Arthritis is often associated with people in their 50s or older. But nowadays, more and more younger people are showing signs of this joint-related disease. What exactly are the causes of joint inflammation and what are the best arthritis treatment? Inflammation of the joints can result from previous injuries, like tibial plateau fracture, which affects certain sensitive cartilages and muscle tissues. A person can also develop joint swelling and pain if two or more of his or her family members have gout or any related illness. Needless to say, age is also one of the most significant factors in determining the onset of swelling of the joints. As a person gets older, his or her bones tend to be weaker and more fragile as one of the results of the natural laws of aging. But this doesn’t necessarily mean teenagers or the twenty-somethings can be complacent. There are cases of brittle joints among younger age brackets because of extraneous determinants like weight and existing illness.

It is understandable that obese or overweight persons have greater tendencies of exhausting or wearing out their bones. Since weight is identified as a factor in causing joint inflammation, doctors suggest arthritis treatment can be in the form of improving one’s diet. There are specific diets, like meals heavy in unsaturated fat and cholesterol, that make a person even more susceptible in experiencing joint pain and swelling. On the other hand, foods rich in certain minerals and vitamins are one’s best ally in preventing early signs of bone inflammation. Choose foods with high nutritional value and specifically contain Vitamins K and E, which promote healthier bones. To alleviate inflammation, a person should boost his or her intake of vitamins B12 and B6. If beneficial minerals like zinc and copper are not usually found on your daily meal plan, take health supplements that offer these specific nutrients.

There are also certain medications supposedly aimed at combating arthritis. Some of these drugs don’t come without hazardous side effects so it is still best to follow natural remedies to prevent or cure joint inflammation. Arthritis treatment need not cost someone a fortune. The safest and surest way is still through sticking to a healthy diet, or even particular exercise routines, or whatever a doctor advised a patient to do. One should not wait to get older before he starts to take care of his bones and joints. A person may not realize the importance of bone health until he experiences the premature tell-tale signs of joint swelling and inflammation.

For more valuable information on Arthritis, Arthritis treatment please visit http://www.arthritis-hub.com.

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Did you know that arthritis affects one in five dogs over the age of seven? It is a painful condition that affects the joints and can occur in your pet’s neck, hips, shoulders, elbows and back. However, there are many simple solutions that you can provide at home that will relieve the aches and pains in your dog’s joints.

Change Your Dog’s Diet

Easy enough and it worked for my dog. Be sure you are providing a high-quality dog food with no added preservatives, food colorings, wheat, corn or soy products. It would be preferable to get a dog food that is low fat AND has low carbohydrates, but unfortunately there is no such thing as a low-carb dog food. Just be aware that grains (which make up a large component of dry dog food) tend to increase inflammation and aggravate arthritis. A better alternative would be to switch to home-prepared meals with either cooked or raw meats and vegetables.

However, if you don’t want to prepare meals for your pet, then cut back on the dry food and start adding a cup of fresh veggie “salad” every day. Celery is excellent for the joints. I often chop up lettuce, celery, cucumber, some carrot, and any other fresh vegetables I have on hand. Just make sure to cut all vegetables into very small pieces for easy digestion (a food processor is perfect for this) and don’t use onions or mushrooms as they may be toxic to your dog.

Provide Supplements That Reduce Arthritic Swelling and Pain

Give your dog a glucosamine tablet. Glucosamine helps the body manufacture glycosaminoglycans, which is designed to maintain cartilage structure. The recommended dosage is ¼ mg of a 500mg tablet per 10 pounds of body weight once a day. Preferably use a glucosamine tablet that also contains Chondroitin Sulfate. This supplement helps to attract water into the cartilage for added nutrition and lubrication. It also seems to inhibit excessive cartilage destroying enzymes.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally occurring organic dietary sulphur that has been shown in studies to relieve arthritic pain, slow joint deterioration and reduce inflammation with no negative side effects.

Dogs don’t usually get enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diets. Omega 3 helps to regulate pressure in the joints, among many other things. A good source for this is fish oil capsules. Additional vitamin E will also be needed since adding more oil to the body increases the need for this vitamin.

Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight on a dog puts extra pressure on the joints and causes more pain and swelling. Begin by reducing the amount of treats given, cut back a bit on food, and provide a lower fat diet for your dog. Exercising is also important. If possible, take your dog out for several shorter 10 to 15 minute walks each day rather than going for one long walk. Another great strategy is to take your dog swimming. They’ll get the exercise without stressing the joints. A bathtub works well for very small dogs. However, if your dog is a landlubber and hates water don’t push the issue.

Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy on Cold, Damp Days

Set up a soft bed or some layers of fleece in the area where your dog normally sleeps. If your dog usually stays outside, then provide an insulated dog house with soft bedding on the floor. Be sure the doorway is somewhat sheltered and facing away from the wind. Better yet, bring them inside when it’s cold and/or wet.

Apply Moist Heat

Apply a hot water bottle with warm water or use a towel soaked in warm water that’s been wrung out to your dog’s aching joints. Moist heat penetrates deeply and provides welcomed relief. Do not use a heating pad as it may get too hot for the dog and burn them especially if your dog has limited mobility - they may not be able to get up and move away from a pad that is too hot.

Raise Your Dog’s Food and Water Dish

If your pet has arthritis in their neck or shoulders, consider raising their food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend their head down to eat.

Give Your Pet a Massage

Don’t we all love to have sore muscles rubbed? Gently rub around the affected joint and massage the surrounding muscles. This gentle kneading and the heat from your hands should ease some of the pain.

Use a Ramp For The Stairs

If your dog has a hard time going up and down stairs, think about buying or making a ramp that can be laid over the stairs so your dog can more easily maneuver them. This is especially useful for when they need to go outside to “do their thing” or are required to jump into a truck for a trip to the vet.

Additional alternatives include herbal and homeopathic products, acupressure, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Safer and often just as effective, these are just some of the things that you can do at home for your dog to give them relief from arthritic pain.

Is your dog sick and getting sicker by the day? Are you searching for answers and alternative solutions to your dog’s health care problems? Visit Caring for Canines, a web site that focuses on holistic approaches to dog health issues => http://www.caringforcanines.com

(c)2005, Rose Smith. All rights reserved.

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With so many dangers of arthritis drugs like Vioxx and Naproxin recently exposed, it’s no wonder more and more people are turning to herbal remedies for relief. Here are a few herbs that will treat arthritis pain and joint inflammation.

For thousands of years, the Chinese have used ginger to treat arthritis. Recent studies have shown that ginger is helpful in relieving pain from both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

The Scottish and other Nordic peoples discovered years ago that Cod Liver Oil reduced pain and stiffness in the joints, especially during the frigid winter months. Cod Liver Oil is available in supplement form at most health food stores, and has been shown in studies to have numerous health benefits, including reduction of pain from rheumatoid arthritis.

Glucosamine has also recently been tested for the treatment of arthritis pain, and proven very effective for reducing pain from osteoarthritis. Glucosamine also works to repair joint damage and rehabilitate the cartilage.

Everyone’s body produces glucosamine, but as your body grows older production slows down. This causes cartilage in weight-bearing joints to harden, and become painful. Glucosamine therapy can help repair damage and reduce pain, in both humans and in pets.

All these and more herbal remedies are available at most health food stores. Additionally, herbal creams can be purchased, many made with peppermint and/or rosemary, that are very soothing when applied topically (mint and rosemary are natural analgesics).

You do not have to take drugs to relieve your arthritis pain. Stop worrying about dangerous side effects. Talk to your doctor about controlling arthritis pain naturally.

Timothy Gorman is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Health-Fitness-Solutions.com. He provides more health related advice and arthritis relief information that you can research in your pajamas on his website.

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