The Major Cause of Arthritis and How to Relieve It

By Norma Holt

The problems associated with arthritis can largely be avoided if people take more notice of prevention rather than seeking a cure. There is no relief if the joints affected are inflamed but what causes that condition is usually a health issue and diet is a big part of it. Women are often major sufferers because they provide the meals for their families. These usually include the very substances they need to avoid.

A healthy joint is one that moves freely with no restrictions. The bones glide over one another because of the articular cartilage that buffers the bony surface. This is lubricated by synovial fluid which is rather thick and is absorbed by the cartilage when the joint is at rest. When flexed into movement the fluid is squeezed out of it to again do its job.
The simplest way of explaining this is to think of a hinge that is oiled. If it rusts up one must replace the oil to free it again. But if it is corroded there is no way of fixing it.
Joints are hinges and when damaged, either by a break or a simple knock, they leak the synovial fluid out and it is replaced by substances that pass through the blood barrier. These include refined foods, such as ground flour, rice, or cornflour. Sugar also plays a part.

The beat way to preserve the joints is to protect them when playing sports and to seek immediate treatment for injuries. After that it is a case of good diet and constant awareness of what brings on arthritis and the food we need to avoid in order to prevent it. As with any medical condition there are always others causes and effects so there can be no guarantees.

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Specialist gadgets help arthritis sufferers retain independence

From barchester.com

Arthritis affects around ten million people in Britain today and is particularly prevalent in the elderly. As well as causing pain and discomfort, it can have a detrimental impact on the ability to live independently. Luckily, there are a number of gadgets on the market designed to help overcome the difficulties experienced by those living with the condition.

In a recent article for the Daily Mail, Dr Tom Margham, a GP and spokesman for Arthritis Research UK, looked at some of the products available. They can be used by those with osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition, caused by wear and tear or injury. The less common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, a result of the body’s own immune system attacking the joints. Many of these items are also useful for those with this form too.

The first of the items is called Sock-Aid and helps those with arthritis get their socks on and off. As well as the tube-like device, it comes with a stick for manoeuvring the equipment into the right position on the floor. The Sock-Aid could overcome the issues of flexibility, strength and range of movement that can be associated with arthritis, making getting dressed alone more achievable.

Simple actions, such as turning on the taps, can also be difficult to carry out for arthritis sufferers, but there’s a gadget to help. Tap turners can be placed over standard fixtures and provide a larger handle and turning circle, making the process so much easier and less painful. A pack of two comes in blue and red to make the different temperature taps distinguishable from each other.

Fancy a cup of tea? Then a two-handled teapot could be a good investment for a relative with arthritis. Developed in collaboration with the University of Stirling, a group of healthcare professionals and people with the condition, it is easier to grip, pour and keep steady. The wide handles help to prevent scalded knuckles and the weight is distributed between both hands.

Nobody should be forced to give up a beloved pastime due to arthritis and an easi-grip trowel could enable keen gardeners to enjoy the activity for longer. The handle is positioned at a right angle to the conventional trowel, which is much more comfortable for the hand and wrist. As light exercise, such as gardening, helps to promote strong muscles that can support joints, it’s a great activity to minimise the impact of the arthritis.

The ability to carry out simple tasks with the aid of a few gadgets, instead of a relative or carer, should not be underestimated. As well as the physical benefits of keeping joints moving, there are the mental implications too. Being able to dress themselves, prepare their own beverages and do other small household activities makes sufferers feel less reliant on other people and can therefore boost their self-esteem.

https://www.barchester.com/news/specialist-gadgets-help-arthritis-sufferers-retain-independence

6 unexpected ways arthritis can affect your eyes

From bt.com

You may not realise but the same inflammation that damages your joints can also harm your eyes. We found out what you need to know.

If you have arthritis, any change in vision should be addressed straight away and you should always have regular eye examinations to monitor your eye health. If you are at all concerned, visit your GP.

We spoke to Vision Direct to find out what to look out for and what to do to protect your vision:

1. Keratitis sicca or dry eye disease

Keratitis sicca, also known as dry eye disease, is any condition that decreases the level of moisture in your eyes.
This is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, women are nine times more likely to suffer from dry eyes than men.
The condition can leave your eyes feeling dry, or like there’s something in them, or with blurred vision.
To get relief from dry eyes you may be prescribed medications for arthritis, which will help with inflammation. Other solutions such as topical salves, artificial tears and also eye drops can help keep eyes moist.

2. Cataracts

A cataract occurs when inflammation of the eyeball causes the lens to become cloudy. The lens should usually be crystal clear.
This can cause cloudy or blurred vision, colours to seem faded and bad vision at night.
Cataracts are usually treated with surgery where the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.

3. Uveitis

Uveitis is caused by inflammation of the uvea, which is the vascular layer of the eye.
This inflammation can result in blurred vision, pain, sensitivity to light and redness.
If left untreated, it can result in vision loss.
Keeping arthritis inflammation under control with medication can help minimize the risk of this developing. However, if you notice any signs of uveitis, it’s important to speak to your doctor immediately.
Initially, you will probably be given a corticosteroid eye drop. If this isn’t enough then you might be prescribed an oral corticosteroid or the eye injected with a corticosteroid. An antibiotic may also be needed in the case of infection.

4. Scleritis

This is inflammation of the sclera - the white part of your eye.
Any inflammatory arthritis conditions can cause it to thin. Look out for redness that won’t go away even with eye drops, pain, sensitivity to light and reduced vision as these can all be indicators of scleritis.
To treat it, special prescribed eye drops can often be used to control inflammation.
However, the issue may be too deep within the eye to control topically. This is often a sign that levels of arthritis inflammation are out of control within the body and it’s important to visit your doctor and keep it in check with medication.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve, which results in vision loss. Usually this is caused by high pressure within the eye, often caused by inflammation of the valve that regulates this pressure.
In the early stages, glaucoma presents no symptoms.
If you do develop symptoms these can include eye pain, blurred vision, blank spots and rainbow-colored halos near lights.
Going for regular eye tests can help you identify glaucoma early.
Treatment usually involves eye drops to help reduce the level of pressure in the eye. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary to help lower the level of pressure.

6. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis happens when there is inflammation or an infection of the lining of your eyelids and the white of your eyes.
This is often a symptom of reactive arthritis and about half of people with reactive arthritis develop conjunctivitis according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
If you have redness in the white of the eye or inner lid, increased amount of tears, yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes (especially after sleep) or itchy or burning eyes, it could be conjunctivitis.
It’s typically treated by using chloramphenicol eye drops which are available to buy over the counter – though you should consult a doctor should symptoms persist.
In more severe cases, chloramphenicol and fusidic acid antibiotics may be prescribed.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/health-concerns/6-unexpected-ways-arthritis-can-affect-your-eyes-and-what-to-do-about-it-11364193314370