| Arthritis literally means inflammation of the joints. | | | | well being. |
| Annually, millions of Americans are affected by this | | | | PST (Pulsed Signal Therapy) |
| malady especially those in their fifties. But recent | | | | When joint tissues are stressed, this creates an |
| surveys revealed that some persons in their twenties | | | | electrical signal that causes the body to repair itself. |
| already have arthritis. The most common types of | | | | PST works this way - it produces electromagnetic |
| arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | electrical signals at repeated and specific intervals that |
| Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease which is | | | | will in turn activate the body to repair or regenerate. |
| a result of erosion and destruction of the cartilage. | | | | This is usually done at a frequency of nine one-hour |
| The cartilage is a tissue that absorbs shocks to the | | | | sessions. |
| joints caused by injuries, wear and tear, stress, | | | | Diathermy |
| improper nutrition, genetics, metabolic and endocrine | | | | Diathermy uses electromagnetic heat which is applied |
| factors. Usual symptoms are pain aggravated by | | | | to the injured tissues and muscles. Temperature is |
| movement, stiffness and in worsening cases, | | | | raised by a high frequency current. It is believed that |
| sufferers start to have limitations of movement that | | | | heat speeds up healing process by increasing blood |
| may lead to disability. | | | | flow to the injury. Precautions are necessary - for |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune | | | | example, it should not be used on wet areas or |
| disease: it means that the person's immune system | | | | those with metal objects to avoid risk of burn injury. |
| attacks certain tissues in the body particularly the | | | | Intake of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate |
| joints and the synovium. Symptoms are red, stiff | | | | These substances are called amino sugars which give |
| painful joints and in some cases fever, weight loss | | | | elasticity to the cartilage. The recommended amount |
| and anemia. The triggers are usually infections or | | | | is 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200 mg of chondroitin |
| injuries. | | | | sulfate per day for at least 6 to 8 weeks to achieve |
| Arthritis is usually treated with non-steroidal | | | | benefits. Precautions are given to children, pregnant |
| anti-inflammatory drugs and the more recent | | | | women, diabetics, those taking blood thinners and |
| Celecoxibs. Use of these drugs should be minimized | | | | those with allergies. |
| because of some controversies involving these drugs | | | | An Ounce of Prevention is Better than a Pound of |
| and their many side effects, hence more and more | | | | Cure |
| patients seek alternative and natural cure. | | | | Of course, nothing beats preventive measures to |
| Proper Diet and Exercise | | | | avoid developing crippling Arthritis. One of the most |
| Most helpful are low impact exercises like walking, | | | | important is to lose weight if you are overweight |
| swimming and stretching - you can also ask your | | | | because extra weight will put more stress to your |
| physical therapist or physician to make a program of | | | | joints. Intake of antioxidants like Vitamins C and E is |
| exercise designed for your type of arthritis. Healthy | | | | recommended because they attack free radicals. |
| diet is important, so try to eat a balanced diet, take | | | | There are also studies on the importance of oily fish |
| lots of vegetables, fruits, fish high in Omega-3 fatty | | | | like salmon, tuna and swordfish. |
| acids and Vitamins C, E and folic acid. Avoid | | | | Regular exercise helps strengthen and make the |
| cigarettes, alcohol, coffee and tea. | | | | muscles and joints more flexible to protect them |
| Ultrasound Heat Therapy | | | | from wear and tear. Simple practical measures include |
| This uses an ultrasound machine that produces high | | | | good posture, usage of big joints when lifting and |
| energy sound waves directed to the affected joints | | | | carrying, use of supportive and comfortable shoes, |
| and muscles. It relieves pain and its effect is medium | | | | use of protective gears for those in injury prone |
| to short term. | | | | sports. Minimize job-related induced arthritis like |
| TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) | | | | improperly positioned tables and computers. |
| This is a portable battery operated device that | | | | To de-stress is also a key factor if you are looking |
| works by sending electrical currents to affected | | | | for a natural cure for arthritis, as evidence suggests |
| parts of the body. Electrodes are attached to the | | | | that stress plays an important role in its |
| affected surface and are set in desired duration and | | | | development, so go on vacation, do some Yoga, |
| intensity of stimulation. Many claim a significant | | | | Pilates or Tai Chi - and lastly, always have a regular |
| reduction of symptoms and improvement of general | | | | check up with your physician. |