Five Silent Signs Of Arthritis You Should Stop Ignoring

From 360nobs.com

Have you noticed a few annoying aches and pains in your joints but you generally dismiss them. Watch it! They could be signs of age—or arthritis symptoms. Here’s how to tell the difference.

Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and grinding joints are all classic arthritis symptoms. However, there are some silent early signs that may initially appear insignificant, but in truth indicate the onset of arthritis.
The first step is understanding the difference between the two main types of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a concern for all ages. This autoimmune disease triggers inflammation that attacks the joints, triggering swelling, tenderness, pain, and limited mobility. RA can also target organs.
Osteoarthritis (OA) on the other hand, has similar symptoms to RA like stiffness and joint pain, but it’s brought on by wear and tear on the joints. OA generally only develops later in life, and the symptoms are limited to the joints.

Fatigue
Fatigue is usually one of the first symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis. It can begin weeks or months before other symptoms appear, and is often accompanied by “not feeling right” or mild depression.
Sometimes this is just a reaction to the raised inflammation levels in your body, but occasionally it could indicate an underlying problem associated with RA.

Low-grade fever
If you have a persistent low-grade fever, accompanied by some of the other early symptoms of RA, this might indicate the beginnings of the disease. It’s usually not high or spiking fevers, but you may feel a bit warm. Unexplained fever, especially if it persists, is a reason to seek medical attention.

Poor Appetite and Weight Loss
Having uncontrolled inflammation can suppress your appetite. Weight loss is usually not very drastic, but patients may notice that they don’t have quite the appetite for food and thus start losing weight. There’s another reason that early RA might result in losing some weight. Because the inflammation in your body increases your metabolic rate, you burn calories more easily.

Dry Eyes and Mouth
Problems with the eyes are a common side effect of RA, and the symptoms may show before the classic arthritis symptoms kick in. RA can cause the surface of the eye to become inflamed (episcleritis). Usually, it’s just a mild redness and irritation at first.
Another eye symptom of RA can be a reduced tear fluid—called Sjögren’s Syndrome. People will notice that have a gritty sensation in the eye, or feel like there’s some dust stuck in it. They’re not producing as much tear fluid.

Stiffness
Many people with RA experience morning stiffness. When they wake up in the morning they feel like they can’t move and naturally think this is part of growing old. Lack of movement causes the joint to seize up; stiffness can also happen after napping or sitting.

https://www.360nobs.com/2018/11/five-silent-signs-of-arthritis-you-should-stop-ignoring/

12 Essential Oils for Arthritis Pain

From care2.com
By: Michelle Schoffro Cook

Arthritis pain can have a profound effect on a person’s quality of life, affecting the ability to fall and stay asleep, having a slow start in the morning and the ability to complete everyday tasks. Fortunately, essential oils can help. Here are my top picks for essential oils to address arthritis pain:

Black pepper oil (Piper nigrum)

Black pepper essential oil is a powerful oil that has warming properties when diluted and applied to arthritic joints. Its natural analgesic compounds immediately start working to reduce pain levels. Use diluted in small amounts topically for healing joint pain.

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)

The oil of the camphor tree has been used for centuries as a traditional remedy against pain and inflammation. It has been found to have antiseptic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and anti-infective properties, all of which make it an excellent choice in the treatment of arthritis pain. Most over-the-counter pain-relieving products that contain camphor usually contain a synthetic version that does not have the therapeutic properties of real camphor and are best avoided altogether. Because it is a potent oil, always dilute camphor and conduct a 48-hour skin patch test.

Clove oil (Eugenia carophyllata, Eugenia aromatic or Syzygium aromaticum)

Great for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, clove oil is a potent anti-pain oil. As a result, it should be used sparingly and heavily diluted. Avoid use if you have extremely sensitive skin.

Copaiba (Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea, or langsdorffi)

This little-known rainforest tree produces one of the best pain relievers I’ve ever come across, particularly when it is in essential oil form. It contains cannabinoids that are similar to those in marijuana but do not have any mind-altering effects. Some varieties on the marketplace are minimally effective so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a high-quality brand. Also, most companies cut the trees down to extract the oil when that is entirely unnecessary and a tragedy for the rainforests and planet as a whole. Choose a copaiba product that is harvested by tapping the trees similarly to how maple trees are tapped.

Ginger oil (Zingiber officinalis)

As an essential oil applied topically to the skin, ginger stimulates circulation in the joints, alleviates stiffness, warms the joints and helps reduce pain levels. Do not use if you have highly sensitive skin.

Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia or Lavandula officinalis)

While lavender can help with joint stiffness, it really shines when pain is keeping you up at night. You can apply it directly to the joints or diffuse into the air for up to an hour before bed to help relax your nervous system and help you sleep. Avoid use during pregnancy particularly if you have a history of miscarriage.

Lemongrass oil (Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Lemongrass helps tone the connective tissues and can be helpful when the tendons no longer hold the joints with precision, which can cause excessive friction and arthritis pain. Be sure to conduct a skin test first as this oil can irritate those with highly sensitive skin.

Marjoram oil (Origanum majorana or Majorana hortensis)

Applied to affected joints, marjoram helps to cleanse the joints of the by-products of inflammation. Avoid use during pregnancy or if you suffer from epilepsy.

Peppermint oil (Mentha piperita)

A powerful anti-inflammatory with natural anagesic properties, peppermint is a great addition to the natural healing toolkit of arthritis sufferers. Unlike most oils, it can be used “neat” which means undiluted. You won’t need much—just a drop or two applied to the affected joints will leave a cooling sensation that helps alleviate pain. Wash hands immediately after applying and avoid eye contact.

Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Not just good for cooking, the oil extracted from the herb, rosemary, has anti-pain properties, is a relaxant and is useful for joint pain. It also calms the nervous system, which is the route by which pain signals travel to and from the brain. Relaxing the nervous system is an important process to improve pain both in the short- and long-term. Regular use of rosemary oil on the affected joints but also through inhalation can be helpful for arthritis sufferers. Avoid during pregnancy and if you suffer from epilepsy.

Tansy oil (Tanacetum annum)

This naturally blue essential oil contains the active component thujone which is toxic when ingested but has potent anti-pain properties for topical use.

Wintergreen oil (Gaultheria procumbens)

Wintergreen is an excellent oil to alleviate pain due to its methyl salicylate content, which is similar in composition to aspirin. Few plants contain this potent analgesic compound.
Essential oils are best diluted for topical use. Dilute 2 drops in about 1 teaspoon of carrier oil like apricot kernel, almond or coconut. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to conduct a 48-hour skin test first after heavily diluting the essential oils. Don’t skimp on price. Most of the cheap oils on the market contain cheap, and sometimes toxic, ingredients. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to essential oils. You don’t need all of them. I generally pick a few and blend with carrier oil as a natural liniment for arthritis.

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/12-essential-oils-for-arthritis-pain.html

Arthritis: Five tips to protect joints and relieve arthritis pain

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS can be worsened by not looking after the joints properly, so it’s important to protect them in order to control the condition and alleviate pain. Follow these five tips.

Arthritis affects more than 10 million people in the UK. The condition is lifelong and causes pain, inflammation and stiffness of certain joints.
Looking after the joints can help control arthritis and prevent pain when using them, so it’s important to take measures to protect them.
“The way you use your joints can increase the aches, pain and strain that you feel and, over time, it can increase any deformity. This is why you should take notice of pain,” said Versus Arthritis.

Avoid gripping things tightly
Gripping objects tightly, such as a pen when writing or screwdriver when doing DIY, puts strain on the knuckles and thumb joints, which can increase pain and cause further joint damage.
To reduce the strain, take breaks frequently and rest your hands, try to relax your grip, and use padding on the object you are using to make the grip larger.

                               Avoid gripping too hard when writing (Image: Getty Images)

Spread the load
When carrying heavy items, spread the load over several joints by using two hands and keeping as much of your hands as possible in contact with the object.
Avoid gripping with your thumbs as this will put strain on the thumb joints. Try to keep the thumbs as relaxed as possible so as to prevent further damage.

Use stronger joints
Depending on which joints are affected by arthritis, you could try using other joints to do certain tasks in order to reduce the burden on the weaker joints.
For example, if you have arthritis in the hands, use your hip or shoulder to close a drawer or door instead.
When carrying large objects, hug them close to your body, and carry bags on your forearms instead of shoulders if you have shoulder pain.

Use splints and supports
Splints can help ease strain and pain in the joints. Working splints, for example, such as elastic wrist and thumb splints, provide more flexible support to help reduce pain while working.
Resting splints, which consist of custom-made cradles with straps to hold them in place, can help if you have pain at night which affects your sleep.
Compression gloves can also be helpful in reducing pain and swelling, and are easier to wear than splints.
Use less effort
Try using ‘labour-saving gadgets’ like vegetable peelers with chunky non-slip handles and electric can openers, to take excess pressure of the joints in the hands.
When moving heavy items, use a trolley or wheelbarrow to shift them instead of lifting and carrying them.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1046256/arthritis-rheumatoid-versus-arthritis-pain-protect-joints

Arthritis: Five of the best vegetables to prevent arthritis pain and symptoms

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS causes pain and inflammation which can be stressful to live with. While there is no direct cure, certain foods can help ease painful swelling, such as these five vegetables.

Arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK.
It’s a lifelong condition, which can worsen during periods of flare-ups.
There is no direct cure for the condition, but eating a diet full of foods with inflammatory properties can help ease symptoms.

“When you have arthritis, the produce section is one of the most important stops you can make in the grocery store,” said the Arthritis Foundation.

“Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that protect against cell damage and lower inflammation throughout the body, including in your joints.”
Here are five of the best vegetables for treating arthritis, recommended by the Arthritis Foundation.

Dark green leafy veg
Green, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts and kale are rich in vitamins A, C, and K - antioxidants which protect against cell damage.
They are also high in calcium, which helps keep bones strong, while some contain a compound called sulforaphane, which blocks inflammation.

                  Dark green leafy vegetables are rich in vitamins and calcium (Image: Getty Images)

Red and orange vegetables
Sweet potatoes, carrots, red peppers and squash get their bright colours from carotenoids like beta-cryptoxanthin, and also contain antioxidants.
Beta-cryptoxanthin has been shown to reduce the risk of some inflammatory conditions in some studies.

                  Red and orange vegetables are full of antioxidants (Image: Getty Images)

Peppers
Peppers are rich in vitamin C, which protects bones and may protect cells in cartilage.

Onions, garlic, leeks and shallots
These vegetables are rich in a type of antioxidant called quercetin, which has a potential ability to relieve inflammation.
They also contain a compound called diallyl disulphine, which may reduce the enzymes that damage cartilage.

Olives
Olives and olive oil are potent inflammation fighters.
Extra-virgin olive oil contains the compound oleocanthal, an anti-inflammatory agent that has properties similar to ibuprofen.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1042586/arthritis-pain-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-knee-vegetables

4 Strategies For Addressing Arthritis Pain

From axcessnews.com

Arthritis is a common health complaint that causes inflammation of joints throughout the body, and that comes in over 100 different forms. When we talk about arthritis, however, most people are talking about osteoarthritis, a form of the disease related to general wear and tear and common in older adults. But what can be done to manage the symptoms? In many cases, arthritis – not just osteoarthritis, but also many of the other variations – can be managed through basic lifestyle changes.
If you’re struggling with arthritis pain, begin with these four simple steps. Not only can they help reduce your discomfort, but they also form the foundation for overall wellness.

Mind Your Weight

One of the most common causes of osteoarthritis, specifically in the knees, is being overweight. Carrying too much weight puts strain on the joints, wearing down the cartilage and causing the bones to rub together. In order to minimize the pain associated with movement, it’s important to manage your weight carefully. Eating a healthy diet and beginning a gentle exercise routine can help you bring down your weight, reduce your pain, and improve your mobility. And once your weight is stabilized, it’s important to maintain these healthy habits.
What should you do if arthritis makes it difficult for you to exercise? Low impact activities like swimming can be a good alternative to walking or biking. However, if the pain makes it difficult for you to perform daily activities like climbing stairs or crossing a parking lot, you might also consider regenerative therapy using stem cells to boost joint healing. Stem cell therapy can help the body rebuild damaged cartilage and get you back on your feet.

Vary The Temperature

If you’ve ever sprained your ankle or pulled a muscle, you’ve likely used a heating pad or cold pack to reduce the pain and inflammation. The same practice is also useful when dealing with arthritis pain. Applying heat to the joint increases blood flow to the area, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, and aiding in healing. On the other hand, when inflammation is at its peak, cold therapy can pull blood away from the area, minimizing swelling and numbing the pain.

Be Smart With Supplements

Many arthritis patients rely on over the counter pain relievers to manage inflammation and discomfort, but there are also natural solutions to these issues that can be easier on the body. Consider adding supplements to your diet, such as turmeric, which has been shown to block inflammatory enzymes, and fish oil, which are converted by the body into resolvins, a chemical with anti-inflammatory properties. Those with rheumatoid arthritis can also benefit from immune boosting Cat’s Claw, gamma-linolenic acid supplements, and ginger.

Manage Your Mental Health

Living with daily pain can be hard on your mental health, causing depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping, yet few arthritis patients consider how pain and mood are related. Recently, though, research has shown that attending to the mental health aspects of pain can actually ease the symptoms. With this in mind, arthritis patients should consider practising meditation or other mindfulness activities that can reduce stress and quell anxiety. It’s also important to build a support system and to stay involved with friends and hobbies, as maintaining a sense of normalcy can help lift your mood and minimize your arthritis symptoms.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly 50% of adults over age 65 have been diagnosed with arthritis, so knowing how to manage this disease should be a top priority. Luckily, by practicing healthy habits beginning early in life, including managing your weight and eating a nutritious, balanced diet, you can minimize your risk of developing arthritis later in life. Though not all forms of arthritis are preventable, most are manageable with lifestyle changes. The key is to support your joints so that they’ll keep supporting you well into old age.

https://axcessnews.com/national/health/4-strategies-for-addressing-arthritis-pain_7536/