Rheumatism is a general term that covers medical problems affecting the tendons, muscles, joints and bones. It also covers problems affecting internal organs like the lungs, kidneys and heart. Elderly and middle-aged people are most likely victims of rheumatism. Common types of rheumatism include fibrositis, bursitis, cervical spondylitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, ankylosing spondylitis, gout and osteoarthritis. Cold and wet conditions worsen a patient’s rheumatism problem.

Rheumatism and Arthritis

Rheumatism is frequently associated with arthritis or rheumatic fever. Previously, diseases like tendonitis, fibromyalgia, lupus, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis were called rheumatic diseases. However, recent research has shown that ailments like lupus which cause joint dysfunction are because of immune system disorders which attack organs, muscles and joints.

Rheumatism Term is Seldom Used Today

Certain types of non-articular rheumatism are caused by repetitive motion. One example is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which is caused by bad posture while typing. Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) is another type of non-articular rheumatism. This condition causes the mouth to get stuck when opening or closing. There may also be painful clicking and popping sounds when the jaws are moved. Of late, the term rheumatism is not used by medical professionals. This is because it is necessary to specifically name illnesses like TMJ or bursitis to improve treatment for each condition. Thus, the general term of rheumatism has been replaced with specific names, so that specific research can be done to discover more effective treatments.

Causes of Rheumatism

• Gall-bladder problems
• Tooth infections
• Tonsils
• Presence of toxins in the blood
• Hormonal imbalance
• Heredity factors
• Eating artificial foods
• Over-consumption of fatty foods
• Intake of foods with refined sugar
• Daily intake of de-mineralized starch and meat
• Over-consumption of acid-forming foods

Symptoms of Rheumatism

• Improper urination
• Coma
• Loss of sleep
• Pain in eyes
• Joint pain
• Body pain
• Stiff muscles
• Swelling
• Intense soreness
• Fever

Home Remedies for Rheumatism

• Drink two spoonfuls of raw potato juice before you take your meals.
• Eat and chew a few walnuts every day.
• Powder some celery seeds and add a teaspoon of it to hot water and drink it before meals.
• Mix a teaspoon of cod liver oil in orange juice and drink it before bedtime.
• Mix two teaspoons each of honey and apple cider vinegar in warm water and drink this concoction twice daily.
• Mix equal proportions of lemon juice and carrot juice and drink a spoonful of this mixture every day.
• Add a tablespoon of fresh limejuice to two tablespoons of water and have it twice daily.
• To cure rheumatism, crush the green stalk of rhubarb and add some sugar. Have a teaspoon of this mixture four times daily.
• Consume food items rich in vitamin C, magnesium and calcium to treat rheumatism.
• Mix some honey in bitter gourd juice and drink daily for a few months.
• Add a few drops of rosemary oil to a bucket full of warm water. Dip the painful part in this bucket to treat inflammation and pain.

Facts about Gout

• Gout affects about 840 people in 100,000. About 2.1 million Americans suffer from this ailment.
• It commonly impacts men when they are younger.
• Gout is linked to diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and obesity.
• But, there is nothing to worry about a gout attack, as modern medicine has found effective treatments.

Causes of Gout

The main cause is excess levels of uric acid in the patient’s body. Excess levels occur due to:

• Increased uric acid production in the body.
• If kidneys under-eliminate uric acid.
• Excess consumption of foods with purines which form uric acid inside the body.
• Beans, dried peas, seafood and certain meats contain high levels of purines. Alcohol can also raise the levels of uric acid and lead to gout.
• Excess uric acid levels lead to formation of deposits of monosodium urate crystals in the joints. Sometimes, it causes formation of kidney stones in the urinary tract.

Symptoms of Gout

• A single joint is impacted violently and suddenly.
• The joint becomes red, hot, swollen and painful which essentially means it has become inflamed.
• In some cases, gout affects multiple joints similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Most commonly, the big toe becomes painful, which is known as podagra.

Gout Treatment

• Since the 19th century, colchicine has been used to treat acute gout. But, it has side effects including diarrhea, vomiting and nausea. IV administration can reduce these side effects.
• Corticosteroids and NSAIDs are also used to treat gout. The most common NSAID used is indomethacin, but it needs to be monitored for toxicity. Avoid using aspirin during gout attacks.
• In severe cases, uric acid levels need to be normalized. Probenecid (Probalan, Benemid) aids the kidneys in eliminating uric acid, while allopurinol (Zyloprim, Aloprim) inhibits uric acid production in the body. The choice depends on uric acid amounts in urine.

Other Treatment Strategies for Gout

• Avoid foods rich in purines like gravies, bacon, shellfish, anchovies and organ meats. Do not increase consumption of dairy foods.
• Avoid alcohol as it raises urate production and inhibits excretion.
• Lose weight to lower blood urate levels.
• Avoid medications like diuretics that lead to increase in uric acid levels.

Home Remedies for Gout

• Apples are effective in controlling gout. Consume an apple after each meal.
• Lemon juice is a great home remedy for gout.
• Another one is the juice of French beans. Consume half a cup of French beans juice every day.
• Sour and sweet cherries are also useful. Eat about 20 cherries every day. Fresh cherries are preferable, but canned cherries work well too.
• Mix the juices of cucumber, beet and carrots to make a great home remedy for gout.
• Mix half a cup of charcoal powder in water to make a paste. Soak the affected foot in this charcoal mixture for about 30 minutes to get relief.

Psoriatic Arthritis Diet:

• The most important diet tip for psoriatic arthritis is to opt for a combination of foods such all varieties are included and also it ensures that you get the required proteins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and nutrients. The diet must include various fruits, vegetables, meat, grains and dairy products. You must take small meals after short intervals, rather than to have two huge meals. Eat vegetables of various colors that guarantee that you consumed various nutrients. Consume cold water fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, tuna and so on which are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids to control inflammation.
• You must maintain high energy levels such that you will not suffer from fatigue that happens commonly in people suffering from psoriatic arthritis. To maintain high energy levels, you must eat regularly. But, make sure that you are not overeating by doing this. Make a diet plan and follow it properly.
• Ensure that you do not eat foods that have high amounts of fats and cholesterol. You must consume salt and sugar in moderate amounts.
• Although, consuming dietary supplements is useful. Make sure that you don’t consume medicines and supplements that interact with food. You must limit red meat intake as it aggravates the pain. Stay away from crackers, chips, cookies and other processed foods.

Arnica

Alfalfa

Arnica

Cayenne Pepper

Ginger

Ginseng

Celery

Licorice

Pineapple

Turmeric

Sesame Seeds

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. Any body part may become inflamed from arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are the most common types of arthritis. There are numerous herbs which work effectively to cure chronic joint pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. Explore this article to know more about herbs for arthritis.

Alfalfa:

This is the most common remedy for arthritis. To obtain best results, drink herbal tea prepared from fresh alfalfa, rather than powder.

Arnica:

This is applied externally as a medication for arthritis for soothing inflammation and soreness. This is considered as the best herb for tissue damage, trauma and inflammation. This herb is used in homeopathic treatment too.

Black Cohosh:

This acts like as an antispasmodic to nerves, blood vessels and muscles, and as a muscle anti-inflammatory. The salicylic acid in this helps in reducing inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and neuralgia.

Cayenne Pepper:

This contains a chemical called capsaicin and another substance called salicylate which reduces pain. This herb gives relief from pain when applied topically or ingested. This is the most powerful herb for enhancing the blood circulation, both externally and internally.

Ginger:

For tackling the swelling which resulted from arthritis, drink ginger tea and also ginger compress. In order to treat osteoarthritis, ginger tea is a beneficial remedy.

Celery:

This is rich in minerals and consists of about 25 anti-inflammatory compounds. Cooked or raw celery seeds are very effective for treating rheumatism.

Ginseng:

Ginseng tea is a wonderful remedy to treat arthritis. People are advised to use American ginseng, as Asian ginseng actually aggravates arthritis pain.

Licorice:

This has crucial anti-allergic properties and anti-inflammatory properties that act like cortisone. Components of licorice bind glucocorticoid receptors on cells.

Pineapple:

It contains bromelain that avoids swelling and reduces inflammation. Bromelain aids in getting rid of immune antigen compounds which are implicated in arthritis conditions.

Turmeric:

Curcumin, yellow pigment in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. This is used for dealing with all problems effectively. It works wonderfully to reduce certain inflammations.

Sesame seeds:

During arthritis attacks, the human body needs more nutrition. As sesame seeds contain copper, this need is recuperated.

arthritis diet plan

and practicing mild exercises are good for prognosis.

Arthritis Diet Plan:

Medical professionals say that checking the diet plan and preventing certain foods help in the enhancement of the condition. The diet plan remains same for all arthritis types.

Arthritis diet plan

includes healthy foods that must be included in the diet and some foods which must be avoided by the arthritic patients.

Good Foods for Arthritis:

It is approved universally that pure vegetarian foods are good for arthritic patients. Psoriatic arthritis diet must include low energy food too. Following is the diet plan for various types of arthritis:

Berries

• Apples are the key fruits in the diet plan. They have anti-inflammatory properties and thus, reduces inflammation. Other anti-inflammatory foods include green tea, mushroom, turmeric and kelp.
• Fruits which are rich in vitamin C must be included in diet plan. Those fruits include mango, peaches, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, oranges, etc.
• Apart from fruits, vegetables play a vital role in arthritis. Arthritis patients must include cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, ginger, garlic, spinach, green beans, olives, leeks, etc. You must include plenty of greens in the diet.
• Some fishes are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are essential for reducing inflammation. Salmon, cod, tuna, whitefish, sardines and oysters are some of them.
• Cereals grains such as rye, oat, wheat, brown rice, etc must be a part of
  

  arthritis diet plan

  . As these foods are rich in dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates, these make good energy sources for people with arthritis.

• As every one know, spices and herbs contain active ingredients which combat negatively body responses. Cloves, parsley, oregano, mint, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, thyme and basil are some herbs.

Foods to Avoid:

Note the pro-inflammatory foods which trigger inflammation or aggravates the joint pains. Nutrition experts say that foods which are high in cholesterol levels and fatty foods worsen the pain. Considering this, foods which must be avoided by arthritis patients are mentioned below:

Citrus Fruits

• Avoid fast foods, processed foods and junk food products. These contain high amounts of oil and fatty ingredients, resulting in high calories.
• Dairy products an red meat consumption must be reduced. Although these contain minerals, vitamins and proteins, they are loaded with the saturated fats, that increase inflammation.
• Avoid food items which cause allergies, as they aggravate inflammation. Such foods include citrus fruits, processed dairy products, wheat, corn and food additives.
• Tea, alcohol, salt, refined wheat and coffee must also be avoided.

Natural Arthritis Remedies:

Following are some of the natural arthritis remedies:

• Honey and Lemon Juice:

  Combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of honey in a cup of warm water. Take this mixture twice a day to cure arthritis naturally.

• Turmeric Powder:

  In a glass of warm water, mix half a tablespoon of turmeric powder and drink it. This helps to treat arthritis naturally.

• Alfalfa:

  Drink alfalfa tea twice a day to cure arthritis.

• Bathua:

  Consumption of 2 tablespoons of fresh bathua juice every day on an empty stomach for about 2 – 3 months, gives relief from arthritic pains.

• Apple Cider Vinegar:

  Mix 2 tablespoons each of honey and apple cider vinegar in half a glass of warm water. Drink this mixture once or twice in a day to get relief from arthritis naturally.

• Cod Liver Oil:

  To the juice of an orange, add a tablespoon of cod liver oil. Whip and drink this mixture before retiring for the day.

• Olive oil:

  Mix 2 parts of olive oil and 1 part of kerosene. Apply this mixture on the arthritis afflicted areas to get relief from the pain. This is an excellent home made liniment to treat arthritis.

• Hot Bath:

  Exercise the affected joints in a tub with hot water.

• Walnut:

  Eat 2 – 3 walnuts or some coconut on an empty stomach.

• Guggulu:

  This is the most useful natural cure for arthritis. Consume ½ tablespoon of guggulu twice in a day after having meals along with warm water.

• Garlic:

  Consumption of 1 clove of garlic is very effective. Fry the clove in ghee or castor oil for 2 months.

• Avoid mental tensions such as grief, depression, stress, etc.
• Consumption of cucumber juice, carrot juice, vegetable soups, cooked vegetables and coconut water are very beneficial.

Effects of Lupus Arthritis

It causes swelling and pain in the joints, which may combine with warmth and tenderness. Morning stiffness is common with lupus arthritis. The joints may also collect fluid, causing pressure and more swelling. Though the effects are uncomfortable, it may not result in permanent deformity.

Features of Lupus Arthritis

Lupus arthritis never affects the spine and neck. The common affected areas include toes, feet, ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. The pattern of impact is symmetrical as joints on both sides of the body are affected.

Patients with lupus might also suffer from tendinitis, bursitis, bone necrosis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose what exactly is causing joint pain for effective treatment, as lupus arthritis may not be the main cause of joint pain in lupus patients.

Diagnosis of Lupus Arthritis

It is difficult to diagnose as most tests for this condition would show positive for any lupus patient. X-rays are usually normal and joint fluid tests would indicate just slight inflammation. The best diagnosis can be done by physical examination and by going through the history of symptoms.

Treatment for Lupus Arthritis

The same medications for treating lupus are used. A combination of NSAIDs, anti-malarials and corticosteroids is usually prescribed. Low-impact exercise such as water aerobics and swimming and physical therapy are recommended.

Arthritis rubs

are used for temporary pain relief. The rub is supposed to be massaged on the skin over the affected joint. The rub works by blocking the pain sensation. It also warms and then cools the skin. This distracts the painful sensation and gives relief to the patient.

What are Arthritis Rubs Made of?

These rubs are made of:

• Capsaicin

  – which is derived from plants

• Methylsalicates

  (derived from willow bark) in combination with menthol

Some of the rubs are also made from essential oils, emu oil, or other herbs. Although, there are many other preparations for the rub, those made with capsaicin or methylsalicates are considered the best.

How to Apply Arthritis Rubs?

The rub is to be applied topically over the affected joint. Here are a few tips:

• Apply a thin layer of the rub topically over the affected joint. Rub the area gently. After this, wash your hands. If you are applying the rub to your hands, wait for 30 minutes before washing.
• Do not apply more than 3 to 4 times a day.
• Do not apply it near the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, cuts, and bruised skin.
• Do not bandage or wrap the area tightly. Instead you can loosely cover the area.
• Avoid doing activities such as exercising, swimming immediately after the application. This is because the arthritis rub heats up the skin.

Irritation, redness and slight burning sensation are some of the side-effects of this medication. The arthritis can bring relief from pain and is simple to use.

Arthritis rubs

come in different strengths and combinations. So, consult your doctor and find out the rub which suits the best for you.

Virtually everything you do in life can require special effort when you have arthritis. Of course, if you have arthritis, you already know how it changes your life. And chances are, if you don’t have arthritis yourself, someone close to you does.

Approximately 350 million people all over the world are affected by arthritis. There are approximately 40 million people with arthritis in the United States alone. That means one in seven Americans has arthritis, and one in every three families is affected. Over a quarter million children are affected by arthritis! More than half of those with arthritis are under 65 years of age. Nearly 60 percent of the arthritis patients in America are women. More than 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Approximately 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Not only that, but 6 million Americans who have arthritis are not seeing a doctor for the condition, according to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. Many people see television ads for painkillers and attempt to treat the condition themselves.

The problem is this :

Arthritis can worsen if the only treatment a person is receiving is pain relief.

That’s why, if you have arthritis, it’s important to know what kind of arthritis it is and to be under a doctor’s care.

Osteoarthritis

, also known as degenerative joint disease is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is principally a disease of the cartilage. It most often strikes the weight-bearing joints,such as the hips, knees and spine. This form of arthritis frequently occurs in joints that have suffered previous injury or infection.

Doctors say that everyone who lives long enough will probably get some degree of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

, the next most common form of the disease, can strike anyone, at any age. Together, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis account for roughly two-thirds of all cases of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects primarily the synovial membrane, the thin layer of tissue that lines the joint capsule.

Rheumatoid arthritis may be serious, mild, or anywhere in between. It generally strikes in the toes, hands, elbows, jaw, hips, neck and shoulders. Unlike osteoarthritis, which may affect only one or two joints, rheumatoid arthritis often strikes many joints at the same time. Joint pain tends to flare up and subside, only to return again and again.

In addition to these two most common forms of arthritis, there are literally dozens more that can bring on similar pain and inflammation.

Systemic lupus erythematosus

, for example, affects about 100,000 Americans.

Gout

affects 1 in 100 Americans.

Juvenile arthritis

afflicts 50,000 children throughout the country. Additional thousands of Americans suffer from infectious arthritis, caused by bacteria invading the joints; bursitis and tendinitis, sometimes known as tennis elbow or housemaid’s knee; and many less common forms of arthritis, such as scleroderma and ankylosing spondylitis.