Guest guest Posted May 13, 2010 Report Share Posted May 13, 2010 Good Morning! Alternative Answers for Psoriatic Arthritis Arthritis: which means " joint inflammation " is a general term for over 100 different joint disorders with symptoms ranging from mild aches and pains to severe swelling and crippling pain. Your joints, remarkable and elaborate hinges, are cushioned by cartilage. They're held together with various other tissues, including muscles and tendons. Lubrication is in the form of called synovial fluid, which is released by the synovial lining of the joints. Thinning cartilage between the bone results in the bones rubbing together and becoming inflamed. This, in turn, inflames the surrounding tissues, tendons and muscles. Psoriatic Arthritis is an arthritis that is often associated with psoriasis of the skin. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Normally, T cells help protect the body against infection and disease. In the case of this disorder, T cells are stimulated by mistake and become so active that they trigger other immune responses, which lead to inflammation and to the rapid turnover of skin cells. In about one-third of the cases, there is a family history of psoriasis. Exacerbations and/or remissions of the joint and skin symptoms often occur simultaniously. The etiology of psoriasis is unknown in Western medicine, although it is known that emotional stress, skin trauma, cold weather, infections, and certain drugs may trigger attacks in susceptible individuals. Symptoms that seem to be associated with psoriatic arthritis may be wide and varied or may only involve a few joints and be mild. In some people the disease may be severe and affect many joints, particularly those at the end of the fingers or toes, including the spine. When the spine is affected, the symptoms are stiffness, burning, and pain, most often in the lower spine and sacrum. People who also have arthritis usually have the skin and nail changes of psoriasis. Often, the skin gets worse at the same time as the arthritis. Diagnosing Psoriatic Arthritis Your doctor will inspect the affected joint(s), checking for swelling, redness, heat, tender points, skin rashes, and other signs. Determining which joints are affected and how function is impaired helps determine a differential diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis from other forms of arthritis. 1. X-rays will confirm the diagnosis of arthritis but will not necessarily indicate the type of arthritis. (NOTE: not all arthritis will show up on Xrays and not all painful arthritis means that there is significant joint damage). Your doctor will look for specific structural signs in the joint(s) that suggest OA. These signs can include: * A narrowing of the joint space. * Bone spurs. Bone spurs are associated with chronic inflammation, which can cause calcium to accumulate near joints and tendons as seen in arthritis, tendonitis and spurs. Althought it is nature's way of protecting the joint, these bony protusions can be painful. * One-sided distribution (for example, one knee, one hip) of joint irregularities. 2. Laboratory tests: can be ordered if there is a question about the nature of joint swelling. The doctor may perform a joint aspiration. During this procedure a needle is inserted into the joint to withdraw a small amount of synovial fluid from the joint. The fluid is then tested for make-up, viscosity), blood cell counts, overall appearance, and microorganisms (if an infection is suspected): * The fluid from an OA joint is usually clear, whereas in RA, it is cloudy due to the presence of many white blood cells. The fluid then is tested for crystals to exclude such diagnoses as gout. Blood and urine tests may be ordered to rule out conditions such as gout. The blood from people with gout contains a high level of uric acid, which is associated with the buildup of arthritis-causing crystals in the joint fluid. * Sometimes the fluid from an OA joint contains calcium pyrophosphate crystals, which may cause mild irritation and increase swelling. * Blood tests may be ordered in certain cases to identify infection, measure blood cell counts, and pinpoint diagnostic findings such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR1), which are more common in people with inflammatory types of arthritis such as RA and psoriatic arthritis. Treating Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment of arthritis depends on the particular cause, a persons individual needs, which joints are affected, the severity of the arthritis and how the condition affects your daily lifestyle. Your age and occupation will also be taken into consideration when your practitioner works with you to create a treatment plan. The goal in treating arthritis is to focus on eliminating the underlying (root) cause of the arthritis. However, the cause is NOT necessarily curable, as this is often a degenerative disease often associated with aging. The treatment goal, should address the reducing of pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. It is possible to greatly improve symptoms and other long-term types of arthritis without medications. In fact, making lifestyle changes without medications is preferable for osteoarthritis and other forms of joint inflammation. The goal in treating psoriatic arthritis is similar but attention to psoriasis breakouts is imperative, as well. Excercise, diet, internal/external herbs and topicals and lifestyle changes are extremely important in treating this disorder. 1. Acupuncture: Acupuncture has been shown to be extremely affective for long term problems with arthritis. Acupuncture is a therapeutic modality that has shown good benefits in the outcome measurements of pain relief for arthritis. Electroacupuncture had shown even greater results with pain threshold, regional pain scoring and sleep quality. A combination of both high frequencies, associated with serotonin release - short-term effects and low frequencies, associated with endorphin release - cumulative effects are optimal for pain relief. 2. Exercise: Exercise conditioning and stretching can improve certain pains with stretching such as painful, stiff muscles and joints by increasing blood flow to these areas. Walking and weight baring exercises are beneficial for improving strength , bone density and circulation. Restoring movement and normal function to an injured area is critical. Learn to stretch to improve your flexibility. 3. Proper Diet: A poor diet can be a nutrition zapper that robs the body of proper vitamins, mineral and sufficient amino acids that are important for energy product. A balance of fresh vegetables, complexed carbs, whole grain, as well as, fruits, nuts, seeds and protein are very important for maintaining proper energy levels. A diet consisting mainly of plant based foods like fruits and NON-night shade vegetables (eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes...) have shown great results with those suffering from arthritis. Avoiding fried foods and refined carbohydrates are a must. Difficulties with the digestive tract such as thirst, gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux are symptoms of poor assimilation of food. The delicate balance of our digestive system can affect our whole system in so many ways. Decrease your intake of excess protein, carbonated drinks and coffee. 4. Reducing Stress: People who have things in their lives under control will be better pain managers than people who don’t. Recent research confirms the importance of psychological attitude on arthritis pain relief. It is no secret, if you are hurting and you are tense, you hurt more. Look at your attitudes and emotions. The mental and emotional aspects of healing have a direct connection between you and what you are experiencing. A positive mental and emotional attitude and can be created and maintained by focusing on your purpose for being healed. Idle joints can become painful joints. If you focus on pain, it hurts more, but if you are doing things that are important to you, or focused on you, then you are less likely to feel it. 5. Supplementing: Take additional vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements can help to supplement major deficiencies. Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals in our diet have proven to be the culprit of much pain and suffering. We often do not get enough of the required amounts of calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and essential fatty acids. Asian herbal formulas have also been an extremely important key to restoring balance in the body. 6. Work with herbal remedies: There are great herbal solutions to relieving pain naturally, improving circulation, elimination and assimilation. There are great herbs to help you sleep and regulate your entire body system. The herbal remedies are even more helpful when the arthritis is further divided into location of pain, worse with cold/damp or damp heat or if it is more affected by wind. (see Chinese medicine). 7. Topcial Care: 89% of patients suffer from some type of morning stiffness. Apply a muscle ointment at night before going to bed will relax the musculature around the joiuts, decrease inflammation as it gives you a psychological boost as well. This boost tends to help people with arthritis to feel much better all day if they aren't stiff when they wake up in the morning. Consider such topicals as Zeel, Chinese massage oil, UI Oil, White Flower Oil or Taoist Oil. 8. Touch Therapies: have shown helpful in studies on arthritis. Massage therapy improves circulation and joint mobility. Massage strengthens the immune system, treats musculoskeletal problems, reduces blood pressure, helps relieve tension-related headaches and effects of eye-strain. Massage therapy promotes deeper and easier breathing, improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids. Osteopathic or chiropractic treatments are recommended to relieve any pressures that may be hindering circulation and decreasing eliminations. This is vital , your spine and its nerve pathways can have an enormous influence on how you feel and the functioning of your body. 9. Hydrotherapy: has a number of uses. Warm water will relax spasm, while cool can decrease inflammation. Studies have shown that floating in specially designed floatation tanks, also known as isolation tanks, can relieve arthritic pain. Moist heat can be helpful when feeling stiff or having pain. Hydrotherapy has been useful in treating such conditions as muscular strains and sprains, muscular fatigue, joint swelling and arthritis. 10. Improving Elimination results when food moves too slowly through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Poor elimination is usually diagnosed when bowel movements occur fewer than three times per week on an ongoing basis. Other signs occur when the stool is hard, dry or there is excessive straining. The stool can often be described as " rabbit pellets " or like " toothpaste squeezed from the tube " . Sometimes it is painful to pass. Sometimes the patient does not feel complete after a bowel movement. Start with a heathy detox. Detoxifying is the process of releasing accumulated toxins and waste products that build up throughout our system. Our body does much of the detoxification process through urination, defecation and perspiration. As our bodies age and our immune systems weaken from illness, poor diet and/or addictive substances, we sometimes need to give our system an extra helping hand. That is why conscious detoxing is a great way back to optimum health. Nutritional Advise In many cases good nutrition can play a big part in controlling arthritis. Some arthritis suffers might find relief from their symptoms by keeping a food diary. The onset of painful symptoms can be the result of food allergies. While most food allergies can cause the sniffles and a runny nose, it can also cause inflamed joints. It can be two to three days after eating a particular food to aggravate arthritis. Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. Distilled water is best. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system. Water helps cushion and lubricate your joints; it also helps flush uric acid out of your body before it can set off painful inflammation in your joints. Have dietary control over high fat, hydrogenated, partially hydrogenated and high saturated fat intake. These fats convert into a compound called prostaglandin, which promotes inflammation and pain. Limiting the amount of fat to no more than 25 to 35% of daily calories is recommended to promote good health. A low-fat diet also helps lower high total and LDL (the bad) cholesterol levels, a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The type of fat consumed is important. There are three types: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated. Saturated fats are found in meats, non-skim dairy products, and artificially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The more solid the product, the higher the proportion of saturated fats. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil and canola oil. Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 fats, contained in deep-sea fatty fish (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna), and omega-6 fats, contained in vegetable oils. The ideal combination of types of fats is unknown. However, a diet high in saturated fats is known to promote coronary artery disease, and a diet high in monounsaturated or omega-3 fats is less likely to do so. Therefore, eating fish regularly is recommended. Dark greens like spinach and kale, along with flaxseed and cold-pressed flax oil, raw walnuts and walnut oil, all contain plentiful amounts of the fatty acids known as omega-3s. Many fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring also contain these valuable oils. Omega-3s convert in the body into hormone-like substances that decreases inflammation and pain. Evening primrose, grapeseed and borage seed oils contain a fatty acid similar to omega-3 called gammalinolenic acid (GLA). Because these oils are not found in foods you normally eat, you have to get them from supplements. The effective dose is 1 to 2 grams daily. Consider alternative, natural sweetners such as stevia or agave. Consider juice therapy. Blend these fruits and vegetables for amazing juice combinations. Treat acidity with: grapes, orange, mosambi, carrot and spinach. Treat arthritis by blending together : Sour cherry, pineapple, sour apple, lemon, grapefruit, cucumber, beet, carrot, lettuce and spinach. Make these delicious remedy juices twice a day for 30 days. A vegetable-juice fast significantly reduces pain for many patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Consider this juice fast. Carrot juice, celery juice, cabbage juice, or tomato juice can be used. Fast on nothing but the vegetable juice for one day during the first week to get started. Follow that by alternate fasting for two days during the next week (i.e., Monday and Wednesday) and three days during the third week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) The power of green whole foods is essential for all day energy, greater focus under stress, sense of well-being, strengthened immune system, fewer food cravings and optimum synergistic balance of essential nutrients for total health. Green whole foods contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, active enzymes, bioflavinoids, chlorophyll and other phytonutrients necessary for optimial cellular metabolism, repair and protection! These ingredients contain the most powerful combination of nutrients ever known in any grain, herb or food. They contain almost all of the vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes necessary for the human diet, plus chlorophyll. Balancing pH Levels When the body is too acidic resulting from an intake of acid forming foods, mucus forming, high fat foods, and toxic food residues, disease and infections are encouraged. This is especially true in cases of arthritis and rheumatic situations. Most foods are alkaline by nature, but often the more processed the foods are the more acidic they become. It is important to balance each meal with a ratio of 75% alkaline to 25% acidity in order to maintain better health. Perfect body pH is 6.4, above is alkaline and below is acidic. It is important that your daily dietary intake of food naturally balances your body pH. Balancing the body’s pH is achieved by avoiding foods that create acidic conditions in the body, which can help lessen pain and inflammation. Foods that create acidity in the body include, meat, dairy, hydrogenated fats, wheat and sugar. Foods that help restore balance include fruits (when eaten on an empty stomach), vegetables and legumes. What You Should Avoid: Research has shown the foods most often thought to aggravate arthritis include: *corn, wheat, pork, oranges, milk, oats, rye, eggs, beef, tomatoes, eggplant and coffee. *processed, packed and fast foods. Hydrogenated fats, margarine, shortening, lard, or products made with them such as cookies, pies, and packaged food. *dairy products, yogurt, ice cream, cottage cheese, butter and cheeses *wheat products *alcohol Eliminate: butter, all fried foods, margerine, red meat, shellfish, shortnings or tropical oils (such as coconut and palm oils). Limit foods that have little or no fiber such as ice cream, cheese, meat, snacks like chips and pizza, and processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes or already-prepared frozen dinners. Too much white flour and refined sugar. What you don't eat may be even more important than what you do eat. Avoid alcohol and sugar, because they tend to worsen the situation. Curb your caffeine. One or two cups of coffee can work to kick you into gear in the morning, but its benefits usually end there. Too much caffeine (more than 24 oz a day) is just as bad as too much of anything. Drinking it throughout the day for an energy boost can actually backfire. Caffeine makes you feel like you have more energy, but you really don't. Cut back on caffeine to reduce the high and low effect. Excess coffee robs the bones of precious minerals. Curb your excess protein intake as this can accelerate bone loss. Excess amounts include more than 140 grams of protein per day. 140 grams is equivalent to approximately a pound of chicken beef, pork, fish. This excess causes the body to excrete calcium and increases the rate of loss of minerals and nutrients. Decrease phosphorus foods such as soft drinks, which are high in phosphoric acid, organ meat (liver, kidney), processed meat, which are especially high in phosphorus, fried foods and vegetable oil, which have a high level of omega 6 and can make inflammation worse. Sugar results in poor absorption of nutrients as does antacids, which neutralize stomach acid and result in poor absorption of calcium (heartburn and indigestion are caused by poor eating habits and NOT ENOUGH stomach acid!) Herbal Remedies The medicinal benefits of herbs have been recorded for centuries. Herbs were extensively used to cure practically every known illness and has been documented by Egyptian, Roman, Native American, Persians and Hebrews alike. Many herbs contain powerful ingredients that, if used correctly, can help heal the body. By using herbs in their complete form, the body's healing process utilizes a balance of the ingredients provided by nature. Herbal medicine is a wonderful solution for pain and pain management. Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic drugs internally, which your doctor has prescribed. Great caution should be used especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or heart related medication. Consult your doctor with any questions you may have, before taking additional herbs or supplements, internally. Arnica Suave is a rich blend of quartz silica, amber resin and the pain-relieving power of arnica in a special massage-in suave designed by Andrew for his practice and is a part of his new " Crystal Inspirations " product line. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) may decrease the progression of arthritis. This dark brown seaweed is a soothing and nourishing tonic. Caution: avoid in overactive (hyper) thyroid conditions. Bromelain is a plant-enzyme. Bromelain is not actually a single substance, but a group of protein-digesting enzymes found in pineapple juice and in the stem of pineapple plants. Local swelling is the releasing of histamines in a localized area causes the vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. Bromelain has an anti-inflammatory effect and is a very effective treatment for fibromyalgia. It is recommend taking 200 to 400 milligrams three times a day on an empty stomach at least ninety minutes before or three hours after eating. Discontinue use if you develop any itching or rash. Cats Claw Bark (Uncaria tomentosa): A great anti-inflammatory herb. Also called Una de Gato, the root and bark of this herb, which has cat-like horns or claws, has been used by since the Inca civilization to treat a variety of health problems, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, stomach ulcers, many inflammatory disorders, dysentery, and fevers. Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin): A cream containing small amounts of Capsaicin can help relieve pain when rubbed onto muscle pain and arthritic joints, according to the results of a double blind study. It does this by depleting the nerves of a pain-mediating neurotransmitter known as substance P. Although application of capsaicin cream may initially cause a burning feeling, the burning will lessen with each application and soon disappear for most people. A cream containing 0.025†" 0.075% of capsaicin can be applied to the affected joints three to five times a day. The tincture form is used internally as an ayurvedic remedy for joint pain, especially when affected by cold and dampness. Dandelion Root (Taraxacum Officinale): is recommended for degenerative arthritis. This infamous liver tonic is a safe diuretic herb used for all types of liver problems, promotes good digestion and plays a crucial role in detoxification. This is helpful for chronic and wasting diseases. Devils Claw: An analgesic and anti-inflammatory. This tuber is used to treat all kinds of arthritis. Dosage: one to two grams, three times daily. Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium): is very helpful as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and emmenagogue reknowned for the treatment of both migraines and arthritis. The dosage is 1 teaspoon of tincture, 20-30 drops at the onset of a migraine. Repeat after 2 hours as needed. For repeated attacks and as a treatment for arhtritis, take one teaspoon every morning. Ginger: An anti-inflammatory. Ginger has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory. Taking 6†" 50 grams of fresh or powdered ginger per day indicated that ginger might be helpful. Suggested Dosage: 0.5 to 1 mg of powdered ginger daily Ginger Tea: Add one grated teaspoon of fresh ginger to a cup of hot water. Take two times daily. Ginger Tonic: Ginger supports healthy digestion, promotes a healthy inflammation response, promotes platelet health and cardiovascular function, and increases the absorption and utilization of other herbs and nutrients. Ginseng, Siberian: (Eleuthero senticosus) is beneficial especially for rheumatoid arthritis. This famous wonder of the world root is widely used and increase vital energy, works as an adaptogen herb, strengthens the immune system, helps the body cope with side effects from chemotherapy and is a great jet lag tonic. Caution: use for short durations only. May aggravate anxiety, irritability and high blood pressure. Glucosamine sulfate (GS), a nutrient derived from sea shells, contains a building block needed for the repair of joint cartilage. GS has significantly reduced symptoms of osteoarthritis. All published clinical investigations on the effects of GS in people with osteoarthritis report statistically significant improvement. Most research trials use 500 mg GS taken three times per day. Benefits from GS generally become evident after three to eight weeks of treatment. Avoid if you have any allergic reactions to shell fish. Glucosamine stimulates the production of the specific elements of cartilage and protects them. It helps your body repair worn cartilage, reduce pain and improve function. Chondroitin attracts fluids into proteoglycans, the molecules dispersed through out the cartilage that give the tissue its shock-absorber quality, and protects the cartilage against breakdown. These are substances the body already produces for itself in small amounts. Glucosamine is found in almost all tissue; it has a role in the repair and maintenance of joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is a major component of cartilage and is thought to inhibit the enzymes that contribute to the breakdown of cartilage. Horsetail (Equisetum arvense): attributes its healing power to its high content of silica and zinc. This common weed works well for arthritis, particularly in synergy with dandelion root. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the health of joints.SAM-e is derived from methionine, an essential amino acid; it may promote cartilage formation and repair. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are usually sold together. In clinical studies, the supplements had to be taken for several weeks before providing any pain relief. Don't forget the truly natural and proven methods for battling osteoarthritis, lose excess weight and exercise. Turmeric: Turmeric is a traditional ayurvedic remedyand medicine that has been researched for its ability to promote a healthy inflammation response, support cardiovascular health, and support normal cell growth. An effective anti-inflammatory. Dosage: 400 mg three times daily; take on an empty stomach and combine with 1,000 mg of bromelain Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa): is very beneficial in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. This dried root is known for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. This root works in wonderful synergy with White Willow Bark. White Willow Bark: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. White Willow bark has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Extracts providing 60†" 120 mg salicin per day are approved for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Although the analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting, they last longer than aspirin. Zeel Homeopathic Ointment is effective in relieving symptoms associated with degenerative arthritis such as osteoarthritis and spondylarthritis. For the temporarily relief of joint pain, improving joint function and stimulating normal cartilage performance. Zeel is made up of a combination of 15 all-natural active ingredients intended to provide relief of arthritic symptoms and support healthy connective tissue function. Exercise Exercise actually gives you energy. Study after study supports those words, including one by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. More than 200 federal employees were placed on a moderate, regular exercise program. The results: 90 percent said they had never felt better. Almost half said they felt less stress, and almost one-third reported they slept better. Resistance training is key. At any age, you should be doing resistance training. Weight training builds and maintains bone density as it prevents osteoporisis and osteopenia. Weight training does not have to include lifting heavy weight. It DOES include weight bearing, resistance exercises where your body pushes and pulls against some type of resistance. This can be your own body weight, resistance bands or tubes, weight machines or dumbells. The key is to do enough repetitions to reach muscle fatigue (not necessarily muscle failure). Energetic exercise, aerobics,a brisk walk " three to five times a week, for 20 to 30 minutes ea ch time and no later than 2 hours before bedtime are extremely beneficial. Traditional Traditional (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners. is a total system of internal medicine which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be an effective complement to your treatment. Acupuncture redirects your Qi or vital energy into a more balanced flow. It provides support to the underlying energetic spheres affected by poor digestion and lack of movement. Acupuncture releases tension in the muscles. This allows increased flow of blood, lymph, and nerve impulses to affected areas, decreasing the stress experienced by you. Research has shown that the mechanism of action occurs when acupuncture needles stimulate the production of endorphins or natural pain-killing hormones in the brain, and adrenalcorticotropin, the anti-inflammatory hormone. Acupuncture needles trigger the body to heal itself by producing hormones that reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture should be used as ongoing treatment to treat this disorder at the root of the problem and to prevent reoccurrence symptoms of arthritis. One of my favorite, time-tested herbal formula for joint pain in the Chinese materia medica is called Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan. This traditional herbal formula contains herbs that relieve pain, nourish and strengthen the joints and treats arthritis based on its pattern condition. It has been used by millions of people over the last millennium. This formula can taken over long periods of time without worrying about side-effects. Topically for psoriatic arthritis, consider " Wind Cream " . This is an exceptional herbal cream that makes psoriasis disappear from the skin. Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac http://peacefulmind.com/arthritis.htm Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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