Conditions
ARTHRITIS
Symptoms
There are over 100 forms of arthritis, ranging from those related to wear and tear of cartilage to those associated with inflammation due to an over-active immune system (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). Together, the many forms of arthritis make it the most common chronic illness in Australia.
Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. In general, people who have arthritis feel pain and stiffness in the joints. Some of the more common symptoms include:
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Stiffness around the joints that lasts for at least 1 hour in the early morning
• Constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
• Difficulty using or moving a joint normally
• Warmth and redness in a joint
Many of the forms of arthritis, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include fever, gland swelling, weight loss, fatigue, feeling unwell, and even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.
Causes
The causes of arthritis depend on the form of arthritis. Causes include injury (leading to osteoarthritis), abnormal metabolism (such as gout and pseudogout), inheritance, infections. The cause can also be unclear.
Arthritis treatment
Treatments for arthritis include rest and relaxation, exercise, proper diet and instruction about the proper use of joints. Other treatments include the use of pain relief methods and medications.
Medication can depend on the symptoms type and the individual patient. Medications used to treat most sufferers provide relief from pain and inflammation. In some cases, they may slow the course
of the symptoms and slow further the damage to joints or other parts of the body.
Paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s) such as ibuprofen offer temporarily relief from rheumatic and arthritic pain.
NSAID’s are effective for acute pain relief where inflammation is present.
Heat and cold can both be used to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Heat therapy increases blood flow, tolerance for pain and flexibility. Topical rubefacients such as Goanna Oil Liniment or Goanna Heat Cream can help in the relief of symptoms.
Cold therapy numbs the nerves around the joint reducing pain) and may relieve inflammation and muscle spasms. Cold therapy can involve cold packs, ice massage or over-the-counter sprays and ointments that cool the skin and joints. Check with your doctor to discuss what pain relief medication is best for you.
Lifestyle considerations
One sign of arthritic conditions is fatigue. People who have arthritis should develop a comfortable
balance between rest and activity. For example, when experiencing pain or fatigue, it is important to take a break and rest. Too much rest, however, can result in stiffness. People with arthritis can participate in a variety of sports and exercise programs. Physical exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength and endurance. It also helps contribute to an improved sense of well-being. Before starting any exercise program, people with arthritis should talk with their doctor or joint care specialist.
Another important part of a good lifestyle program is a well-balanced diet. Along with exercise, a well- balanced diet helps people manage their body weight and stay healthy. Weight control is important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts more pressure on some joints. This can aggravate many types of arthritis.
Please contact your doctor or joint care specialist to develop your personal arthritis plan. They can provide expert advice regarding safe participation in exercise and a healthy lifestyle to complement your medications.
Sourced from:
www.medicinenet.com
www.arthritiswa.org.au
How Herron Can Help
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Goanna Arthritis Cream
Goanna Arthritis Cream combines an effective aspirin-like analgesic to provide effective temporary relief of pain associated with arthritis, rheumatism, and back and muscle pain.more -
Celery 3000
Celery 3000mg plays an essential role in helping provide temporary relief of arthritic pain and joint inflammation associated with arthritis and gout.more -
Fish Oil 500mg
Fish Oil 500mg Omega 3 plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy heart, and helps provide relief of joint inflammation and joint mobility associated with arthritis.more -
Fish Oil 1000
Fish Oil 1000 is a high potency supplement specifically formulated to help maintain a healthy heart and assist in the relief from joint inflammation and immobility associated with arthritis. Fish oil can positively influence LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio in healthy individuals.more -
Glucosamine 1000
Suitable for the everyday management of osteoarthritis, and the relief of joint inflammation and joint mobility associated with arthritis.more -
Goanna Salve
Goanna Salve provides soothing, effective temporary relief from the pain of arthritis, rheumatism, lumbago, back ache, bruises, and muscular aches and pains.more -
Goanna Tea Tree Oil
Ideal for cuts, abrasions, bites, stings, burns and acne, Goanna Tea Tree Oil contains natural germicide and fungicide properties.more -
Goanna Heat Cream
Combining natural bush ingredients with modern pharmaceutical research, Goanna Heat Cream provides fast, penetrating relief of muscular aches and pains.more -
Seaweed Kelp 1000
Seaweed Kelp 1000 helps maintain a healthy metabolism. Kelp has been also traditionally used to aid mobility by helping to reduce joint inflammation, swelling and tenderness associated with arthritis and rheumatism.more -
Goanna Oil Liniment
Goanna Oil Liniment provides fast penetrating relief of muscular aches and pains, particularly for active muscles after sport and exercise.more -
Goanna Eucalyptus Oil
Goanna Eucalyptus Oil is a natural alternative for the relief of symptoms of head colds, influenza and blocked sinuses. It can also be used for cleaning and household purposes.more -
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OsteoEze Active
Suitable for adults 45+ wanting to help REPAIR and REBUILD damaged joint cartilage, REDUCE joint pain and INCREASE joint flexibility and mobility.more -
OsteoEze Glucosamine Forte HCl
Suitable for adults 45+ providing a concentrated dose of an essential building block, glucosamine, which is a naturally occurring amino sugar to help restore and repair damaged or worn cartilage, ligaments and connective tissues leading to effective relief from joint & arthritis pain.more -
OsteoEze Glucosamine HCl
Suitable for adults 45+ wanting to help in the temporary relief of the pain of arthiritis. Help to reduce joint inflammation and swelling and help increase joint mobility.more -
OsteoEze Bone & Joint Care
OsteoEze Bone & Joint combines the recommended therapeutic dose of both Glucosamine (Glucosamine HCl 1500mg) with Calcium (800mg), Vitamin D3, Boron and Vitamin K1 providing effective relief from joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and helping in the prevention of osteoporosis.more
Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional. Vitamin supplements should not replace a balanced diet.