Joint Problems Blog

The signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) differ extensively, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. For a number of people, low levels of thyroid hormone contribute to joint and muscle problems.

Specifically, hypothyroidism may direct to:

Muscle aches, stiffness and tenderness, particularly in the shoulders and hips are linked to hypothyroidism.

• Muscle aches, stiffness and tenderness, particularly in the shoulders and hips
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling of the knee joint and small joints in the hands and feet
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Treatment of these joint and muscle problems is often focused at the underlying thyroid disorder. Thyroid hormone treatment often helps dramatically. Pain relievers may help, too.

Keep in mind that hypothyroidism can increase your risk of developing other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If pain, stiffness and swelling don’t get better after sufficient thyroid treatment, check with your doctor. He or she may consider other feasible causes of your joint pain.

Article Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism/AN00069

Estrogen is a vital hormone that is necessary to preserve bone strength. Ovaries discontinue producing estrogen during menopause. This then causes the bones to become increasingly weaker over the next number of years. A lose of up to 10 percent of a woman’s total bone mass may occur in the first five years after menopause. If this weakening of the bones continues unchecked, it might develop into osteoporosis and to fractures. Osteoporosis is diagnosed by using a specialized x-ray technique, DEXA, which measures the degree of bone loss that has occurred.

A lose of up to 10 percent of a woman’s total bone mass may occur in the first five years after menopause.

It is estimated that almost 50 percent of all women over the age of 60 have at least one bone fracture due to osteoporosis. From time to time, such fractures may cause long-lasting periods of immobilization or involve surgical treatment, both of which are related with an amplified danger of further health complications.

There are a number of ways a woman can take action to decrease the bone loss that follows menopause. It is suggested that women take at least 1 gram of calcium every day, either in the form of calcium supplements, or increased servings of dairy products. Calcium is absorbed more efficiently in the presence of adequate vitamin D; up to 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight each day can guarantee that the skin will produce vitamin D.

Bones remain stronger for longer if the muscles attached to them are exercised frequently. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or dancing, is recommended at least several times a week. High-impact activities should be avoided.

There are numerous treatments, including hormone replacement therapy, which can be engaged to limit bone loss. However, hormone replacement therapy may not suit everybody and has side effects. There is no residual protection against future bone loss once such therapy is discontinued. Quite a lot of other treatments are presently being evaluated to treat menopausal symptoms and to slow down bone loss.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Stith

There are numerous benefits from fish oils. As suggested by studies fish oil may be helpful in treating certain kinds of arthritis. This includes rheumatoid arthritis.

As per the experts, rheumatoid arthritis, briefly, is an autoimmune condition where the synovial membrane becomes inflamed. This membrane protects and lubricates your joints.

The concentrated extract of green lipped mussel is useful for its anti-inflammatory and natural pain reliever which supports connective tissue and joint function.

But osteoarthritis is an entirely different condition. This is not at all the case when you consider osteoarthritis.

So, are all arthritis conditions benefited by omega 3 and fish oil?

The answer is no. Omega 3 fatty acids can assist only those arthritis conditions where there is a pain brought about by inflammation. However not the ones like osteoarthritis, which are different.

Fish Oil Arthritis
Commonly, the best fish oils are combined with other inflammatory agents to make them more effective and hence aid joint aches and pains.

For example you can consider the concentrated extract of green lipped mussel. The concentrated extract of this specific mussel has achieved worldwide praise for its useful anti-inflammatory and natural pain reliever. It also supports connective tissue and joint function to improve your mobility needs.

The best type of fish oil is one that is high in DHA and comes from a fish located in the oceans of New Zealand called the Hoki fish. Due to the low levels of pollution this has allowed many other ocean wildlife to remain in excellent health.

In short, next time you go shopping for fish oil supplements, look for one that is of high quality pharmaceutical grade and molecularly distilled. It should also contain other natural anti-inflammatories.

All of us should be concerned with our bone density. As you age strong bones will make your life healthier and disease free. Like the common phrase “you are what you eat” will determine the health you have. It is therefore necessary to have good eating habits for good health and prevent osteoporosis.

Below is a list of good eating habits that will help you preserve or improve your bone density.

* Eat less fat
* Eat more fiber
* Eat more calcium rich foods
* Use less salt and sugar

Eat less fat to prevent osteoporosis

According to studies it has been determined that when you have high cholesterol you will have fewer cells that build bones. The building of your bones is a constant process of bone breakdown and bone build up. By having more bone breakdown activity compared to bone build up, you will end up with lower bone density.

Eating too much saturated fat will lead to higher cholesterol levels. So to improve your bone regeneration you should consider eliminating or reducing this saturated fat contained in foods.

Eat less meat and look for more lean meats. Turkey has less saturated fat than chicken or beef.

Eat less dairy products such as milk and cheese. These products are high in saturated fat.

Eat more oils that contain omega-3 (fish oil), omega-6 (olive oil) and omega-9 (found in avocados.) Do not cook with these oils since they breakdown at high temperatures creating high levels of free radicals. Cook with coconut oil. This oil does not breakdown at high temperatures. Coconut oil is high in saturated fat but it is a short chain fatty acid, which is good for your health. However butter has saturated fats that contains a long chain fatty acid, however when used excessively in foods this could also be bad for your health

Eat more fiber to prevent osteoporosis

Again by lowering cholesterol, you can improve the density of your bones. By eating more fiber this can lower your cholesterol. The best fibers to eat include bran, fruits and vegetables – oat bran, rice bran citrus fruits, apples, figs, beans, strawberries, etc.

Eat more calcium rich foods to prevent osteoporosis

Eat those foods that are rich in calcium such as tofu, boiled collards, spinach, yogurt, fig, cottage cheese, broccoli, or boiled kale and all dark green vegetables.

Most people need to get at least 1000 mg of calcium every day. Where some people need more. To get this amount of calcium, you should take a daily supplement and eat those foods that are rich in calcium such as tofu, boiled collards, spinach, yogurt, fig, cottage cheese, broccoli, or boiled kale and all dark green vegetables.

Eat less salt to prevent osteoporosis

Eat less salt since salt and calcium compete to get absorbed in the small intestine. If you eat too much salt, calcium will not get absorbed and will be flushed into the colon and out your body. When salt gets into your blood, it attracts water. This causes your kidney to flush this excess water out as urine. When you urinate more than normal, you will be flushing out calcium and minerals that your body needs.

So in summary eat less saturated fat, eat more fiber, eat less salt, take a good calcium supplement, and eat more calcium rich food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rudy_Silva

There are a variety of very effective arthritis drugs and medication to take. Such as the Chinese, who for many generations have used acupuncture to relieve arthritis pain. By employing the use of acupuncture on your arthritis you can very well get the needed pain relief.

The America Arthritis Foundation stands out as the best non-profit organization aimed at helping arthritis victims. The AAF usually conducts researches and offers it’s member better ideas on how to get relief from arthritis. With non-profit organizations like the American Arthritis Foundation, you will always be up to date on information regarding arthritis management. They can help to save your life from lots of arthritis pains.

Foods like mushrooms, asparagus as well as excess alcohol can trigger gout arthritis beside the natural body substance known to trigger gout.

The kind of arthritis affecting an individual will decide the symptoms. In most cases, two people cannot have the same signs and symptoms when suffering from arthritis because the type of arthritis might not be the same. So, it is probably not accurate to think that the medication your neighbour is taking will necessarily work for you. It is important that you use the correct type of medication that will suit your arthritis and your symptoms.

Gout arthritis can be trigged by a substance in the body. Although there are other causes of gout arthritis in the body, the most common is a particular substances naturally found in the body. Foods like mushrooms, asparagus as well as excess alcohol can trigger gout arthritis beside the natural body substance known to trigger gout.

Source: http://remediesforarthritis.powa-info.com/2008/12/11/symptoms-of-arthritis-select-the-better-choices/