Massage — The Secret Weapon For Arthritis

Massage for arthritis is nothing new. More than two thousand years ago, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote that “physicians must be experienced in many things, but assuredly also in rubbing that can bind a joint that is loose and loosen a joint that is too hard.”

While the cartilage degeneration of arthritis cannot be reversed, massage is helpful to reduce muscle spasms and decrease compressive forces associated with the joint disorder. Beyond the damage to joint tissues, there are several factors involved in the pain of arthritis, most of which massage addresses directly.

These include tense muscles caused by the body’s natural response to protect a painful joint by tensing the muscles around it, fatigue, which can make your pain seem worse and harder to handle, and depression or stress resulting from limited movement or no longer being able to do activities you enjoy.

Tense Muscles

Massage addresses your tense muscles by gently coaxing your tissues to relax and lengthen. When the muscles relax, pain and stiffness decrease, and joint mobility increases. Gentle passive joint movements, a technique that is part of traditional Swedish massage, will remind the body of the full potential range of motion in a joint.

The long strokes (effleurage) and kneading strokes (petrissage) of Swedish massage increase the circulation of blood and lymph in and around the joint. This cleanses tissues of irritating by-products from arthritic inflammation and improves nutrition to tissues.

Better oxygenation and less stagnation combat fatigue, and swelling often lessen as excess fluid enters the circulatory system where it can be eliminated. With regular massage, natural joint lubrication is also likely to improve.

Fatigue and Stress

Massage relaxes the mind as rhythmic motions sedate the autonomic nervous system and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is the “rest and digest” system, which is blocked when we are in the “fight or flight” stress mode of the sympathetic nervous system.

Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are lowered after a massage session, while the body’s production of natural pain-killing endorphins, such as dopamine and serotonin, is increased. The quality of restful sleep usually improves in the days following a massage. This gives the body a chance to further repair and restore energy levels.

Should I Get My Doctor’s Permission?

Massage is free of any known side effects and according to our results, clearly shows therapeutic promise. So-called ‘alternative’ treatments like massage are most important when conventional treatments are far from ideal.

Currently available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often not well-tolerated by older adults with osteoarthritis. Cox-II inhibitors like Vioxx were developed as substitutes for traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, but pose highly-publicized toxicity problems of their own.”

Generally, if you are healthy enough to exercise, you are healthy enough to receive a massage. If the degeneration of joints is present, you have rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or osteoporosis, it is a good idea to get your doctor’s permission, and get specific cautions to pass along to the massage therapist.

Because of the profound effects, massage can have on the flow of blood and lymph, some health conditions involving the heart, kidneys, or liver can make massage inappropriate.

Don’t have bodywork or massage on “hot” inflamed or infected joints or if you are having a flare, have a fever, an infection, or are coming down with an acute illness. It may make them worse. Tell your therapist if you are taking painkillers and if you feel any pain during the session.

How Often To Get Massage?

The therapeutic value of massage lies in its regularity. According to Dietrich Miesler, founder of the Day-Break Geriatric Massage Project, “a regular, weekly massage is the best prevention to most of the problems of aging.”

Try it for a month. “I like to compare it to the melting of a big pile of snow,” states Miesler. “How long does it take to show obvious and lasting results? If you do localized massage for 10–15 minutes once or twice a week for a few months, you will notice obvious improvement and the process is self-accelerating.”

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

How can you live to be 90 years old and not have arthritis?

Do you suffer from arthritis pain? Is life after arthritis becoming more difficult every day? Do you wish you could feel like you are twenty again?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any or all of those questions you are in the same scenario as almost 50 million Americans who suffer from arthritis. Sadly, more and more developed countries are reporting a significantly higher incline of cases of arthritis.

Yet, in some undeveloped countries, arthritis seems to leave people untouched. The answer behind this will show you ‘how you can cure your arthritis naturally’ and ‘how to find the arthritis relief you have always been looking for.

If They Stay Arthritis Free, Why Can’t You?

Researchers have been dumbfounded to find indigenous tribes whose occupants live anywhere from 90 to 100 years of age yet seem to live arthritis-free up to their dying day. 

In fact, tribal members reportedly work up to their dying day, and yet not one case of arthritis or heart disease has ever been documented.

However, did you know that doctors in the United States report seeing arthritis sufferers who are 18 years old and sometimes younger? Why are arthritis cases growing exponentially? The answer might be more obvious than we think.

Arthritis Relief Starting Today

If you answered ‘yes’ to the above questions, what if I asked you, “If someone gave a 100% guaranteed relief for arthritis would you consider trying it?” Of course, you would! 

Now consider that you can be arthritis free by changing your eating habits, drinking habits, breathing habits, activity habits, and supplementing habits. In fact, it is almost simpler than that list. Let me explain.

The greatest cure for any ailment is the prevention of that ailment. Therefore, if you know how to prevent arthritis; you also know how to cure arthritis and find immediate relief for arthritis symptoms. 

How is this all done? By making simple lifestyle changes (similar to the indigenous tribes) to become arthritis free!

Arthritis Free At Any Age

The following is a guideline of what you should consider for treating arthritis symptoms. By learning more about each aspect, you can legitimately bring more circulation to the arthritic joint and begin to rebuild the dormant cartilage of the joint. You will see significant results if you take each aspect of treatment seriously.

1. Your diet! Did you know that the greatest reason most people get arthritis is an improper, unbalanced diet? Your nutrition is extremely important. 

The basic guideline you should learn is that fresh and raw foods are always better than boxed or canned foods. Begin educating yourself on what foods are good and what foods to stay away from to treat arthritis.

2. Exercise! You should begin some kind of exercise program as soon as your body allows it. Try something that is easy on your joints like swimming or elliptical. Supplement your cardiovascular (getting heart pumping) workouts with weight training.

3. Water! Caffeine and carbonated drinks are typically bad for arthritis. Discover ways to spruce up your water while consuming water 8–10 times a day.

4. Breathing! Breathing exercises can increase blood circulation to all parts of the body, including joints. Think about how you feel after holding your breath for 40 seconds and taking that first gasp of oxygen. 

Your joints will fill the same way! Your joints need significant nutrients, water, minerals (from blood), and also oxygen.

5. Vitamins! Processed food depletes vitamins and minerals from our diets. Learn what vitamins you should consider supplementing. The correct vitamins can make you feel 10 years younger.

6. Stress! Did you know that stress can create havoc on a person? Research suggests stress can take years off a person’s life. What makes you relax? Try relaxing for 20–30 minutes each and every day.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

If a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

Arthritis Knee Surgery — The Pros and Cons

Arthritis is a disease characterized by abnormal inflammations affecting the human body’s articulations or joints. The fingers, elbows, hips, and knees are the primary targets of arthritis.

Arthritis comes in varied forms. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, is caused predominantly by old age, but may also develop in response to certain lesions, infections, or malformations, of the knee. Other less common but equally debilitating forms of arthritis are as follows: gouty arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment Options for Arthritis In the Knee

Several modes of treatment are available for managing arthritis and its symptoms. These may range from physical therapy, and pharmacological remedies (medications), to arthritis-specific surgical procedures.

The latter, more commonly known collectively as arthritis knee surgery, has a variety of more specialized types — for example, knee osteotomy, arthroscopy, and knee replacement surgery. The specific form of arthritis knee surgery will depend on a number of factors, such as the extent and severity of the disease.

What is Knee Arthritis Surgery?

Depending on the state of the arthritis, the most recommended option for treatment is frequently arthritis knee surgery.

Arthritis usually develops in stages, gradually destroying the cartilaginous tissue present in the tissue joints. In its early stages, anti-inflammatory treatment and physical therapy are the primary modes of treatment. However, as the disease progresses, arthritis knee surgery becomes an urgent and crucial necessity.

Arthroscopy: A Less Invasive Option

Arthroscopy is a less invasive surgical option in arthritis treatment. This procedure involves the repair of ligament and cartilage tissue injuries in the knee and the other joints. During an arthroscopy, a tiny instrument resembling an endoscope will be inserted in the affected articulation via a little incision.

Although the effectiveness of this procedure remains an issue of debate, many proponents attest to the benefits of arthroscopy when applied in appropriate scenarios.

Telltale signs that a patient requires knee arthroscopy are as follows: painful popping of the knee, knee joint instability or wobbling knees, a prickling sensation when using the knee joint, and inflammation or swelling of the affected body part(s).

Knee Osteotomy: Better Option for Younger Patients

In cases of younger patients, these arthritics only often have damage in only one part of the knee joint. Consequently, they are not advised to undergo complete knee replacement surgery.

Sometimes, arthritis also manifests through knock-legged or bow-legged cases, which are characterized by a joint reorientation, such that the joint’s weight center is transferred from its damaged area to its healthy area. In such cases, knee osteotomy is often the best course of action.

Partial Knee Replacement Surgery: The Hybrid

Considered a “hybrid” of both osteotomy and complete knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacement surgery is significantly less invasive than the latter. This procedure is done by replacing the damaged portion of the affected articulation with a prosthetic one, while the healthy parts are left intact to heal.

Partial knee replacement surgery is recommended for severe arthritis confined to certain parts of articulation. Compared to complete knee replacement surgery, this procedure requires smaller incisions and allows for a more rapid recovery time.

Complete Knee Replacement Surgery: A Practical Option

For several arthritis cases, the most practical option is complete knee replacement surgery. This procedure entails the complete removal and replacement of the damaged joint tissue with plastic or metal prosthetic implants.

Associated Risks: Arthritis Knee Surgery

As in most forms of major surgery, arthritis knee surgery patients are susceptible to thrombosis, infections, nerve damage, and certain anesthesia risks.

In addition, arthritis knee surgery involves a number of post-surgery risks, including instability of the affected joint, kneecap fracture or dislocation, and even decreased mobility or reduced range of motion.

Arthritis Knee Surgery: Pros and Cons

In spite of the risks associated with the procedure, arthritis knee surgery comes with several advantages that can benefit the inflicted patient. The primary benefits are, of course, considerable pain alleviation, enhanced mobility, as well as a substantial improvement in one’s quality of life.

Most importantly, within 6 months subsequent to the surgery, the previously affected joint has the potential to regain its full functionality.

Conversely, arthritis knee surgery also comes with some perceptible disadvantages. For example, post-operative patients may experience discomfort and soreness in the period following the procedure. Additionally, the use of the prosthetic joint can be noisy and draw attention to its presence.

In some cases, difficulties in movement may arise. And, depending on the type of prosthetics used, the replacement knee may have limited usability, such as only 10–15 years before a new replacement knee becomes necessary once more.

All things considered, however, if we weigh the pain and discomfort that are observed in some cases against the immense potential for successful post-surgery results, it is easy to conclude that the pros of arthritis knee surgery unquestionably exceed its cons.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

Does Weather Really Affect Arthritis?

Arthritis, and its numerous forms, is just one of the conditions that some believe is directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure. Weather and Arthritis Pain Research

In the 1960s, a famed arthritis specialist named Dr. J. Hollander orchestrated a study to demonstrate how high levels of humidity along with low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in patients who suffered from arthritis. 

The fibromyalgia sufferers in this study indicated more pain only during days of high pressure.

At the end of this study, no significant links between changing weather patterns and an increase in arthritis pain were ever found. Why Weather is Believed to Affect Arthritis Pain

Cold and rainy weather is often accompanied by a distinct drop in air pressure. The Types of Weather Changes That May Affect Arthritis Pain

Barometric or air pressure: Although rising barometric pressure, which is the amount of force or weight exerted by the air around us, may also affect some types of arthritis pain, more often than not it is a rapid decline in air pressure, such as the drop that’s associated with stormy weather, that causes an increase in aches and pains.

Humidity: The amount of water vapors in the air is referred to as either humidity, absolute humidity, or relative humidity. 

Temperature: Cold weather has long been associated with arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as triggering a host of other conditions such as migraine headaches or circulatory problems.

For example, in one arthritis pain study, people living on the western coast of the United States in a milder climate reported just as much pain as those living in the eastern, colder portion of the country.

Does the Weather Really Affect Arthritis?

For as long as man has been aware of the changing weather, there has been speculation that it may also affect one’s health and certain ailments besides simply altering the temperature.

Hippocrates, the ancient Greek “Father of Medicine” suspected as long ago as 400 B.C. that different weather conditions have a great influence on how our bodies feel. A few thousand years later, the modern world of science and medicine is still divided on whether or not fluctuations in the weather actually affect some health conditions.

Arthritis, and its numerous forms, is just one of the conditions that some believe is directly affected by the weather and changes in barometric pressure. 

A great majority of people diagnosed with arthritis say they can easily predict the weather based on how they’re feeling, or how sore or tender their joints may be, making perfect sense of the saying “I’m feeling under the weather.”

Although there are many people with arthritis who swear by this meteorological method of gauging the severity of their pain, there still is no actual scientific evidence to back up the claims.

Weather and Arthritis Pain Research

In the 1960s, a famed arthritis specialist named Dr. J. Hollander orchestrated a study to demonstrate how high levels of humidity along with low barometric pressure increased stiffness and joint pain in patients who suffered from arthritis. 

He indicated that neither of these weather changes individually had an impact on pain, but only when they occurred simultaneously.

Dr. Hollander concluded that when the barometric pressure drops, the swelling around inflamed joints increases, causing more irritation to the surrounding nerves, which then also increases the amount of pain felt. This particular study has been refuted by many scientists as inconclusive due to the small number of patients (12) who participated.

One similar, more recent study also examined the association between arthritis pain and the weather involving people diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia, which is another rheumatic disorder causing sore, tender joints.

All of the participants lived in the same, warm climate and kept a log for one year, recording any changes in their level of pain. These logs were then compared with daily changes in the weather such as the relative humidity and temperature.

In this study, some people with rheumatoid arthritis seemed to be most affected by high levels of humidity and air pressure, while others in the osteoarthritis group felt more pain when only the humidity was high.

The fibromyalgia sufferers in this study indicated more pain only during days of high pressure. However, none of the findings were strong enough to rely on just the weather itself to predict impending changes in pain levels.

Yet another research study involved over 100 people living in Florida who was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. 

For two years participants were told to score the severity of their arthritis pain so that researchers could match the results with local temperatures, whether or not there was precipitation, and what the barometric pressure was for each day.

At the end of this study, no significant links between changing weather patterns and an increase in arthritis pain were ever found. However, some women did report experiencing more pain in their hands when barometric pressure was at its highest.

Why Weather is Believed to Affect Arthritis Pain

Cold and rainy weather is often accompanied by a distinct drop in air pressure. One theory exists that this drop in pressure causes the body’s tissues to expand, causing the already inflamed areas to swell more and increase pain. 

And then there are those doctors who argue that just a gloomy, rainy day itself may cause some to feel as if their pain is worse than it actually is.

Another theory simply suggests that people’s threshold for pain drops along with the air temperature. Therefore, colder weather affects one’s mood, making people less likely to be outdoors, remain active, and get the exercise that helps keep some arthritis pain under control.

There are also those who believe that arthritis sufferers look to the climate as an explanation for their increase in pain simply because there is no other plausible reason, only noting when the weather is inclement, but not noticing weather conditions as much when their pain is under control and stable.

The Types of Weather Changes That May Affect Arthritis Pain

Barometric or air pressure: Although rising barometric pressure, which is the amount of force or weight exerted by the air around us, may also affect some types of arthritis pain, more often than not it is a rapid decline in air pressure, such as the drop that’s associated with stormy weather, that causes an increase in aches and pains.

Precipitation: Precipitation, meaning any form of water reaching the ground, includes not only rain and snow, but hail and sleet as well, and is accompanied by changes in air pressure and humidity.

Humidity: The number of water vapors in the air is referred to as either humidity, absolute humidity, or relative humidity. Increases in absolute humidity, which measures the number of water vapors in relationship to the amount of moisture the air can hold at that particular temperature, are said to cause an increase in arthritis pain, especially during the summer months.

Temperature: Cold weather has long been associated with arthritis pain and stiffness in the joints, as well as triggering a host of other conditions such as migraine headaches or circulatory problems. Temperatures that quickly rise or fall are again the result of changes in barometric pressure.

It’s important to remember that although certain types of weather may adversely influence some of the symptoms of arthritis such as pain and swelling, there is no scientific evidence that those climate changes are what cause one to develop arthritis in the first place or to suffer from joint damage.

While it’s true there is some evidence that some people living in drier, more arid places have fewer episodes of arthritic pain, there is no type of environment that guarantees complete relief from arthritis pain. 

It is also known that temperature and climate changes do not affect the actual course or progress of the disease.

People considering relocating to a warmer climate may want to consider the fact that most scientists believe that the body acclimates itself to its new environment over a relatively brief period of time. This means that moving to a dry climate may seem to provide relief at first, but it isn’t believed to be beneficial over the long term.

For example, in one arthritis pain study, people living on the western coast of the United States in a milder climate reported just as much pain as those living in the eastern, colder portion of the country.

If you aren’t able to spend time outside for exercise, be sure to compensate by exercising and remaining active indoors during times of inclement weather.

In many Asian countries and parts of Europe, homeopathic treatments are rather common for dealing with the pain associated with arthritis. Various herbs and natural substances are often combined to create remedies for arthritis pain as opposed to using traditional medications.

Of course, as is with any type of disease or condition not just arthritis, a proper diagnosis by a qualified medical professional is imperative for any successful pain relief treatment plan.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

Arthritis Hates These 3 Exercise Methods

Exercise and arthritis are two bad boys that don’t like each other. Exercise has a way of moving arthritis deposits that are hanging around your joints. As difficult as it may sound, starting some form of exercise program will help you with the arthritis pain you are experiencing.

People with rheumatoid arthritis also find a way to exercise to help them take control of their bodies. We try to focus on blood flow throughout our body and to increase that blood flow you need to exercise.

All of us with joint or arthritis pain have good days and bad days. Sometimes your joints just freeze up and the pain is unbearable. The days you feel better are the days you need to focus on your exercise program.

Heck, there are days that I don’t feel like tackling my arthritis pain but I do, because I know exercise and arthritis don’t like each other. 

That blood flow has a way of taking the pain away and it is such a mental boost because I know the exercises I am doing will benefit me way more than my arthritis pain.

WARNING

It doesn’t matter if you have arthritis or not, everyone who is starting an exercise program should consult their healthcare provider/doctor first.

Never be afraid to ask people about some of the exercises they do for their arthritis pain and never be afraid to give it a try. Unless it’s so darn hard you might hurt yourself. Each area of the exercise model should be used on a weekly basis.

The 3 main components of exercising and arthritis are:

• Range of Motion (Flexibility)
• Resistance (Strength)
• Endurance (Cardiovascular)

I’d be shocked if your doctor or healthcare provider would not agree that working on your range of motion, strength, and cardiovascular exercises is beneficial. Because they are around arthritis so much they might have learned a few tips they can share with you about exercising with arthritis.

You might also want to ask them for recommendations from exercise therapists, personal trainers, or physical therapists who have experience with arthritis patients.

Exercise and arthritis in greater details

Range of Motion is a fancy word used in the medical profession to describe flexibility. Arthritis has a way of freezing up your joints so trying to gain greater flexibility is a must.

Beating arthritis pain will require doing the things arthritis tries to keep you from. The less you move your joints the better arthritis can take over your joints. If you want to beat arthritis then you should start with a good flexibility program.

Mornings are a tough time to get up, especially if you have a lot of pain. Our muscles have not been used in 6–8 hours and they do get stiff just like our joints. 

You have probably experienced that awful feeling of trying to get out of bed and walking to the bathroom. It’s no fun so what you might want to consider is doing some stretching exercises before you even get out of bed.

Something as simple as pulling your knees to your chest can greatly increase your chances of getting out of bed without much arthritis pain. This same movement will also help your hips and stretching your arms above your head is a very simple exercise for arthritis.

My mom loves to sit on the edge of the bed just bending over her knees and letting her arms hang down to the floor. This is beneficial for her back, legs, shoulders, and wrists.

Something else you can do while sitting on the edge of the bed is try to straighten your legs out and lift them up. Doing this several times will help the blood flow throughout your body which is something we all need before we get out of bed.

If you are lucky enough to own a hot tub, then you should be in that thing as often as you can. Getting out of bed and into that hot tub is a great way to stretch your body. However, if you don’t want to do that, then whenever you get into the hot tub you should seriously consider doing your stretching exercises.

Any type of bending and stretching is a very good exercise for arthritis. A key teaching point to remember is to hold your stretch and don’t bounce, it is not good for your muscles. Instead, move slowly until you cannot stretch anymore and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds.

After you stretch relax for a few more seconds and give it another try. You’ll be surprised at how much further you can stretch. Also, I have found that I can stretch farther after lunch than in the early morning.

Stretching your hamstring is really good for your lower back and it really helps those people who have lower back pains. Just remember before you do any type of exercise, stretching is the critical first step.

Daily stretching routines are most beneficial and it really does prepare your body for the other exercises you are going to do. 

If you are having a painful day, stretching might be the only thing you can accomplish, but don’t make it a habit. You need both cardiovascular and strength exercises to help combat arthritis pain and arthritis symptoms.

Strengthening exercises are also called resistance exercises. Any type of resistance, including gravity, is beneficial. Push-ups, sit-ups, squats, and pull-ups are excellent ways to build muscle strength, without having to pay for a health club membership.

Other forms of resistance exercises include riding bicycles, walking up steps, and pushing a lawnmower. Be creative and you will surprise yourself at what you can accomplish without the worries of monthly membership fees to a health club.

As I have stated many times already, blow flow is critical and these types of strengthening exercises work well. Another benefit you will realize from strengthening exercises is the muscles around your joints will become stronger and support your joints much better.

Resistance exercises are what you are looking for. Riding a bicycle is good resistance exercise. That constant pushing against the pedal will begin to build muscles around your knee joints and many other places. If your knees are bothering you and you have access to a stationary bike, try this.

The cardio exercises that are extremely beneficial for arthritis pain are walking, biking, and swimming. We like to do a lot of walking in water with athletes who are coming off surgeries and progress them to walking on land and biking.

If you can try to walk faster than normal for 10 to 15 minutes you will be surprised at how fast you will tire. That constant resistance is draining but it will build up your cardiovascular endurance. As you know, cardio exercises are also beneficial to your circulatory system (heart/lungs).

If you have a great deal of arthritis pain in your lower body you might want to consider removing the seat on a stationary bike and peddling with your hands and arms. You can sit on the floor behind the seat and try to peddle at a constant speed for a few minutes and then stop to dial it up tighter for greater resistance. 

By tightening up the resistance you will accomplish a two-fold process of endurance and strength.

We have this very steep and long hill nestled behind our little town. I know every time I reach the top of that hill my back stops hurting. Not exactly sure but I do believe it is related to the increased blood flow through my body.

I like it because I can get a great workout in less than 30 minutes. What’s funny is no matter how much my lower back or knees hurt, a third of the way up the hill, everything feels great.

One last thing I should mention is the fact that I do supplement all my meals with vitamins, minerals, and other products that target arthritis pain.

The following are my personal favorite exercises for arthritis:

• Walking up hills
• General walking around town or the countryside
• Riding my bike
• Cutting the lawn with a push mower
• Walking and swimming in pools
• Pitching batting practice to my baseball teams
• Hitting fundo’s to my baseball teams

If you are a person who is fighting arthritis, please do not allow this to beat you. Get tough, take action and build a positive self-image of yourself.

Make it a pain-free week.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

Top 9 Things to Avoid If You Have Arthritis

Today there are about 70 million Americans with arthritis…that’s one person out of every four who suffer both pain and the expense of this crippling disease.

In one year alone, arthritis will be responsible for over half a billion dollars in lost wages. The economic consequences of arthritis are important to review because each year, arthritis takes a devastating financial toll on our society.

Over the course of ten years, arthritis-related work loss has been associated with a 37% drop in income for arthritics — all those without arthritis had a 90% rise in income over the same period of time!

If you…a friend…or a relative has arthritis, it’s important to know that early treatment can help sufferers continue with their normal daily lives and remain productive members of the community.

The term “arthritis” is derived from the Greek: “arthron” meaning “joint” and “itis” meaning inflammation. Arthritis is a word that describes over 100 different conditions, some involving inflammation and others not.

Arthritis is not a single disease. It encompasses about 100 different conditions, that affect joints and that pose unique problems for diagnosis and treatment.

Some common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudo-gout, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and fibromyalgia.

Most types of arthritis involve joint inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection.

For an example of inflammation, take a simple scratch…your body automatically releases chemicals that cause fluids to accumulate and white blood cells to gather around the area of the scratch.

As your body fights foreign substances and bacteria, inflammation…redness…heat…swelling…and pain occur at the sight of the injury.

In arthritis, unfortunately, this natural defense mechanism goes awry. Elements from the blood designed to fight infection and repair injury attack the body instead.

And, unless this inflammatory process is halted, it will continue to attack the body and cause joint destruction.

So you can begin to see how treatments that just relieve the pain associated with arthritis — but that do not reduce inflammation — may not adequately treat this disease.

Getting proper treatment early on is important…because proper care can help arthritis sufferers lead more active and comfortable lives.

Top 9 Things to Avoid If You Have Arthritis

1. Highly acidic foods have been associated with the exacerbation of arthritis symptoms.

2. Saturated fats found in meat, dairy, and fried foods, as well as alcohol and aspirin, produce prostaglandin-E2, which suppresses the immune system, causing inflammation and pain. 

Pork is one of the worst offenders, whether it is in the form of ham, bacon, or any food cooked in lard (a hidden ingredient in some restaurant foods).

3. A small percentage of people with arthritis need to avoid the nightshade family of vegetables: tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers. You can tell if these foods affect you by staying away from them for 30 days and then eating all of them in one day. 

If you do not feel any worse after challenging yourself in this way, then you need not worry. If pain in the joints worsens, stay away from these foods.

4. Other substances to avoid are stimulants like coffee and tobacco (both members of the nightshade family), caffeinated tea, sugar, and salt, as well as artificial colors, food additives, and preservatives.

5. Carbonated drinks are high in phosphates, which change the mineral balance in the body.

6. Margarine is unhealthy because of the partially hydrogenated trans-fatty acids, which our bodies cannot digest.

7. Overcooked and processed foods rob the body of essential nutrients and can pave the way for arthritis symptoms.

8. Anti-inflammatory medications may appear helpful initially but in the long term, they are destructive.

9. Another thing to avoid, for those with arthritis, is prolonged immobility of lengthy care on plane rides. To prevent the increased knee, ankle, or foot pain that can result from such a ride. Travelers should try to exercise periodically during the trip if this is at all possible.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

Eat this one thing for breakfast to help ward off arthritis, say, scientists

Diet plays an important role in how our body functions and fights diseases like arthritis. It’s always beneficial to go natural and get the necessary nutrients and vitamins to protect our bodies from illnesses and health issues.

Lifestyle change and engaging in the natural diet for arthritis pain relief can make your life better.

The type of food that you eat will help you relieve arthritis pains. Being overweight puts a lot of pressure on joints carrying most of your body weight like hips, knees, and feet making you prone to arthritis and joint pains.

It is important to eat a well-balanced diet and avoid foods that may aggravate your condition. But of course, it is better to consult your doctor or dietitian when trying to modify your diet and engage in a natural diet for arthritis pain relief.

Eating a high-fiber diet supports your body in inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis. A small miracle happens in the intestine: During digestion, fatty acids are produced, which keep the digestive tract going and reduce inflammation. And even the bones benefit from it!

Eat this one thing for breakfast to help ward off arthritis

People who eat muesli regularly may be able to improve their bone strength and protect themselves against the development of osteoporosis and arthritis, new research suggests.

In particular, researchers recommended eating muesli every morning as well as enough fruit and vegetables throughout the day.

This is why muesli helps strengthen bones

They found in experiments on mice that fiber boosts a molecule produced by bacteria in the gut, which plays an important role in the health of joints and bones.

Important here:

Homemade is best because ready-made mueslis are full of sugar and are sometimes even award-winning deceptive packages. Combining your muesli with a morning jog is doubly good for your body because running can reduce the risk of arthritis.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

Like a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…

4 Things That You’ve Got Wrong About Arthritis

Strictly speaking, arthritis is not a single disease. In reality, it is composed of several other conditions in your joints and cartilages that can bring about inflammation and pain in those parts.

The bad news about arthritis is that it does not have any known cure. What you can do about arthritis is to merely soothe away the pain and swelling that it brings. At least fifty percent of all Americans are having bouts with arthritis.

And a big chunk of them does not know a lot about this condition. But instead of allowing yourself to continuously suffer arthritic pains, you can actually reduce the chances of inflammation in your arthritic joints and cartilages by simply debunking the most popular myths about arthritis.

By doing so, you will be able to aim at living a normal life and attaining better results in your fight against the symptoms of arthritis.

Here are the following factors about arthritis that you should dismiss as myths; otherwise, you may prevent yourself from enjoying life. Or worse, believing these myths can make your suffering from arthritis more unbearable.

1. Climate

Many people believe that a cold climate can cause arthritis. Well, the truth is, the weather has nothing to do with arthritis. People in tropical countries or even the Middle East also experience arthritis even if they live in hot climate conditions. While some studies suggest that the cold can aggravate the pain of arthritis, weather conditions can not cause arthritis.

2. Diet

The importance of diet in your overall health condition can not be overemphasized. Nutrition plays a key role in preventing all types of diseases. While certain joint problems, like gout, are proven to have a strong connection to the food that you eat, arthritis on the other hand can not be prevented or brought about by merely shifting into a good diet plan.

Studies have shown that a good diet does not stop arthritis from ever happening to anyone. Heredity and the degeneration of your joints and cartilages are the main factors that will determine if you will have arthritis now or later. The food that you eat may aggravate the arthritic symptoms, but it has yet to be studied if certain food choices do cause arthritis.

3. Age

If your knowledge of arthritis is based solely on the notion that it only affects older people, then you are being misled by your sources. The truth of the matter is that arthritis can affect anyone including children, adolescents, and adults within the middle-age bracket.

Since arthritis is closely linked to the overall degeneration of the joints and cartilages, it is not surprising that most arthritis sufferers are older people; however, this disease does not target any particular age group or gender for that matter.

This means that no matter how old you are, you must take measures to prepare your body to delay the onset and fight the symptoms of arthritis.

4. Serious Physical Limitations

Many people think that arthritis can seriously limit one’s physical activities. In fact, some people are afraid that because of this condition, they will become highly dependent on their family members for support.

Well, arthritis doesn’t work like stroke. True enough, during an arthritic attack your joints ache a lot, but it doesn’t mean that you have become invalid. Arthritic people can still be active in their lives.

CAUTION: Now I need you to pay very close attention to this

This 3 step strategy completely reverses arthritis in 21 days or less

Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.

If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.

If a magic wand was waived, you’d be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.

And imagine that you’d never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.

This is not a fantasy. Thousands of people have permanently healed their arthritis following the 3 simple steps explained here…