Products to help against rheumatoid arthritis

On this site you will find natural products based on herbs, vitamins, minerals and anti-oxydants to help against rheumatoid asrthritis.

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Orthopaedic products 

Bauerfeind GENUTRAIN S Knee Support Features: * Breathable knit support provides controlled compression to decrease pain and swelling * The contoured silicone insert around the patella leaves the patella pressure-free and gently massages the soft tissue of the joint to improve circulation * Graduated compression at the edges prevents constriction of circulation * The medial and lateral joint bars and non-elastic straps facilitate optimal knee stabilization * Designed to be worn during activity Product Information: The Bauerfeind GenuTrain S Active Knee Support is a comfortable, lightweight support ideal for minor knee stabilization, osteoarthritis, arthritis, and medial/lateral ligament injuries. This breathable knit support provides controlled compression to decrease pain and swelling. The contoured silicone insert around the patella leaves the patella pressure-free and gently massages the soft tissue of the joint to improve circulation. Additional Features: Machine washable Available Colors: Titanium, Black, Natural Quantity: One Select Size: See Sizing Chart Sizing Loose circumference in inches 4.75 inches below knee / 5.5 inches above knee Size 1: 11.0 - 12.25 inches / 15.0 - 16.125 inches Size 2: 12.25 - 13.375 inches / 16.125 - 17.375 inches Size 3: 13.375 - 14.625 inches / 17.375 - 18.5 inches Size 4: 14.625 - 15.75 inches / 18.5 - 19.75 inches Size 5: 15.75 - 17.0 inches / 19.75 - 20.875 inches Size 1: 17.0 - 18.125 inches / 20.875 - 22.0 inches Condition: New Shipping Weight: 3lb

Books about rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection Connection: Targeting And Treating The Cause Of Chronic Illness (Paperback) Author: Poehlmann, Katherine M. Number of Pages: 438. Published On: 2002/03/01. Language: ENGLISH

Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide For The Newly Diagnosed (First Year) (Paperback) Author: McNeil, M. E. A. / Sack, Kenneth, M. D. (FRW). Number of Pages: 302. Published On: 2005/12/01. Language: ENGLISH

Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis The Latest Breakthroughs and Treatments (Paperback (Trade Paper)) Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis The Latest Breakthroughs and Treatments This is the only book that explains in laypersons terms the newest available therapies the latest advances in our understanding of this often debilitating disease it also provides numerous websites so people will be able to track the cutting-edge breakthroughs developments in medical technologies. Over two million people in this country suffer from this autoimmune disease. This book explains in laypersons terms the newest available therapies and the latest advances in the understanding of this often debilitating disease.

What To Do When The Doctor Says It's Rheumatoid Arthritis: Cure Your Pain, Become More Active, and Take Control of Your Medical Care No Synopsis Available

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Autoimmune Disorders: The Revolutionary, Drug-Free Treatments For Thyroid Disease, Lupus, MS, Ibd, Chronic Fatigue, Rheu Discusses a variety of autoimmune diseases, including lupus, multiple sclerosis, Crohn s disease, and Graves disease, offering information on signs and symptoms, diagnosis, risk factors, and treatment options. Author: Edelson, Stephen B. M. D. / Mitchell, Deborah. Number of Pages: 348. Published On: 2003/02/01. Language: ENGLISH

Help for other rheumatic conditions and health problems of other kinds

FIBROMYALGIA - Anatrin: Fibromyalgia gives widespread chronic musculoskeletal aching around the body, and distinct tenderness at specific points, combined with genearl fatigue and neurological symptoms of many kinds. Anatrin may help by providing nutrients with these specific effects: Increased energy, reduction of pain, reduced inflammation, better mood, less fatigue.

PRODUCTS FOR PREVENTION, CURE OR SUPPORT BY A LOT OF OTHER DISEASES - Medicines to be taken by mouth: Acne, aging symptoms, AIDS, allergies, Alzheimers disease/dementia, angina, arthritis (osteoarthritis), arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis), asthma, attention deficit disorder (ADD), breast cancer, burns, carpal tunnel syndrome, cholesterol, cronic bronchitis, chronic cough, chronic fatigue sydrom, cognitive problems, colds and flue, congestive heart failure (CHF), Crohn`s disease, depression, diabetes mellitus type 1, diabetes mellitus type 2, eczema, edema, endometriosis, fatigue, fibromyalgia, hair loss, herpes simplex, hyperlipidemia, hypertention, obesity, otitis media

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PRODUCTS FOR PREVENTION, CURE OR SUPPORT - Many topical medicines: - Many diseases respond to topical treatment, as well as to medicines taken by mouth, especially skin conditions and rheumatic ailments. Sometimes there is a need to combine systemic and topical treatment. Here you find many good topical remedies and also some systemic ones.

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What is rheumatoid arthritis and what causes this ailment

By rheumatoid arthritis there is an inflammation of the joints. The inner lining of the joints, the synovium thickens and grows into adjacent structures. The over-active synovium also makes enzymes that erode artilage structures and bones. Thereby the joints gradually swell, get disconfigured and unfunctional.

In 2003, reports indicated that over 2.1 million americans are affected with rheumatoid arthritis, a disease that not only affects the joint sytem, but also the nervous system, the eyes, the heart and the lymphatic system. While rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the mid-aged population, occurance in the 20's and 30's is also common.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are: Swelling of the joints, pain and reduction of range of movement. Later there may be permanent abnormal joint angles, misconfiguration of greater body parts, and total joint immobility.

There can also also inflammatory symptoms from other organs, like the heart, the eyes, the lymph system or nervous system.

The disease is found in any grade of seriousness, from just annoyng to totally delibitating and life-threatening.

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis

The disease is diagnosed by a blood test and x-ray of the swollen joints. By the blood tests one looks for antibodies against constituents of the joints.

One of the antobodies tested for is rheumatoid factor. This antibody is actually an antibody against a part of another antibody, the Fc portion of IgG. The diagnosis can be difficult because the disease can long have symptomes and clinical signs shared by many other diseases.

There also often occur conditions that are bledings of rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases or that cannot be classified according to strict diagnostic criteria.

The causes and mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis

The causes of the disease are not fully known. There is an auto-immune reaction against the bodie's own tissue, and especially against the connective tissue in the joints and the epitelial tissue inside the joints - the synovial membrane.  There also seem to be some heriditary factor predisposing for the disease, and there may be a virus infection present.

Studies have shown that also toxic metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead could be contributing factors for the onset. It has been reported that these toxic metals deplete collagen supplies in the body, weakening the joints and making them susceptible to RA.

The synovial membrane react to the causing factors by thickening and sometimes growing to immense dimmensions, and sometimes also by growing into surrounding structures which then are destroyed.  Thus the cartilage of the joint and also the ends of bones and muscles can be eroded away. Connective tissue from the walls of the joints also will proliferate and blend itself into the thickened synovial tissue.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

There are many types of treatment used against the disease. No treatment is able to cure the disease, but with a clever combination of therapy modules, the disease often can be well controlled. By this disease there is no standard way of treatment. Each case have to be treated individually. These treatment modes are in use:

PHYSICAL THERAPY:  Massage, thermotherapy and other physical therapies to increase the joint mobility.

EXERCISES: Gymnastic exercises and sport activities adjusted to the condition should be done. Exercise cathegories reccomended are: Stretching exercizes to increase mobility, exercises that loads the muscles to increase strength and aerobic exercises to increase general condition and well-being. Swimming in warm swimming pool has a directly theraputic effect, strengthens muscles, improves condition and improves mobility.

SLIMMING: It is important to reduce or cure over-weight in order to increase mobility and decrease the load on the joints.

REST: Enough rest is important so that affected joints are not over-loaded.

BALANCE BETWEEN REST AND EXERCISE:  It is important to find the right combination of excercise and rest.

ORTOPAEDIC DEVICES:  Use of splints, crouches or braces may be iecessary to help stand and move properly and no keep affected joints from being over-loaded.

PAIN MEDICATION:  You can use pain relievers such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) to reduce the pain caused by many rheumatic conditions. NSAIDs have the added benefit of decreasing the inflammation associated with arthritis. A common side effect of NSAIDs is stomach irritation, which can often be reduced by changing the dosage or medication. Newer NSAIDs have been introduced to reduce gastrointestinal side effects and offer additional options for treatment.

ANTI-INFLAMATORY MEDICATION: Doctors use anti-inflammatory medication admistered orally or by injection, both of non-steroid and steroid type. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) are often the first approach or used on a permanent basis. Steroidal drugs, such as prednisolone, are used by serious affection or in a shorter period to beat down the effects of the disease.

CYTOSTATICA: Cystostatica is sometimes used in severe cases. The cytostatica hinders the prliferation of immune cells that attack the joints and the proliferation of cynovial cells that thickens the synovium.

SURGERY:  Surgery is performed sometimes to remove sick synovial tissue and to reconstruct the joints.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY NUTRIENTS: Anti-inflammatory nutrients, for example certain essential fatty acids like omega-3 poly-unsaturated acids and mono-unsaturated fatty acids should be a part of the daily diet. To get these nutrient you should eat fat fish, use flax oil and olive oil. Much raw or carefully cooked vegatables are useful.

REDUCING INFLAMMATORY TRIGGERS IN THE DIET:  Reducing the amount of nutrients in the diet that trigger inflammation, for example omega-6 poly-unsaturated fatty acids will be useful. You will however need some of these acids. If you eat very much bread and cereals, it may be useful to reduce this amount, but not stop eating cereals. You should reduce the amount of oils like soy oil, sunflower oil, corn oil and the like.

TOTALLY AVOIDING SOME TYPES OF NUTRIENTS: You should totally avoid certain nutrients that are very potent triggers of inflammation, for example trans-fat found in margarine, snacks, cookies and other pre-maid food. Also make your food from natural ingredients. Do not trust fast food or any ready made food, since these often are full of inflammatory triggers.

FASTING AND VEGATARIAN CURES:  Some sufferers get dramatically better by having a short period of fasting and thereafter having a vegetarian diet with much raw food for some time. However such a strict regime is not good as a permanent diet.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS:  You can find herbal supplements on the market to help for rheumatoid arthritis. Such supplements are more general in action than pharmacological products, and may also help against other rheumatic diseases. Supplemets for these purpose often contain the herbs boswellia serrata and turmeric.

The working principles of natural drugs against rheumatism

Natural drugs against rheumatism can either be topical to be smeared at the affected areas or oral. Oral drugs will be distributed to the whole body, and since rheumatism to some extend affects the whole body, this will be useful.

Topical remedies will affect rheumatism by stimulating the nerves in  the skin over the affected area, and by penetrating into the tissues to work there. They have the advantage that one can obtain a great concentration of effective components in the affected areas without letting these components affect body areas where they are not needed. Often it is useful to combine oral and topical products.

Most rheumatic condition has inflammation as a main component. Therefore these products contain herbs or substances to reduce inflammation.

Among the best-known herbs with anti-inflammatory herbs are:  Camomile (Matricaria recutita), Turmenic (Curcuma longa), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Licorize (Glycyrrhiza glabra), (white willow) Salix alba, Cats Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) and Boswelia species.

Also many essetial fatty acids have an ability to reduce inflammation. Most omega-3 fatty acids have this ability. Gamma-linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 acid has good inflammatory reduction abilities by rheumatoid arthritis. Most other omega-6-acids, however, tend to increase inflammation.

By rheumatic conditions, tissue are distroyed. Herbal remdies against such conditions therefore contain substances use to rebuild tissue, for example the structural components of tendons and cartilage. Chondriotin sulphate and methylsulfonyl methane are substances used to build and rebuild connective tissue and cartlage tissue. Methylsulfonyl methane is used in a lot of structures, and is especially important for the elasticity of connective tissue. protein components or amino acids can also be furnished by natural drugs to treat rheumatism.

In orther to help repair of tissue injured by the disease process, such drugs also typically contain ingredients that work as tools in tissue repair, or ingredients that stimulate tissue repair. Tissue repair involves sytesis of proteins and other structural components. In such systesis enzymes coupled with vitamins and minerals work as molecular mashines. Therefore these herbal products will contain certain vitamins and minerals.

To increase tissue repair, also substances that stimulate such repair is furnished. The body regulates and stimulates the development, growth and repair of tissues by means of local hormones, for example prostaglandins. Herbal medicines against rheunatism will therefore often contain substances with such hormonal effects or substances that the body converts to such hormones. Gamma-linoleic acid is also used in this way.

By rheumatic condition the tissues of the body, and especially tissues of the joints will be filled with a lot of vaste products and unnecessary components produced by the disease. These components must be cleaned out. Vitamins and minerals furnished by the natural drugs are also used by the body as tools for this cleaning process.

By rheumatic conditions, the production of the lubricating components of synovial fluids may be impaired. Therefore natural drugs to combat rheumatic conditions often also contain ingredients that the joint use to produce synovial fluid and components that stimulate the production of synovial fluid. Hyaluronic acid is an important lubricating component of synovial fluid. Vitamins and minerals are also intended to be used as tools in  the production of these lubricating components.

Rheumatic conditions are often painful. The pain hinders a person to move, and the lack of movement makes the joints and muscles stiff, something that worsen the rheumatic condition. By reducing inflammation, the pain will also be reduced. Drugs against reumatic conditions will however also often contain ingredients directly targeted against the pain.

Etherical oils to be applied topically will often give a good effect against rheumatic pain. Ointments to help for rheumatism will therefore often contain such oils or herbs containing these oils.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is nutritional in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. This notice is required by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.