More than fifty million Americans suffer from one of more than 100 forms of arthritis. This is a valid question. More than twenty million people are suffering from severe arthritis symptoms. They need to be seen by a doctor. The term arthritis literally means inflammation of the joints. It can be caused by four things: injury, genetics, infection or normal wear and tear. One form of arthritis is associated with the presence of sexually transmitted diseases or infections. Multiple forms of arthritis can cause pain, inflammation, swelling and redness. Other forms of arthritis include juvenile rheumatoid, bursitis and systemic infectious. What Holistic Treatments Can Be Used To Treat Arthritis Alternative treatments such as massage therapy and ancient Chinese Chinese acupuncture can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.
Complementary Treatment
Many complementary treatments have appeared over the years in an attempt to provide an answer for arthritis.
- Accupressure: Accupressure can improve blood circulation for arthritis sufferers.
- Acupuncture: Each area that is suffering from pain has an associated acupuncture pressure point. Acupuncture can be used to treat acute arthritis. A few treatments may be required for chronic sufferers.
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy can help relieve pain and aid the body in healing itself. Aromatherapy oils include oils such as rosemary, lavender and ginger, juniper and chamomile, as well as oils such eucalyptus. You can use therapy oils in many ways, including adding them to bath water, using them as a perfume, inhaling vapors, and mixing them for a full-body massage.
- Bodywork: This holistic treatment for arthritis is used to restore a more natural posture. Bodywork is a rigorous program of massage and movement reeducation that aims to restore some of the physical limitations caused by arthritis. Bodywork is also known for its compassionate massaging. This is a compliment that can help patients with arthritis to boost their self-confidence.
- Juice Therapy: Mom always told you to finish your orange juice. Many fruits that are high in beta-carotene can provide pain relief for people with arthritis. Black cherry juice is a great choice to relieve arthritis pain.
Arthritis Costs
About one in five Americans has arthritis. This is 46 million people. These numbers will rise dramatically as the population ages. Arthritis is more common in older adults, but it can also affect children and young adults. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. It affects 19 million Americans every day. Early treatment of arthritis can reduce the risk of complications and delay expensive procedures such as joint replacements. About one third of adults with arthritis diagnosed by a doctor report that they have a work limitation due to arthritis. Many people with arthritis are not able to access self-management education programs that have been proven to reduce pain and disability.
In 2003 dollars, arthritis costs $81 billion annually in medical expenses and $47 billion in lost earnings. Arthritis accounts for approximately 750,000 hospitalizations each year and 36 million outpatient visits each year. As the U.S. population gets older, arthritis-related costs will likely rise. People with arthritis can be more productive, healthier, and happier if they are diagnosed early. A study found that the Arthritis Self Help Course can save more than $2.5 Million over four years when implemented by just 10,000 arthritis patients.
Healthy Weight
Healthy weight reduces the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knees. It also slows down the progression of the disease in those already diagnosed. This can help to delay costly knee replacement surgery. Moderate exercise can reduce arthritis stiffness and pain, and it can also improve mental health. Stanford University’s Arthritis Self-Help Course is a 6-week course that helps people manage their arthritis and reduce its effects. One study found that arthritis pain was reduced by 20% and that the cost of visits to the doctor was reduced by 40% for those who took the course. Courses are not available in all parts of the United States.
The Arthritis Self-Help Course, along with programs such as the Chronic disease Self-Management Program, can be made a routine part in health care for people suffering from arthritis. This will help to reduce arthritis-related pain and health-care costs. Many people are turning to tart cherry juice concentrate as a natural treatment for arthritis. According to research published by Michigan State University, Montmorency tart cherries, which are Michigan-grown, offer the same anti-inflammatory benefits as OTC products. Research shows that Montmorency cherry juice may contain anti-inflammatory compounds 10 times more powerful than aspirin. The tart cherry is a natural treatment for arthritis and is quickly becoming the first choice of pain sufferers.
Uric Acid
High levels of uric acid can indicate severe gout. Learn how high levels of uric acids can be found in your blood and urine, and how they can lead you to gout or kidney stones. Learn about natural and drug-based treatments for high levels of uric acid. High levels of uric acid in your blood or urine don’t always present symptoms. The first sign is usually when high levels cause painful symptoms such as gout or kidney stones. How can high levels of acid lead to gout or kidney stones? Uric acid is a natural side effect of the breakdown natural chemical compounds called “purines”, which are found in our bodies and in our foods.
Because they are essential for our energy and protein needs, purines are vital. Your kidneys remove excess acid from your system through your bladder and urine. A small amount of the acid is excreted in your stool. If too much acid is being produced, or your kidneys are unable to process it efficiently enough, the excess acid will remain in your bloodstream and cannot be expelled. It will then circulate around your body. This excess can build up in your joints and other tissues as needle-like crystals.
Gout
Gout is characterized by swelling, inflammation, and unbearable pain. Painful kidney stones can also be caused by high levels of uric acids. Your kidneys work by removing uric acid from your bloodstream and expelling it via your bladder. High levels of uric acid in the urine or bloodstream can indicate that your body has higher than normal levels. However, your kidneys work fine. Your body is producing more uric acid than usual and your kidneys are not able to cope.