Archive for the ‘ how to cure arthritis ’ Category

Arthritis In The Knee

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Arthritis, which is a condition that affects one in three adult Americans, is one that affects the bone joints in the body. Because there is no cure, many sufferers are forced to cope with it’s painful effects. Arthritis in the knee is one of the common ailments and can make it difficult to walk, bend the leg or even sleep at night.

Many people who develop arthritis in the knee may do so because of an injury or prolonged stress on the legs. Some examples may be playing sports, being involved in an auto accident, falling, etc. If the knee or leg is injured or strained, it will become more susceptible to developing arthritis in the knee. In some cases, arthritis in the knee may also be inherited and occurs naturally through genetics.

Some of the most common symptoms of arthritis in the knee are achy leg muscles and joints, swelling and tenderness around the knee area, a crackling sound when leg is bent or moved, stiffness and difficulty in movement. These symptoms may become increasingly worse during cold weather or when rain is predicted. Weather patterns greatly affect arthritis in the knee, as well as arthritis in other parts of the body.

As the weather changes, arthritis in the knee often worsens due to the fact that affected joints are believed to develop additional nerve endings in an effort to protect the joint from more damage. In addition, sufferers who cope with arthritis in the knee are thought to be more vulnerable in the morning and/or when any movement is initiated.

If arthritis in the knee is suspected, the best way to confirm a diagnosis is through the type of testing that only a physician can provide. During a typical office visit, doctors are likely to inquire about any additional symptoms or ailments that seem to be present with arthritis in the knee. This is important in the diagnosis of whether or not the patient actually suffers from arthritis in the knee or whether another problem is present.

Although there is no cure for arthritis in the knee, there are various treatment options available for sufferers. Among them, over the counter medications, prescription-based treatments, physical therapy, pain management and even surgery in extreme cases. In addition, numerous herbal therapies have been developed to help ease pain that is caused by arthritis in the knee.

The information in this article is to be used for informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone with questions regarding arthritis in the knee must consult their physician for further information.

Matt Ream is the health and fitness editor at http://arthritis-pain-no-more.com. Learn more about arthritis in the knee and relief from arthritis pain. Answer our survey about arthritis pain.

cure for gout pain

Gout is a disease caused by congenital disorder in uric acid metabolism. Uric acid is a product of waste material found in the urine and blood from the chemical processes of the body. In case of gout, the monosodium urate or more popularly called the uric acid crystals are being deposited on the articular cartilage of joints, tendons and surrounding tissues. The crystal deposits are due to the increase of uric acid concentration in the blood stream.

Gout is characterized by inflammation of the tissues that could also burst through the skin. That is why people suffering with gout sometimes have sinuses discharging a material white as chalk. Moreover, gout is also known as metabolic arthritis.

Gout Signs and Symptoms

Gout has visible symptoms. Persons with gout usually suffer with swelling and pain in the joints especially in the hands a nd feet. There is also an The presence of agonizing, sudden, unexpected burning pain, redness of skin in the areas affected, warmness and stiffness of the joints are also felt. Sometimes, patients also become feverish. The crystals inside the joints and the inflammation of the tissues around the joints cause the pain. These tissues also cause the skin to swell, tender and sore. Many patients, due to extreme pain, may not even allow other people to touch the affected areas.

Where Gout Attacks?

Gout usually attacks in the upper and lower extremities especially when these parts of the body lack exercise. The lack of exercise could cause the crystals to be easily deposited because the joints are at rest and the blood is also flowing into a smoother flow. However, almost 75 percent of first attacks of gout are recorded in the big toe. But aside from not, gout is not limited to the big toe, it could also attack other joints in the feet and hands like in the ankle, heel, instep, knee, wrist, elbow, fingers, and spine. Gout in the spine often results in backaches and difficulty in moving because the spinal column becomes stiff. Poor blood circulation in fingers due to earlier injury could also lead to gout.

Since the kidney is responsible in filtering the blood stream, a malfunction of the kidneys could also lead to gout because of the high levels of uric acid that the system is not able to eradicate.

Men between the ages of 40 and 50 are most prone in developing gout. Protein-rich foods are often the cause of high levels of uric acid. Alcohol intake could also affect the level of uric acid and can cause acute attacks of gout. Moreover, the development of gout could also be a result of hereditary factors.

The out with gout – the gout remedy report certainly does provide for relevant data on the disease and ways to combat the same. However, if you are looking for an easy fix, you are bound to be a tad disappointed. Anyway, this product does list out the natural treatments you can use to cure gout and on a personal note; it seems that some of these alleged treatments, do work. It provides an additional list of food items to avoid, especially those that happen to high on purines.

This 35 page book provides relevant data on the disease, shows you how to tackle it on two fronts, one on treating the current condition and the other, on how to take preventive measures to prevent it from flaring up again. It provides a list of treatments, meds, alternative therapies, herbal supplements that you could use without having to worry about any unnatural side effects. So, if you are looking for some real info on gout and ways to tackle the same, you may want to take a closer look at this book.

Out With Gout – the gout remedy report. For more details and more reviews.

There are several different

Supplements:The vitamin supplement industry is becoming more and more popular with arthritis sufferers as more people are turning away from prescription medication which can be pricey and come with serious side effects.  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) shows that more people are using alternative and holistic therapies to treat pain (38% of adults & 12% of kids). Americans are now spending $34 billion on alternative therapies each year.  One arthritis supplement getting a lot of attention right now if Flexcin with CM8. The company announced a 32% increase in sales in 2009 to people who are looking for natural options to treat arthritis and joint pain. There are a variety of supplements on the market and most include ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin. Flexcin’s main ingredient is CM8 (Cetyl Myristoleate) which is a natural compound that relieves joint pain at its source by reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues.  It works as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. CM8 acts as a lubricant in joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move more smoothly. In addition it is an immune system modulator which can be effective against auto-immune conditions.

NSAIDS: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, usually abbreviated to NSAIDs  are drugs with analgesic, antipyretic (fever-reducing) and, in higher doses, with anti-inflammatory effects (reducing inflammation). The term “nonsteroidal” is used to distinguish these drugs from steroids. As analgesics, NSAIDs are unusual in that they are non-narcotic. The most prominent members of this group of drugs are aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen partly because they are available over-the-counter in many areas.

Steroids: (short for corticosteroids) are synthetic drugs that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone that your body produces naturally. Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. They are used to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases and conditions. Corticosteroids are different from anabolic steroids, which some athletes use to build bigger muscles. Examples of corticosteroid medications include triamcinolone, cortisone, prednisone, and methylprednisolone.

Narcotics: Unlike ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, or other NSAID drugs, narcotics do not decrease the inflammation that occurs with arthritis. Narcotic drugs work on pain receptors on nerve cells to relieve pain. Often, these pain relievers are combined with acetaminophen. They include:

Tylenol with Codeine
Lorcet, Lortab, Vicodin
Morphine
OxyContin, Roxicodone
Percocet
Darvon
Darvocet

Biologics: In the last decade, there have been significant advances in treating rheumatoid arthritis, especially for patients whose arthritis does not respond to traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The most important advance has been the development of a group of drugs called biologic response modifiers or biologics. There are a number of biologics approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These include:

Cimzia
Enbrel
Humira
Kineret
Orencia
Remicade
Rituxan
Simponi

 If you have any questions about the above arthritis pain killer options included in this article, ask your doctor. Parts of this article were taken from Web MD.

Flexcin & FlexPet are all-natural Joint Pain Supplements. The primary component of Flexcin & FlexPet is CM8, which relieves joint pain at its source, reduces inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. It has been helpful for many sufferers of arthritis, gout, bursitis, sports injuries and fibromyalgia. Flexcin and FlexPet are proudly manufactured in the United States in a state of the art facility under the strict guidelines of the FDA’s Good Manufacturing Practices.

It is a must for individuals suffering arthritis to learn about the basic information of arthritis. Informations such as the types of arthritis, arthritis prevention, symptoms and treatment options suited for his condition. The known arthritis treatment options can either be anything from surgery or medications.  For arthritis treatment, there is a new and convenient way to get the medication you need without waiting in the doctor’s office to get your prescription.

This is the new trend of buying arthritis treatment online with consultations in the convenience of your home. Now, without the hassles of going out and finding the nearest US Pharmacy, ArthritisTreatmentOnline.com brings the needed arthritis treatment online right at your doorstep. ArthritisTreatmentOnline.com is by far the complete website today for people seeking medical help.

At ArthritisTreatmentOnline.com, you can order your arthritis treatment online with complete privacy, in your own time, with no prior prescription needed and no waiting for doctors.  Our order process is very simple, all you need to do is just select the arthritis medication you would like to receive the next day, fill in our medical questionnaire, and submit your order. Our U.S Licensed Physicians will review your order and issue your prescription. Next, our U.S. Licensed Retail Pharmacy will dispense, and FedEx your order discreetly using overnight delivery.

ArthritisTreatmentOnline.com guarantees patients that all its physicians and pharmacists are US-licensed; and all medicines are obtained from legitimate pharmaceutical wholesalers, or in some cases directly from the manufacturer, so one can be sure of quality medication. You’ll find ArthritisTreatmentOnline.com to be everything and more that you would expect from a respectable trustworthy online pharmacy service to buy arthritis treatment without prior prescription. Purchase arthritis treatment now from ArthritisTreatmentOnline.com and receive your order directly to your home tomorrow!

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Arthritis and Crohns Disease

Arthritis and Crohns disease has a close link. It will not be an exaggeration if arthritis is counted as the worst side effect of Crohn’s disease, which is a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder.

Three varying forms of arthritis can be identified in the people suffering from Crohn’s disease. Among these three types two affect the spine while the third type affects large joints like knees.

Arthritis can be defined as an accumulation of conditions that together affect the body joints. This disease is counted at the top among people as the cause of disability after the age of 65.years. It leads to swelling, harassing pain and reduced flexibility, which at times may convert into overall loss of flexibility. A person suffering from Crohn’s disease has about 25 percent chances of acquiring this irksome disease i.e. arthritis.

Arthritis and Crohns disease together may be a cause of distress in the sufferer. Generally in most of the cases of Crohn’s disease, it is most likely to appear once the other intestinal and gastronomical symptoms begin to appear. However, it is very rare that arthritis occurs prior to Crohns disease. Unlike Crohn’s flare-ups, one is unable to contain it.

Among all the three types of arthritis, it is joint-oriented arthritis that can be considered least disturbing. There is a similarity between this type of arthritis and Crohns disease; it also flares up simultaneously like flare-ups in Crohns. Including this it does not always put the sufferer into permanent deformity, however with the passage of time, it damages the joints.

First type of arthritis that affects spinal leads to pain and rigidity in the lower spine and the joints in the lower back. It has been found in the studies that arthritis can take months or even years before its symptoms begin to appear in the younger age sufferer of Crohn’s disease. In this type of arthritis, one can suffer from the permanent damage of the spinal column, if it is left without any treatment.

Third type of arthritis that is adjoined with the occurrence of Crohn’s disease affects the spine. It is rarely found in the Crohn’s sufferers. It may be counted as the worst form of arthritis as it not only leads to the pain ad probable deformity in the absence of any treatment but also is the cause of inflammation in the eyes, lungs and heart valves.

in the conclusion it can be said that the best way to cure any of these forms of arthritis is to treat the gastronomical symptoms that are closely linked with Crohn’s disease. One must consult the physician to know to have the best method to treat the problem of both arthritis and Crohns disease.

Dave Clark has many years experience writing articles, he has also written many books, and is well known in the industry. Dave currently has many projects he is working on, he is also on the board of directors for Cushy Sofa a manufacturer and online retailer of Memory Foam Pillows, Memory Foam Toppers, Memory Foam Sofas, Divans, Buy your Sofa Memory Foam Mattress direct from the manufacturer

Acid Reflux Disease Holistic Treatments also Acid Reflux Diet Comstock Texas and issues about Acid Reflux Homeopathy

Acid reflux is related with the problem of acidic pain heart burn and heartache. Read this article to find some of the finest home remedies for this problem.

Have You Seen Jeff Martin’s new Acid Reflux System yet? It’s called Heartburn No More I’ve read the whole thing (all 150 pages) and there’s some great information in there about how to naturally and permanently eliminate your heartburn without drugs antacids or any kind of gimmicks. I highly recommend it – it’s very honest and straightforward without all the hype and b.s. you see all over the net these days. Here’s the website where you can get more information:

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Are you wondering how to stop the unbearable pain in your shoulders elbows or knees? Don’t allow arthritis pain to get the better of you. If you have arthritis you can count on two natural arthritis cures to ease your joint problems: proper nutrition and exercise.

Heartburn isn’t a debilitating condition but sometimes the pain that comes while experiencing it can be most uncomfortable. Some people who have this condition for years now have even depended on several medications just to improve severe heartburn.

Indigestion during pregnancy is unfortunately a very common normal and annoying condition. Because of the delicate situation that your unborn child is in there are few medications that you will be permitted to use when indigestion pain strikes. And unlike common indigestion problems in those who are not pregnant indigestion during pregnancy can be brought on by almost any type of food at any time of day.

Many people know this feeling very well: you wake up in the middle of the night with a burning sensation in the middle of your chest. You might even feel some acid in the back of your throat. After deciding that it’s nothing heart related you understand that you are having problems with heartburn. This is when people usually start thinking about heartburn home remedies that actually work.

Some foods really hurt your heartburn. Find out how to help your heartburn with this easy guide!

You can treat your acid reflux with prescription and over the counter medications. These medications will need to be combined with lifestyle changes to help to lessen your symptoms. You will also need to loose weight if needed sleep raised up and follow a proper diet.

Arthritis is an inflammatory and painful condition of joints that most people suffer from across the globe. Most people are under a notion that there is no treatment for arthritis once it has occurred. Even medical experts have claimed that there is no effective treatment available for arthritis once it strikes. There are several medications topical creams and oils available for relieving the symptoms of arthritis.

However, a recent research and medical claims have proved that arthritis can be effectively treated. In fact, there are several exercises and medicines available on the market, these days for treating arthritis. If you are not aware of the treatment options available for arthritis, here is detailed information on all types of treatment options that can be opted for treating different types of arthritis.

Most of the medications for arthritis aim towards reducing the arthritis symptoms, delaying the progression of the disease, preventing joint damage, reducing deformities, preserving mobility, reducing deforming chances and preserving range of motion.

People who observe early symptoms of arthritis usually like to go for over the counter or not prescription medication such as topical creams, traditional methods such as massages, ice, heat and pain relief medicines without consulting a medical expert.

Medical experts feel that if a joint pain, swelling or stiffness persists for more than two weeks, you must rush for medical help. It is only a doctor who will diagnose arthritis. Remember that an accurate diagnosis it is very important to initiate the right treatment.

Visit a rheumatologist or an arthritis specialist who will prescribe you the best treatment options after analyzing your condition.

Some common drugs used to treat arthritis:

- COX-2 Inhibitors

- NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

- Pain medication or analgesics

- Corticosteroids

- DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)

- Biologic response modifiers or biologies

It is important to ask your doctor for prescriptions of medication for arthritis rather than deciding one on your own.

-Other treatment options for arthritis:

a) Injections into a joint

This is also a common procedure for treating arthritis. You would find a wide variety of injections that can be giving to the joint locally. The five common types of injections available include Synvisc, Supartz, Hyalgan, Orthovisc and Euflexxa.

b) Natural Treatments

These are really common and popular among people because there are no side effects. The treatment options include Biofeedback, Tai Chi, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Acupressure, Massage, yoga, meditation, magnets and supplements such as chondroitin, fish oil, MSM, glucosamine etc.

c) Complimentary medications

These are alternative medications that can be used interchangeably. These include regular work out, stress management and eating a nutritious diet.

d) Surgical options

A joint surgery is considered a last option when it comes to arthritis treatment. There are several options available under this treatment category such as resection, partial knee replacement, arthrodesis, osteotomy, synovectomy, and revision joint replacement.

e) Pain relief

Arthritis pain can be really troubling. It can even interfere in our daily life. Several pain relief techniques and medications are available these days to help people with arthritis.

For more Articles, News, Information, Advice, and Resources about ARTHRITIS please visit and ARTHRITIS GUIDES and PAIN RELIEF BASICS

Hot And Cold Arthritis

The body is not one structure and function but many that work together to produce greater structure and function, health and longevity. All structure and function is largely controlled through diet, as the body digests, transforms food, nutrients into blood into structure into function.

Arthritis is a disease of the joints which not only involve the bones and cartilage but also the ligaments (hold bones together), tendons (attach muscles to ligaments), muscles, nerves and blood.

All structure and function are built, fueled, cleansed, cooled, moistened and warmed by blood. Blood deficiency and stagnation, in the extreme, tend to cause arthritis.

1. COLD ARTHRITIS: A decrease in the supply, amount of blood, tends to cause heat, dryness, inflammation, cold, pain, weakness, numbness and or shaking, depending on the severity of deficiency. It is generally caused by blood deficiency (anemia), poor circulation and or medication. The first body parts to suffer blood deficiency and or poor circulation are the extremities, hands and feet.

Blood deficiency generally tends to occur more so in women than men. Women tend to eat anemic diets, low protein and low fat, high carbohydrate. They also tend to menstruate. This combination tends to cause blood deficiency (anemia, thin skin, hair, nails and bones; infertility, miscarriage, short term pregnancy, fear, depression) which in turn can dry, inflame and pain the joints, bones, muscles.

2. HOT ARTHRITIS: Blood stagnation in the form of high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis and cirrhosis tends to reduce the circulation of blood, which in turn, dries and weakens the joints, causing arthritic symptoms.

All blood passes in and out of the liver. The liver stores, cleanses (filters excess protein and fat) and distributes the blood. A clogged liver tends to swell with blood so that more blood passes in than out, which in turn. reduces the amount of blood circulated to the extremities.

This type of arthritis is more common among men than women. Men tend to eat too much fat and protein, building foods and not enough cleansing foods, carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables and grains; which in turn, tends to clog the liver, arteries and veins, which in turn, reduce circulation to the extremities, joints causing pain, weakness, inflammation, etc. Protein and especially fat (includes oil) are thick sticky nutrients that tend to stick and clog the arteries, veins, liver, etc.

There is also another popular cause: medication, especially blood thinners. Blood thinners not only thin the blood of excess cholesterol and fat, but also thin the bones, skin, hair, etc. because when you thin the blood you thin everything else.

There are three types of arthritis: osteo (bone on bone), rheumatoid (autoimmune) and gout (uric acid). OsteoArthritis can not be improved through diet or herbs. You can not grow cartilage (separates and cushions the bones) where there is none.

You can grow cartilage where there is some. Glucosamine sulfate ((1500 mg./ day, check with your doctor before using) and other supplements have been shown to grow cartilage. Solgar, Solaray, Enzymatic Therapy, Twin Lab and Natures Plus are high quality companies that not only manufacture and distribute but also research.

I owned and operated a small health food store, Food and Thought, Hollywood, Fl (1984-2001). I sold a lot of Glucosamine Sulfate and never heard a complaint, just praise. Check with your doctor before making any changes.

Dietary cures for blood deficiency and blood stagnation are relatively simple.

Blood deficiency requires more protein and fat (red meat, chicken, turkey, etc.), cooked foods and spices. Spices (cardamon, cumin, coriander, fennel, ginger, cayenne, etc.) aid in the digestion of protein and fat. They also act like blood thinners in thinning the blood of excess fat and protein. Reduce cold and or watery foods: raw vegetables, salads, tropical and citrus fruits, bitter herbs (laxatives, liver cleansers) and or cold drinks to improve digestion.

Digestion is a fiery process (acid and enzymes) transforms food, nutrients into blood. Cold and or water, in excess dilutes and decreases digestion, absorption. blood, energy, etc. This is a general rule for who suffer from blood deficiency.

Blood stagnation (clogged arteries, veins, liver, etc.) is also simple but timely to cure. It is a disease of excess. The first solution is eat less, skip meals (especially dinner), space the meals (gives body extra time and more to digest) and don’t eat late. The second solution is reducing animal protein and fat. No more than one time, meal per day, never at night. I like turkey. More vegetables (cabbage0, raw and cooked, more fruit (apples), peppermint tea, etc. Avoid alcohol. Bitter herbs (golden seal, gentian, etc.) may also help. Check with your doctor first.

Hot salves for reducing pain are also effective. You can any hot balm.

Thank you

Richard G. Heft: Author, Hot and Cold Health: Acupuncture Physician (FL 1992-2002): owner, operator, Food and Thought, health food store, Hollywood, FL (1984-2001): questioning and counseling 30,000+ people: “What do you eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner?”; Web: http://www.hotandcoldhealth.net

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment comes in many ways. Aside from the medications and the surgeries for arthritis, there are several other therapies which help a lot in the cure of arthritis. To name a few are: hydrotherapy, massage therapy, paraffin dip, and a number of exercises. With the use of these treatments, a patient will be relieved not only of the pain but the inflammation of the joints as well. If these are done continuously, the ill person will be able to go back to his normal way of living again.


Arthritis Therapy: The Use of Water


The use of water as an arthritis therapy is proven to be very beneficial for arthritic patients. The most recommended form of water arthritis therapy is a soak bath in a warm tub. This relieves the patient’s whole body because the normal circulation of blood goes back to its original cycle. Those areas with poor circulation are being bathed again by blood because the vessels are able to dilate with the use of warm water. It is vital to remember to check the temperature first before submerging on the tub because burns are noted to be the major complication of this therapy.


Another good water arthritis therapy would be swimming. Since you will be able to do range of motion exercises on the water, it would surely benefit your bones and joints. Exercise in the water is a lot safer because the water itself provides for cushion. The doctor or therapist would recommend the duration and frequency of the water therapy that you prefer.


Arthritis Therapy: Massage


Another great way to relieve yourself from the pains of arthritis would be a massage therapy. However, massage should only be done during the time that the inflammation has subsided. Massage performed during the acute stage of arthritis attack would be detrimental to the patient’s condition. Remember, if the disease is present, immobilization is the best intervention for the patient. But if the disease goes back in remission, massage as an arthritis therapy would work well on keeping the arthritis in its remission stage.


Arthritis Therapy: Paraffin Treatment


Paraffin treatment as an arthritis therapy is also a proven way to help eliminate the symptoms of arthritis. It has the same principle as a warm water bath. It returns the normal circulation in your system which helps return the homeostatic condition of your body. In a paraffin treatment, blood is delivered to areas where your body needs it. In the case of arthritis, it delivers circulation to the joints which were previously inflamed.

You can find many more about Arthritis and related articles at Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

For all your Arthritis needs, interests and hobbies, please visit Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms News

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Many people are unaware that arthritis is a term used to cover over 200 different diseases that involve symptoms of pain and inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is among the most common and potentially disabling forms of arthritis.

This article addresses some of the basic facts about rheumatoid arthritis, to help you better understand the symptoms and causes of this disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not restricted to any particular area of the body. Most joints can be affected by the disease, in addition to other areas, such as the blood, the heart, and the lungs.

Roughly 2.1 million Americans, or about one percent of all American adults, suffer with rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is characterized by an inflammation of the joint lining, which causes the joint to be stiff and painful. The joint area may also swell, feel warm to the touch, and the skin may have a red appearance.

With rheumatoid arthritis, this inflammation can also affect salivary glands, tear ducts, and the linings of the heart and lungs.

Rheumatoid arthritis is often a life-long condition, and over the years, the disease may change in severity, changing from pain-free periods, to those of intense suffering, often abruptly and without warning.

Rheumatoid arthritis is most often first diagnosed in patients between the ages of 20 and 50. As mentioned above, the most obvious symptoms include a long-lasting joint pain and swelling, and a red and tender joint area. One distinction between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is where the disease presents. With arthritis, in the beginning a single joint may be affected, but with rheumatoid arthritis, often both elbows, or both knees, or other groups of joints, are affected at the same time.

Rheumatoid arthritis is in the group of auto-immune diseases. With these diseases, the body immune system is actually creating the problem. In some cases, the immune system has malfunctioned, and mistaken healthy tissue as invading tissue. When this occurs, the body attempts to destroy the joint tissue, which causes the pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

The exact cause of this malfunction has yet to be discovered, but many scientists believe that heredity and genetics play an important role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

When diagnosing the disease, doctors often employ a blood test which identifies the presence of the rheumatoid factor–an antibody that is often an indicator that the patient does in fact have rheumatoid arthritis. Because between 70 and 90 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis have this antibody in their blood, it provides a fairly accurate confirmation of the disease in those with the other typical symptoms.

X-rays may also be ordered by doctors to identify the amount of joint tissue that has been affected by the disease.

If you have been experiencing symptoms such as those associated with rheumatoid arthritis for longer than two weeks, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for further assessment. Because of the degenerative nature of the disease, the sooner it is diagnosed, the better potential outcomes.

For more information about the different forms of arthritis, and ways to address the many symptoms of this disease, visit http://www.ourgoodhealth.org/arthritis