There is an array of prescribed arthritis medications which doctors can provide to treat rheumatoid arthritis. While these arthritis medications may not provide a cure for, they can bring pain relief, alleviate symptoms, and even slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce pain and assist with inflammation. These drugs may be used as an arthritis medicine and can be purchased over the counter and via. (Most everyone is familiar with aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium.) The only negative issue with these arthritis medications is they can lead to stomach problems, such as indigestion and bleeding. They can also raise blood pressure in a person and make them prone to fluid retention.

COX-2 inhibitors are a kind of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which result in less issues with the stomach. This class of arthritis medication works by suppressing an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which is involved in inflammation. However, fluid retention and raised blood pressure are side effects of COX-2 inhibitors. Reports are also coming in that those who take this class of drug may be at higher risk of a stroke or heart attack.

Corticosteroids are arthritis medications which are able to lessen pain and reduce inflammation. They can also slow down the damage to joints brought on by rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, many arthritis patients who take corticosteroids have claimed that they feel substantially improved. However, after a period of time the effectiveness of corticosteroids may wear off. There is also the possibility of suffering significant side effects such as diabetes, weight gain, and decreased bone density, after continued use of corticosteroids.

It is crucial to see a doctor at the earliest signs of rheumatoid arthritis. While modern medicine has not been able to provide a cure for arthritis, they are making strides in pain relief and reducing the pace of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Immunosuppressants can be used as an arthritis medication to help control the immune system. Without such treatment, the immune system in rheumatoid arthritis patients is out of balance and it is not in control. TNF blockers are sometimes given in tandem with an immunosuppressant. TNF blockers serve to block the protein which inflames the joints. People who use TNF blockers have reported that pain was lower and stiffness alleviated.

Those diagnosed promptly with rheumatoid arthritis can be prescribed arthritis medications referred to as disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis. So, if the arthritis is caught early, a good deal of damage to the joints can be avoided.

Nutrition: Eleven Superfoods You Ought To Know About

There’s a lot more to foods than just the nutrition they contain. Some can act as medicines, helping to tame inflammation in the body, or protect cells from DNA damage. Others can act as aphrodisiacs (see number 2 below). Still others can protect your memory. Superfoods are “super” precisely because they offer more benefits than what you can find on the “nutrition facts” label. Every one on this list qualifies!1.BlueberriesThese amazing berries are on anyone’s list of superfoods. Recent research shows that they’re brain food– feeding blueberries to rats actually slows their age-related mental decline. Blueberries contain pterostilbene, a plant compound recently shown to have cholesterol-lowering properties. Their ORAC value (antioxidant rating) is the highest of any fruit. And blueberries are rich in fiber. Tip: try them frozen. They taste like sherbet!2.MacaBased on a long history of traditional use in Peru, maca has recently become known as a “natural Viagra”, and is popular as an aphrodisiac, and for increasing fertility and stamina. (I talked about it in my book ‘The Most Effective Natural Cures on Earth” as part of a natural treatment for restoring sexual potency.) But maca’s also a superfood from a nutrition point of view. It’s an important staple for the Andean Indians, has been around since 3800 BC and is rich in sugars, protein, starches and essential minerals, especially iron and iodine. You can buy it as a supplement, or, even better, as a powder which you can add to shakes. 3.CherriesCherries are absolutely loaded with anti-inflammatory, antiaging, anticancer compounds that don’t show up on your average nutrition facts label. These include quercetin, a member of the flavonoid family which has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Cherries also contain anthocyanains which act like natural COX-2 inhibitors, reducing pain and inflammation. That’s one reason why they’re so great for gout. My favorite “healthy” desert- frozen cherries mixed with full fat yogurt. Tastes like Cherry Garcia only way better for you.4.GuavaAmong the superfoods of the world, guava is a sleeper. With a taste that’s been described as “part strawberry part pear”, one low-calorie cup of this vitamin rich fruit contains a whopping 8 grams of fiber. And in one widely used nutrition lab test for antioxidant power, guava scored second only to blueberries, and right behind kale. Guava also contains cancer fighting lycopene.5.KaleKale is a member of the brassica family, vegetable royalty that boasts cabbage and broccoli among it’s relatives. It’s simply loaded with nutrition. It’s rich in potent cancer fighting substances called indoles, and loaded with bone-building vitamin K. Kale also contains sulforaphane, a powerful nutrient that helps the liver detoxify carcinogens and other toxins. Kale has the highest antioxidant rating of any vegetable and is ridiculously low in calories. Try it tossed with olive oil, a few dried cranberries and some pine nuts.6.SardinesThese are the best kept nutrition secret in the world when it comes to health foods and the secret weapon of travelers looking for a cheap, portable, easily available source of protein. Sardines are rich in omega-3 fats, and one of the least contaminated of any seafood since it’s so low on the food chain. Eat them out of the can or throw them on some salad.7.Coconut oilThis superb oil has been long neglected as a healthy oil because it contains saturated fat. But not to worry: the saturated fat in coconut is a very healthy kind called MCT (medium chain triglyecerides) which is easily burned by the body for energy. Coconut oil also contains lauric acid, a natural anti-viral and anti-microbal. And today’s excellent virgin coconut oil- unlike the inferior products of a few decades ago- doesn’t contain trans fats. Note to skeptics: The Puka Puka islanders consumed 80 % of their diet from coconut products and had virtually no heart disease.8.Green teaHere’s a superstar beverage if there ever was one. Green tea helps with weight loss and helps fight against cancer. It contains EGCG, a catechin (plant compound) which stimulates metabolism and has anti-cancer properties to boot. Green tea also contains theanine, a natural relaxant which helps explain why the caffeine in green tea doesn’t make you nearly as jittery as coffee.9.FlaxseedsFlaxseed oil is one of the only plant sources of omega-3 fats, but the flaxseeds themselves provide the added nutrition benefit of fiber along with the omega-3’s. Flaxseeds can be thrown on salads, tossed into smoothies, or sprinkled on vegetables. They also contain lignans, a group of plant nutrtients that have been studied by the National Cancer Institute for their cancer preventive properties.10.EggsThe protein source against which all others are judged. And for goodness sake, stop with the egg white omlettes. The yolk is loaded with good stuff! Half of the measly 4.5 grams of fat are actually monounsaturated fat, the same heart-healthy fat that’s in olive oil. The yolks are also one of the best sources of lutein, the superstar of eye nutrition. Plus they contain choline, which helps support brain function and help keep harmful homocysteine levels down. Look for the new designer eggs with increased omega-3 content.11.Pomegranate juice If you’re wondering if all the hype about pomegranate juice is for real, stop wondering: it is. Animal studies suggest that pomegranate juice combats artherogenesis (hardening of the arteries) as well as other cardiovascular diseases such as strokes and heart attacks. It’s rich in antioxidants and has a higher amount of polyphenols- heart healthy plant compounds– than even red wine. Look for the pure pomegranate juice (not the watered down cocktail). You can always dilute it with water or mix it with other juices.In the long run, the rules for healthy eating are a lot simpler than you might think: Eat food that your ancestors could have hunted, fished for, gathered or plucked. If it’s food your grandmother would have recognized as food, it’s probably good for you. And if it doesn’t have a bar code, so much the better.

Reduce Muscle Pain and Inflammation With Natural Flexibility Formulas

At some point, everyone has or will experience muscle pain and inflammation as a result of overuse and exertion. Whether it is the cause of a softball game, weekend camping trip, or a chore-intensive day, our body lets us know that weve overdone it. Fortunately, there are formulas out there that contain clinically studied ingredients that provide a natural solution. These products, which are designed to reduce pain and inflammation as a result of overuse, contain clinically studied ingredients that have been shown to help balance the bodys own inflammatory response.

Inflammation is an essential part of your bodys healing process. After some form of physical stress affects the body, the immune system responds by sending defensive compounds to the site that was affected. This causes fluid build-up, pain, and redness, the symptoms we typically associate with inflammation. Until the situation is resolved, these symptoms will stick around. Although it may not seem good, without the pain and inflammation that we experience, wed end up doing more damage to our bodies. Therefore, pain and inflammation are actually effective stop signs. If our bodies are continuously faced with factors that trigger inflammation, the symptoms will always be around, meaning unnecessary pain and inflammation following overuse and exertion.

These natural products provide our body with triple-action activity against the occasional pain and inflammation. They contain powerful antioxidant free-radical scavengers, bromelain, and natural COX-2 inhibitors. Cyclooxygenase is an enzyme that comes in two main types: COX-1 and COX-2. These enzymes regulate the compounds involved with inflammation. COX-1, found throughout the body, maintains the integrity of the stomach lining, circulation, and kidneys. On the other hand, COX-2 is located throughout the central nervous system and is attuned to the brains sense of what hurts. When it is primarily activated by inflammatory stress, COX-2 generates prostaglandins, which are the hormone-like defensive compounds that cause the responses associated with pain and inflammation due to overuse. By decreasing COX-2 activity, the inflammation cascade that follows the occasional overuse will be short-circuited. Since COX-1 is associated with a healthy stomach lining, you do not want to inhibit this enzyme. Unfortunately, many products dont know the difference between COX-1 and COX-2, inhibiting both in one. However, ingredients in a good flexibility formula can tell them apart. One of these ingredients is IsoOxygene. IsoOxygene, a patented hops extract, is shown to significantly inhibit COX-2, while leaving COX-1 alone. It is also twenty times more potent as a COX-2 inhibitor than other tested products, such as curcumin and grape seed.

Overall, the body has a pretty good repair system. However, stress due to free radical damage can take its toll, especially during times of occasional physical stress. Free radicals are hungry, unstable molecules in search of electrons, free radicals and reactive oxygen species can damage cells. They attack other cells in order to find them, causing the other cells to become free radicals themselves. This sets off a chain reaction of oxidative stress. Free radicals, which are formed during the bodys normal functions, can have benefits such as neutralizing viruses and bacteria. When doing this, they damage the bodys own antioxidant defenses as well. Free radicals typically become active during times of inflammation due to overuse or other stress. Thanks to the herbal antioxidant elements in a good flexibility formula, the bodys own natural inflammatory defenses can be supported. Vitamin C, for example, has been scientifically studied for its beneficial effects on muscle, collagen, and connective tissue health, which helps hold us together, literally. Green tea has been well studied for the benefits of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), also known as a polyphenol. EGCG works as an overall antioxidant by scavenging free radicals and supporting healthy collagen. One study showed that green tea supported collagen health by 50%. The green tea extract included in flexibility formulas usually containing about 70% polyphenols, with half of them being from EGCG. Green tea when combined with elderberry and ginger in formulas can help prevent oxidative stress on the body. Anthocyanins, which are found in berries and vegetables, helps keep the body in optimum health, especially during times of physical stress. Black elderberry extract, which is included in most flexibility formulas, is shown to be more readily used by the body than the natural bioflavonoids of other plants. Ginger, which has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine, provides strong, natural antioxidant activity. A recent scientific study found that there are more than 50 separate antioxidants in ginger root. According to several scientific studies, rutin is the most effective antioxidant in reducing the inflammation cascade. Boswellia, a tree found growing in the dry, hilly regions of India, have been used in Ayurvedic practices for centuries. It also has antioxidant properties, which help reduce free radical damage. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), another antioxidant ingredient in good natural formulas, helps the body produce more of its own antioxidants. Research has shown that NAC inhibited occasional pain and inflation due to overuse and fatigue by twenty-six percent as compared to other controls. It has also been shown to act as an antioxidant and support healthy collagen and synovial fluid in joints. One ingredient you always want to find in a good flexibility formulas is bromelain, which is derived from pineapple. This provides an enzymatic pathway and has shown benefits in reducing pain and inflammation from occasional overuse. Together, these ingredients provide COX-2 inhibition (and COX-1 sparing), antioxidant benefits, and enzyme support. They work with the bodys own natural anti-inflammatory pathways to relieve pain and reduce inflammation due to occasional overuse.

Along with a flexibility supplement, another product that is beneficial to try is a glucosamine sulfate supplement, which has been shown to help build and support cartilage. Glucosamine is found in the bodys connective tissue and cartilage. Supplemental glucosamine sulfate is up to 98% absorbable, letting more glucosamine reach the target structures. It is currently being clinically studied by scientists on its effect in building cartilage as well. You can find many pain and inflammation formulas at your local or internet health food store.

One of the most common afflictions of the baby boomer generation is osteoarthritis of the knee (OAK). Up to 20 million Americans may suffer from this condition.

OAK develops as a result of degradation of the articular cartilage. Articular cartilage is the smooth lining or gristle that covers the ends of the leg bones where they meet to form the knee joint. The cartilage provides a smooth surface for the joint to move and also functions to cushion the knee with impact.

The layer of bone underlying the articular cartilage is called subchondral bone.

Osteoarthritis is a complex process that involves both inflammatory as well as mechanical factors. Initial joint inflammation leads to chemical changes within the cartilage that leads to premature wearing away. When the articular cartilage wears away, the bone underneath is uncovered and rubs against bone. Small bone spurs or osteophytes may form in the joint as a result of mechanical factors.

The primary symptoms of OAK include pain, stiffness, and swelling. Patients may complain of stiffness in the knees with prolonged sitting. They may also experience pain in the knees at night. Occasionally clicking or short term locking may occur.

So what treatments are available now and what is going to be available in the future?

Unfortunately, at the present, most of our treatments currently are aimed at symptom control because we do not yet have therapies that reliably and convincingly slow down or reverse cartilage deterioration.

Physicians may prescribe medicine to help control. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a mild analgesic (pain reliever) with few side effects if the drug is not taken on a chronic basis. Some people may also get relief of pain with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Other anti-inflammatory medicines such as COX-2 inhibitors don’t cause as much stomach upset and other intestinal problems like standard anti-inflammatory drugs do. Insurance companies, though, are reluctant to pay for these since they are more expensive than standard anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medical studies have shown that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can also help people with knee OA. These supplements seem to have nearly the same benefits as anti-inflammatory medicine with fewer side effects. While the research results are mixed, many people find relief with these supplements.

A corticosteroid injection may be prescribed. Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines and work very well and very quickly to relieve pain. However, they do have potential side effects and should be used sparingly and cautiously.

Multiple injections of corticosteroids worsens the process of degeneration.

Another potential problem is the invasive nature of corticosteroid injections. Any time a joint is entered with a needle, there is the possibility of an infection. Most physicians use corticosteroid injections sparingly, and avoid multiple injections unless the joint is already in the end stages of osteoarthritis, and the next step is knee replacement.

Another type of injectable medication is hyaluronic acid. Doctors inject five doses into the joint at weekly intervals for a total of five weeks. The medicine helps lubricate the joint, ease pain, and improve a person’s ability to get back to the activities they enjoy. Some people have had good results for up to one year after getting these treatments.

Physical therapy plays an important role in the nonsurgical treatment of OAK. Physical therapists teach their patients how to protect the arthritic knee joint. This starts with tips on choosing activities that minimize impact and twisting forces on the knee. People who modify their activities can reduce pain and perhaps slow down the rate of deterioration of knee OA.

Shock-absorbing insoles placed inside shoes can also reduce impact and protect the joint. A cane or walker may be recommended to ease joint pressure when walking. People who walk regularly are encouraged to choose a soft walking surface, such as a cinder or grass track.

A type of knee brace, called a knee unloader brace, can help when OAK affects one side of the knee joint. For example, bowlegs occurs when the inside (medial) part of the knee joint is narrowed. The unloader brace pushes against the outer (lateral) surface of the knee, causing the medial side of the joint to open up. In this way, the brace relieves the pressure and unloads the medial side of the joint. A knee unloader brace can help relieve pain and allow people to do more of their usual activities.

For mild cases of knee OA, a heel wedge worn in the shoe tilts the heel. The wedge alters the way the knee lines up, which works like the unloader brace mentioned above to take pressure off the arthritic part of the knee.

Range-of-motion and stretching exercises can improve knee motion. Strengthening exercises for the hip and knee help steady the knee and give additional joint protection from shock and stress. People with knee OA who have strong leg muscles have fewer symptoms.

In some cases, surgical treatment of OA may be appropriate.

Surgeons can use an arthroscope to clean the joint by removing loose fragments of cartilage. People have reported relief when doctors simply flush the joint with saline solution. Removal of torn cartilage can also help with symptoms.

OAK in the medial compartment can lead to bowing of the knee. As mentioned earlier, a bowlegged posture places more pressure than normal on the medial compartment. The added pressure leads to more pain and faster degeneration where the cartilage is being squeezed together.

Surgery to realign the angles in the lower leg can help shift pressure to the other, healthier side of the knee. The goal is to reduce the pain and delay further degeneration of the medial compartment.

One procedure to realign the angles of the lower leg is called a proximal tibial osteotomy. In this procedure, the upper part of the shinbone (tibia) has a wedge cut out, and the angle of the joint is changed. This changes the leg from being bowlegged to straight. By correcting the joint deformity, pressure is taken off the cartilage.

A proximal tibial osteotomy buys some time before a total knee replacement becomes necessary. The benefits of the operation usually last for five to seven years if successful.

A novel alternative is the Orthoglide medial knee implant. Data representing the first complete year of enrollment in the OrthoGlide clinical study was presented at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting in Boston, MA. The data was presented by William Arnold, M.D. “The OrthoGlide prospective clinical study has enrolled 92 patients with osteoarthritis of the medial compartment that met the inclusion criteria,” said Dr. Arnold. “These patients would have been candidates for an invasive Total Knee Replacement (TKR) procedure. The pain relief experienced by the patients enrolled in this study, along with the return of knee function at one year is similar to TKR results but with a much less invasive procedure.”

A total knee replacement is the final solution for advanced knee OA.

Surgeons prefer not to put a new knee joint in patients younger than 60. This is because younger patients are generally more active and might put too much stress on the joint, causing it to loosen or even crack. A revision surgery to replace a damaged prosthesis is harder to do, has more possible complications, and is usually less successful than a first-time joint replacement surgery.

Obviously, the best solution would be to find medications that can slow down or reverse cartilage damage early in the course of the illness.

Some research has focused on the area of cytokines. These are chemical messengers that aggravate inflammation. Evidence exists that blocking cytokines may slow down cartilage loss. In addition, enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases inhibitors may cause cartilage degradation.

What seem to play a key role in cartilage damage are free radicals. Free radicals literally chew away at cartilage.

A recent Japanese study has shown that a new compound, C60 fullerene, prevents the degeneration of articular cartilage in a rabbit model of osteoarthritis.

What this compound does is reduces the degradation of chondrocytes, the cells that make up cartilage. “C60 is characterized as a strong radical sponge and potential activity as a free radical scavenger,” said lead investigator Dr. Kazuo Yudoh.

Intra-articular injection (injection of the substance into the knee joint) in rabbits with OA significantly reduced articular cartilage degeneration. The effect was dose dependent and the results were superior to those achieved with hyaluronic acid. Moreover, the combination of hyaluronic acid and C60 provided results beyond that achieved with either agent alone.

The study, continued Dr. Yudoh, indicates that “C60 fullerene may be useful as a protective agent against the oxygen free radical-induced pathological features in a variety of diseases.” (Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:3307-3318).

Another area of interest is stem cells.

Chondrogen, is an investigational compound that consists of a preparation of adult stem cells that is injected into the knee. To date, in clinical trials, it appears to have produced a significant reduction in knee pain compared with other treatments.