritis. It’s generally considered very safe for short-term consumption. The effects of long-term use are not known. Feverfew should be avoided by those who are prone to allergies, especially to herbs and flowers from the daisy family.
If you’re interested in taking a natural approach to your arthritis treatment, we’ve got a free ebook where you can learn more. You can download it instantly, no sign up forms and registering. Here’s the link: Natural Help For Arthritis
Pain Relief For Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms vary widely among sufferers, but generally include muscle and joint aches, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and tenderness in several of eighteen specific areas, or “trigger points” on the body. Fibromyalgia is often overlooked by sufferers as the inevitable result of a busy schedule and everyday stress. When patients do seek treatment, doctors often misdiagnose fibromyalgia as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or another musculoskeletal condition. It affects women far more often than men, at a ratio of about ten to one. While some cases result from a specific trauma, more often the exact cause is unknown.
The first step to fibromyalgia pain relief is being properly diagnosed. The condition is not completely understood by the medical community, and there is no specific course of treatment. Most advice given to patients reads like a weight-loss program, recommending low-intensity exercise, drinking lots of water, and reducing mental and physical stresses such as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, meat and sugar.
Anti-depressants are often prescribed as part of the treatment, which elevate the mood of the patient. Muscle relaxants and sleep aids may also be recommended. Since fibromyalgia sufferers are often found to be low in manganese and magnesium, both of which help balance thyroid function, nutritional supplements may prove beneficial as well.
Physical therapy is another essential component for fibromyalgia pain relief, as it teaches patients methods of walking, stretching, and exercise that reduce muscle tension and fatigue. A physical therapist will also teach patients how to make use of ergonomic tools in their daily life, like padded chairs and special keyboards designed to minimize muscle strain.
Some patients choose to incorporate alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy into their treatment. While the efficacy of these natural treatments has not been carefully studied and quantified, testimonials of fibromyalgia sufferers indicate that all of these alternative treatments may help alleviate symptoms of the disease. Whatever patients decide upon, it must be remembered that there is no simple cure for fibromyalgia, and a comprehensive plan that address mental and psychological symptoms and promotes healthy lifestyle habits is the most direct method of obtaining fibromyalgia pain relief.
Identify And Recognize The Symptoms Of Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto immune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own connective tissue is a chronic condition with no known cure. The protective cartilage that acts like a cushion between the joints is affected, causing pain, inflammation, and damage; injury to other organs such as lungs, heart and eyes may occur as well. Recognizing and identifying the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis is extremely important in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatment before this disease causes irreparable damage.
Depending upon the activity of the disease, or the individual patient, the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be mild or severe. Common symptoms may include:
- Joint pain and stiffness in joints usually on both sides of the body (symmetrical)
- Fatigue
- Fever or flu like symptoms
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 20 minutes
- Muscle aches
- Swelling, redness of joints
- Chest pain that comes with coughing or deep breathing
- Chest pain when laying down or bending forward
- Nodules under the skin around the joints where there is frequent pressure
Diagnosis should be done as quickly as possible by a specialist called a Rheumatologist. The doctor will review symptoms and medical history with the patient. A physical and x-rays will possible be performed in order to determine possible joint damage and severity of joint damage. Blood work is ordered to detect the abnormal antibodies called Rheumatoid factor (Rhf), which is commonly found in over 80% of rheumatoid patients. Arthrocentesis is a procedure which may be done in the doctor’s office. Fluid is extracted from the affected joint by a needle and syringe. It relieves pressure and provides a sample of joint fluid to determine whether another cause of arthritis is creating the problem such as gout or infection.
Treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly done in two ways, “first line” medication and “second line” medication. “First line” or fast-acting drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or cortisone, are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Slow acting class or “second line’ drugs are used to bring the disease into remission and prevent joint damage. “Second line” medications such as methotrexate, gold shots and plaquenil are known to be effective treatments. Surgery may be required to repair joints in some patients with severe joint deformity.
There are several other options a sufferer has to keep discomfort at a minimum. Regular physical activity aides in maintaining a healthy weight which relieves joints from unneeded pressure, it also prevents muscles from atrophying and becoming lax. Many foods such as night shade may cause painful flare ups, keeping watch on what is being consumed may aide in preventing pain as well. Topical rubs and heating pads are known to provide comfort and soothe painful joints and muscles. Glucosamine, Vitamin D and calcium are just some of the dietary supplements that can be taken to promote healthy joints and energy.
Consulting with a health professional is very important before beginning any new exercise or treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide a happy, healthy and active life can be had despite Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Learn more about dealing with the painful Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms at http://www.anaudlife.com where I share my thoughts, experiences and insights of living with this often crippling condition such as how to recognize Arthritis Food Triggers
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. This is followed by chronic inflammation of the joint lining. Typically this disease affects the hands, feet, spine, hips, and knees and results in limited movement of the affected joint.
Arthritis is commonly associated with aging though there are factors which result in people being afflicted sooner rather than later. These factors include obesity, genetic factors, injury of the joint, continued stress due to physical activity and neuromuscular disorders such as diabetes.
Treatment Options
There is not treatment to stop or repair cartilage loss once it has been damaged, but there are methods to treat the painful symptoms associated with the onset of Arthritis. These may include dietary supplements, alternative treatments, mechanical aids, weight reduction, exercise and physical therapy or applying heat or ice to the affected area.
Prevention
There are things you can do to guard against the onset of osteoarthritis. These preventative measures include:
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Doing regular, gentle physical activities such as walking, stretching, swimming or yoga on a consistent basis
• Avoiding joint injury or repetitive motions, especially as you approach and exceed 40 years of age
• Take your vitamins! Taking vitamins to make sure you are receiving optimum levels of joint health vitamins and proteins such as magnesium, potassium, glucosamine and chondroitin.
