Ayurveda Herbs to Reduce Arthritis Pain in Winter- Dr. George B. Isaac MD

Winter is a challenging season for most aged, especially those suffering from Arthritis. The obstinacy of this common yet painful ailment tends to increase during cold, winter days. Arthritis is a way of denoting to joint pain or joint disease; which means it is an inflammation of the joints and can affect one or manifold joints. The indications of arthritis are most commonly seen in adults above the age of 60-65 years; cold weather only adds to the extreme pain, stiffness and puffiness in the joints. While there is no everlasting cure for the condition, many health experts submit tweaking their diet in a bid to better manage the condition.

Here are some herbs recommended by Dr. George B. Isaac MD that you can try using at home in order to get some reprieve from the arthritis connected pain

1. Nirgundi

Nirgundi is one of the most common herbs used to bring relief in joints. The plant is effortlessly available and is known to lessen swelling as well as excessive pain. Its potent anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsing and anti-oxidant properties help the joints in many ways. The leaves of the plant Nirgundi are supposed to have the most therapeutic properties, followed by the stem and the seeds. The plant is vicious in taste and has hot influence, making it useful in this ailment. Dr. George B. Isaac MD says you can use the Nirgundi oil and smear it on joints, make a paste of the leaves and relate or also make a leaf decoction

2. Ajwain

Ajwain acts as a natural relief to arthritis pain due to the existence of anti-inflammatory components. It also comprises of anaesthetic properties that auxiliary help in relieving unnecessary pain during winter. All you need to do is to add a portion of carom seeds or ajwain in a tub of hot water and marinate your aching joints in the water and sit for 5-10 minutes; this will help comfort swelling and pain. Another way is to press these seeds and make a paste and apply it on the affected areas in order to relieve the pain. Instead, you can drink ajwain water every day.

3. Dashmool

Dashmool is not one ayurvedic herb but a assortment of ten medicinal herbs that are used to cure a variability of ailments. Dashmool factually translates to 'ten roots'; out of which five roots are of trees and five are of shrubs. These embrace patala, gambhari, brihati, shalparni and more. Dashmool or Dashmula is operative in inflammatory conditions in the body or Vata Rog. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic and tranquilizing properties benefit cure joint pain. It is accessible in the form of oil and powder.

4. Shallaki

Shallaki herb is known to keep your joints resilient and relieve them from any pain. It not only condenses the pain, but also helps in diminishing the swelling and additional increases mobility. Popularly known as Boswellia Serrata, Shallaki is also at times used by experts as a substitute to modern pain killers. It is offered in the form of vital oil and powder.

5. Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil makes for the most collective herbal treatment for arthritis. The eucalyptus plant leaves embrace tannins that may be supportive in plummeting swelling and the pain arthritis causes. The aroma of eucalyptus oil is said to have pacifying effects on the brain, while the oil sacks you from the pain and swelling in the joints.

6. Ginger

Yet another purpose to store ginger in your kitchen cabinet. Ginger is known for its incomparable antiseptic properties that help reduce joint pain and swelling. It is also known to upsurge blood circulation, which brings heat and healing properties to the pretentious areas. You can drink ginger tea or apply ginger paste on your joints and can also smear a good eminence essential oil.           

Laser Treatment for Osteoarthritis- Dr. George B. Isaac MD

Laser therapy was acquainting with as a non-invasive treatment option for osteoarthritis nearly 30 years ago. Laser therapy, also identified as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a light source that generates pure light of a single wavelength.

The consequence produced by laser therapy is not thermal (heat) — as a substitute, it has to do with photochemical reactions in cells. Studies have produced inconsistent results regarding laser therapy for osteoarthritis.

Is There Any Suggestion That Laser Therapy Is Effective?

Dr.George B. Isaac MD through the photochemical reactions formed by laser therapy, arthritis symptoms are thought to expand. A study in the August 2000 Journal of Rheumatology equalled the outcomes of laser therapy used to treat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis preserved with laser therapy had a 70% reduction in pain related to the placebo group. There was also a noteworthy improvement in morning stiffness and hand elasticity. However, there was no difference in joint purpose, range of motion, or joint swelling between the two groups (treatment group and placebo group).

For osteoarthritis patients, Dr.George B. Isaac MD there was no consequence on pain and inconsequential results for joint tenderness, joint mobility, and strength. Fundamentally, studies that were associated for osteoarthritis lacked steadiness with regard to wavelength, treatment duration, dosage and site of submission.

The Cochrane Review Withdrew Its Report on Laser Therapy

In a review of eight clinical trials allocating with laser therapy, five of the trials favoured laser therapy over placebo for at least one conclusion. Three other trials did not report assistances associated with laser therapy. Nevertheless, this certain Cochrane Review was withdrawn. The reasons for hauling the review include:

•        Several new studies are appealing positive results and Cochrane must review them.

•        Some errors were conveyed in the data.

The Bottom Line

If you're in view of laser therapy for osteoarthritis, Dr.George B. Isaac MD confer the potential benefits with your doctor. But, you should remember that while there has been some positive data associated with laser therapy — studies have been unreliable in both format and results.

Future studies are predictable to progress the level of consistency between studies. Going frontward, researchers are estimated to look for potential anti-inflammatory effects that might be correlated to laser therapy.

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Exercises to Reduce Arthritis Pain

This article will discuss the benefits of exercises for arthritis by Dr. George B. Isaac MD, the best types of exercise for arthritis and how they help reduce pain, but first a little background about arthritis. In simplest terms arthritis is the inflammation of a joint and can affect the bones and the connective tissues around the joint. Symptoms can include joint pain, joint stiffness, limited range of motion, swelling around the joint, tenderness, deformity and cracking or creaking from the joint which is accompanied by pain. Some types of rheumatic arthritis also involve the immune system and internal organs.
According to the Arthritis Foundation arthritis is one of our most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15. Some 46 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with arthritis. It is interesting to note that more women (60%) are affected by arthritis than men (40%).

While there are approximately 100 different types of arthritis this article will focus on osteoarthritis which is the most common type, affecting 33 million people in the United States. With osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, there is a breakdown of joint cartilage. Over time the cartilage wears away and the bones begin to rub against each other resulting in irritation, bone spurs, damaged connective tissues, an inability to absorb shock, and a loss of mobility.

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Causes and contributing factors to the development of osteoarthritis include diet/overweight, overuse/ repetitive motions, injury/trauma, exercise (too much or too little, smoking, other existing health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic disorders. There can also be genetic components that affect the production of collagen (the protein the makes up cartilage), and the way the bones and joint align and function which can lead to abnormal wear and tear.

One of the best types of exercises for arthritis is strength training. Strength training for controlling osteoarthritis has been well researched and indeed there are many benefits of incorporating it into a treatment plan. Resistance training helps to strengthen muscles which helps to strengthen and stabilized joints. Strong muscles act as shock absorbers for joints and help to take the pressure off of joints during movement. Strong balanced muscles also help to keep joints aligned properly so that the functionality is maintained or improved, reducing wear and tear of a particular joint.

Strength training also improves mobility and reduces stiffness in the joints. Cartilage doesn't have a blood supply and as you age the cartilage dries out and becomes brittle. Only through movement/exercise can you bring fluid in and out of the joints to keep the cartilage from drying out and working effectively. The greater the range of motion that is obtained in exercises, the more fluid can be brought to a wider surface area of cartilage. The more you can introduce movement the more you will be able to move! So when practicing exercises for arthritis you want to be sure to select those that provide a wide range of motion. The bodyweight exercises found in yoga are perfect examples of exercises that offer a unique and wide range of motion.

And exercise, particularly strength-training helps maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts additional pressure on joints. For every pound of extra weight you have on your body, there are a corresponding 3 pounds of pressure on your knees. If you are 15 pounds overweight then you are putting an additional 45 pounds of pressure on your knees!

Finally, all exercise also helps reduce the symptoms of pain by releasing endorphins (hormones that make you feel good), improving circulation and functionality of joints. Participants of a research study reported in the Journal of Rheumatology (July 2001) on the effects of strength training in adults 55 or older who have knee osteoarthritis showed a 44% decrease in pain and a 44% improvement in functioning. Exercise also helps you sleep better which helps to reduce the number of chemical messengers for pain produced by your body.

As you have just read exercise offers a host of benefits for reducing the symptoms of arthritis. It is important to select the right exercises and listen to your body. A good rule of thumb is that a little discomfort in the exercise is ok, but not a lot. And if your joints are sore for a long period after exercise, it probably was not right for you. If you are new to exercise, it is recommended that you consult with your physician before you begin. Get moving!

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Rheumatology

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Learn about this mysterious ailment, the signs, and symptoms, the latest theory on the cause, and some treatment options in this article. An in-depth look at diet and supplementation that may benefit fibromyalgia see the article "Nutritional Strategies For Fibromyalgia."

Complicated Syndrome

Fibromyalgia (FM) literally means pain in the fibrous connective tissue that surrounds joints, typically the muscle and the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone. It isn't a disease, but rather a syndrome, which is a collection of signs and symptoms that occur together. It is a form of soft tissue rheumatism. The American College of Rheumatology defines FM as widespread pain present for at least three months in combination with tenderness at 11 or more of 18 specific tender point sites. FM used to be called fibrositis, but that erroneous definition meant an inflammatory condition was present, and that is not the case. Because of the difficulty in diagnosing FM and the similarities that FM has to other diseases, many people are not properly diagnosed, or the diagnosis takes much time and effort. Since FM affects 2% of the United States population, with a breakdown of 3.4% in women and 0.5% in men, this is not a rare syndrome.

Signs and Symptoms

FM patients usually report that they "hurt all over" and describe their pain as stabbing, aching, or nagging. They also describe feelings of stiffness, especially upon waking up. Pain with palpation is found in 11 of 18 specific points that have been identified around the body. FM patients can suffer from fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, bladder urgency, and frequency, and skin sensitivity. FM seems to occur in a vicious circle. The lack of sleep leads to sore muscles and fatigue, which leads to less participation in physical activity, which results in depression and further deconditioned muscles, which leads to more pain, which leads to less sleep.

The Central Nervous System Theory

Many researchers now believe that the central nervous system (CNS) plays a large role in the development of this syndrome. The central nervous system is composed of the spinal cord and brain. What investigators think is that an event, either emotionally or physically traumatic, leads to hyperactivity in the CNS. This hyperactivity leads to sleep disturbances, like the increased number of awakenings found in FM patients. The hyperactivity also affects the ratio of excitatory to inhibitory neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that communicate between nerves. In FM, there appear to be larger concentrations of excitatory neurotransmitters (like Substance P) and lower concentrations of inhibitory neurotransmitters (like serotonin). This irregular ratio causes pain amplification in FM patients. FM patients' pain perception is normal, but their sensitivity to pain is increased and their tolerance of pain is decreased. The CNS hyperactivity can then lead to problems involving all bodily systems, which explains the seemingly unrelated symptoms of FM. There is even reason to believe that FM may have a genetic component.

FM Management

A combination of medication, cognitive behavior therapy, relaxation techniques, exercise, and education is recommended as a treatment for FM. Medications that help promote sleep and relaxation have been used, but studies have met with mixed results. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) aren't more effective than placebos and corticosteroid injections make FM symptoms are worse. Trigger point injections using a local anesthetic can be helpful, but only have temporary effects, and the authors of one study that showed symptom improvement still recommended other forms of treatment. Only one high-quality study suggests that real acupuncture is more effective than sham acupuncture. Cognitive behavior therapy, which involves learning effective coping strategies, and stress-reduction programs were proven to be successful in the long term treatment of FM.

Exercise programs that emphasize cardiovascular fitness seem to be the tool for breaking the circle of pain. FM patients are deconditioned from avoiding exercise. This can lead to further pain from shortened and tight muscles. Many doctors recommend a balanced program of flexibility, gentle strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. Exercise should be thought of as health training, not sports training. The intensity and duration should begin slowly, but become a part of the FM patient's lifestyle. Pool exercises are a good place to start with a gradual progression to land exercises. Physical therapists can help design exercise and stretching programs. The Arthritis Foundation recommends also learning progressive muscle relaxation techniques in addition to exercise and stretching.

The Good News

FM is not a life-threatening disease, nor is it physically deforming. Symptoms do not usually get worse and maybe lessened with appropriate interventions. Although researchers are still working on a complete explanation for the syndrome, progress is advancing rapidly. Without a definitive treatment for every FM patient, an individualized approach and experimentation with different methods should be utilized. In a study of FM patients who still had symptoms after ten years of onset, 66% of patients reported that their symptoms were a little or a lot better, 55% said they felt well or very well, and only 7% felt they were doing poorly.

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Natural Approaches For Fibromyalgia

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Fibromyalgia (FM) is a common, yet not well-understood a disorder that affects thousands of persons. The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek term for muscle (myo) and pain (algia). It is marked by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and multiple tender points on specific areas of the body. The challenges with FM are that the symptoms are not clearly visible, and it cannot be diagnosed by a particular blood test or marker. As such, FM is still associated with stigma among both medical professionals and the public. For those with FM, not being understood can be just as painful as the symptoms of the disease.

Defining Fibromyalgia

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has established two criteria for the diagnosis of FM: a history of widespread pain lasting more than 3 months and the presence of 11 or more tender points out of 18 standard sites on the body (neck, shoulders, back, hips, and upper and lower extremities).

Theories - Causes

While there are various theories and contributing factors, the underlying cause(s) are not known. For many sufferers, there is an event or the experience that triggers the onset of the disease, such as an infection, emotional stress, trauma, injury or exposure to certain drugs or chemicals. According to a recent paper in the Annals of Internal Medicine, 33 percent of FM patients also suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity.

Dr. George B. Isaac MD -  FM seems to run in families. Researchers have identified one gene believed to be involved in the syndrome. A new 4-year study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) will examine this further.

Those with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, appear to be at greater risk for developing FM.

Individuals with FM have elevated levels of a chemical, called substance P that is involved in our sensation of pain signals. They also have lower levels of serotonin and norepinephrine - two very important chemical messengers in the brain that modulate pain as well as mood.

A recent study has demonstrated that an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants may be at play in the development of FM. Researchers from  found significantly increased levels of the oxidant malondialdehyde and decreased levels of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase in patients with FM compared to controls.

Treatment for FM

A comprehensive program that includes counseling (emotional support), proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and the use of various supplements to reduce symptoms and improve well-being offers the greatest benefit for FM sufferers. In some cases, medication may be required to control pain, inflammation and insomnia, however, it is always best to try the non-drug approaches first.

Dr. George B. Isaac MD - The following nutritional supplements have been studied for their benefits in FM:

SAMe - short for S-adenosylmethionine, this nutrient is involved in many biochemical reactions in the body, including the production of neurotransmitters (serotonin), antioxidants, hormones, and the sulfur-containing compounds of the joint. Levels are depleted with age and in those with depression, liver disorders, and osteoarthritis. SAMe has been studied for FM and found to alleviate pain, fatigue, and stiffness and improve mood. SAMe is very safe and not associated with the unpleasant side effects seen with prescription antidepressants. The recommended dose is 800 mg of natural (Iso-Active) SAMe daily. It is best to choose a firm that is enteric-coated. Take on an empty stomach.

5-HTP - short for 5-hydroxytryptophan, this supplement helps to boost serotonin levels and alleviate depression symptoms. It may also be helpful in reducing tender points, anxiety and improving sleep quality. It is not good to combine this supplement with prescription antidepressants or other drugs that modify serotonin levels. The recommended dose is 100 mg three times daily.

Melatonin - this hormone is responsible for regulating our sleep cycles. Supplementing with melatonin may help to shorten the time needed to fall asleep, reduce night-time wakening and improve sleep quality. In one study 3 mg of melatonin at bedtime was found to reduce tender points and to improve sleep and other measures of disease severity.

Antioxidants - preliminary research has found that vitamin E supplements could be helpful in improving the symptoms of FM. Considering the new research on the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance seen in FM, it makes sense to consider supplementing with a good antioxidant. Most multivitamin formulas contain antioxidants like vitamins E and C. Some formulas also contain hot new antioxidant ingredients like pomegranate, blueberry and cranberry, which offers a range of health benefits.

Magnesium - one study found that a combination of magnesium (300-600 mg) and malic acid (1200-2400 mg) helped to reduce muscle pain in people with fibromyalgia.

Since stress is known to aggravate the symptoms of FM, it is important to find ways to cope effectively. Here are some tips to consider:

· Relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises, meditation and yoga

· Regular exercise, such as walking, swimming, stretching and Pilates

· Healthful diet - lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and essential fats

· Positive outlook - counseling and cognitive therapy can be very helpful

· Sleep - important for overall well being

· Minimize alcohol, caffeine, and consumption of fast food and processed food (which are full of dangerous chemicals and preservatives)

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Dr. George B. Isaac MD - Knee Pain and Self Care

Dr. George B. Isaac MD -  A study was performed to describe the treatment of knee pain in older adults in primary care and to compare reported practice with published evidence. A semi-structured interview was performed of older adults with knee pain about their use of 26 interventions for knee pain.

201 adults were interviewed. A median of six interventions had been advised for each participant:

* heat and ice (84%) the most frequently advised

* followed by paracetamol (71%)

* compound opioid analgesics (59%)

* non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (59%).

* surgery

Three core treatments for knee pain consists of self-care:

* written information (16%)

* exercise (46%)

* weight loss (39%)

Dr. George B. Isaac MD provided you some important information Most core treatments had not been initiate before second-line interventions had been used, paracetamol being the exception. Referral to surgery was commonly initiated before more conservative options had been tried.

The conclusions were that interventions recommended as a core treatment for knee pain in older adults were underused-in particular, exercise, weight loss and the provision of written information. There appeared to be early confidence in pharmacological treatments with underuse of non-pharmacological interventions in early treatment choices. Self-care played an important role in the management of this condition.

The study provides clear evidence on the need to improve the delivery of core treatments for osteoarthritis and highlights the need to support and encourage self-care.

.Primary care treatment of knee pain-a survey in older adults. RheumatologyWith knee pain, all muscles crossing the knee, hip and the entire lower back have to be treated. The treatment of choice is individual neuromuscular re-training to exercise muscles individually and performing an internal massage through neuromuscular junction (trigger point) stimulation.

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