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Finding chronic pain relief can be a difficult challenge for both the individual who suffers from ongoing physical illness and the physician who treats them. Everyone experiences aches and pains from time to time. Acute illnesses and injuries can present a temporary time of painfulness and suffering. But with conditions that are more chronic in nature, the ongoing pain can be stressful to both the body and the mind. Patients may even find it difficult to keep up with regular daily routines. Entire families can feel the impact of a persistent condition that is both painful and debilitating. Back injuries, arthritis, nerve damage, and other conditions can result in anguish and physical limitations on patients. The psychological toll can be very high as well. Even more difficult to deal with is the painful condition that can't be diagnosed. Dealing with pain that is very real but has no diagnosis can be very frustrating for the anguished patient.

Families, careers, and peace of mind may suffer do to an inability to attain chronic pain relief. Some of the conditions that frequently cause long lasting and persistent suffering might include carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, osteoarthritis, lumbar spinal canal stenosis, complex regional pain syndrome, somatoform disorder, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and pigmented villonodular synovitis. Treating a painful illness will obviously involve making a correct diagnosis of the malady that is causing the pain. With many conditions, this can be very difficult. Symptoms can overlap and diseases can imitate each other. Once a correct diagnosis has been made, finding effective ways to treat and alleviate the continuing suffering can also present a significant challenge.

Specialist who deal in managing persistently painful maladies may be of help. Medication may also provide needed chronic pain relief. Often a multi pronged approach is called for. Patients who are willing to work consistently with medical professionals and follow through on instructions, medications, and advice are the most likely to succeed. Emotional and psychological problems such as depression and anger management may be called for if the patient has been suffering for a lengthy period of time. There are a variety of medical appliances that can provide the patient with a continuous supply of medications that offer chronic pain relief. These devices may come in the form of implanted pumps that supply a continuous intravenous feed. In many cases, the patient themselves can have some control over the dosage, pumping more medication in at times when it is needed.

Living with these health issues and finding chronic pain relief may require the development of certain strategies. A patient's family doctor can usually sit down with them and help them to come up with tips and lifestyle changes that could help them deal with painful conditions. These strategies will frequently involve a certain amount of old fashioned trial and error. Such strategies could include medications, therapy, exercises, and any number of other options. Arriving at the best solution that fits the needs of the specific individual can be a challenge, but is well worth the effort involved. Finding a support group can be very beneficial as well. Many maladies will have organized groups that deal specifically with one particular illness. Sharing problems, frustrations, victories, and fears with other who are experiencing similar trials can be very rewarding. Dealing openly with the emotions that may accompany chronic pain rather than stifling them is very important. A patient should also never underestimate the power of humor. The Bible points to God as a source of light and strength. 'The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" (Psalm 27:1)

Of course, successfully finding chronic pain relief is not without its risks. Many medical professionals have expressed concern over the issue of drug abuse for patients who are suffering. Dealing with a patient's suffering without creating an addiction situation can be a major challenge. Some diseases will simply need to run their course. Giant cell arteritis, for example, can last from one to two years. Patients can experience extremely painful symptoms and may loose a great deal of mobility as the malady progresses. Without proper treatment, the patient's eyesight can be seriously threatened as well. Treating this disease with steroids can bring needed chronic pain relief. Of course, ingesting steroids over a period of years can create a number of other physical problems. Such is the balancing act that is faced by medical professionals when dealing with illnesses that cause a persistently painful condition for patients.

In addition to the use of various medications, there are a number of other approaches that can be used to provide chronic pain relief. Physical therapy that includes exercises that promote stretching and strengthening can be very helpful. Low impact exercise may be appropriate in some cases. Walking, swimming, or a number of other activities can help injured individuals get back to normal. Of course, every situation will be different, and a patient will need to discuss the appropriate measures with their physician. Occupational rehabilitation can help patients slowly build their health so that they can once again return to normal activities and work day responsibilities. For those who are having a hard time adjusting mentally to the change in life that their condition has caused may benefit from behavioral therapy. With dedication and skilled medical care, individuals can find relief from many long standing and painful conditions.

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Treating osteoarthritis in the knee is more complicated than in other parts of the body such as the hand, big toe, back or hip because the knee joint has many more essential functions that cause a wider array of problems. The knee joint is the largest of all the body's joints. A knee is hinged to a shin bone and to a thigh bone for a rather complicated ball-in-socket action. It bears the body's weight during movement and withstands twisting or turning motions as a result of daily activities. In order for a person to stand still, knee joints must lock in position, but when walking, joints act as a hinge that allows free movement of the legs. The knees are generally the most commonly affected by arthritis which accounts for the various treatments available to patients. A glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis is among the many dietary-based protocols for the management of the condition.

Self-help treatments, non-prescription and prescription medications, and surgery are used to manage the different degrees of deterioration in patients. While most people generally deal with the annoyances of arthritis, joint degeneration does not typically debilitate most patients. Treating osteoarthritis in the knee usually begins on a self-help level that may be managed by a nutritionist, doctor, holistic professional or the patient himself. These methods include dietary changes, exercise, physical therapies, and non-prescription pain relief. Diet can affect the condition in several significant ways. Doctors stress the importance of weight loss for those who carry excess pounds. Reaching the appropriate body weight can relieve arthritis symptoms by lessening stress on the joints.

Another benefit of dietary management is through the addition of important nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, C, E and magnesium. Adding glucosamine and chondroitin to a daily supplement plan is very common. Since cartilage contains these compounds, many people have found joint relief by taking a glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis along with other supplements. Some of the wear and tear on cartilage can be repaired, slowing further degeneration. Those who choose to take these supplements should patiently take the daily recommended dosage for several weeks before seeing any significant signs of improvement. It takes time for the nutrients to be absorbed into the joints and to begin repairing any problems.

These supplements are generally safe and present no side effects to most people. Only if a person has a shellfish allergy, should he or she refrain from taking the supplements. Another way of treating osteoarthritis in the knee that works well in conjunction with a natural approach is through exercise or therapy. Strengthening the quadriceps is very important in practically relieving some joint pain. People who suffer with arthritis in the knees tend to have weakened, front thigh muscles. Therapy or exercise to strengthen the quadriceps is very important in helping relieve continued pain and pressure on the joints. Hydrotherapy or water exercises are a good way to develop the front thigh muscles without causing further damage to the joints. Pool or swimming therapy has long been used for those who should not put undue stress on joints and bones but still need an efficient workout.

Exercises that isolate the quadriceps can be used to strengthen these very important muscles. Joining a gym and using the services of a professional trainer can be helpful. There are also some home exercises that can be recommended by a health professional to strengthen muscles. If a patient begins an appropriate exercise/therapy regimen along with the use of nutrients such as a glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis, it is very possible to control further damage. Sometimes pain can be alleviated as well, without having to use heavy drugs and medications.

There are times, however, when major deterioration has occurred. A patient's movements may be restricted and he is in constant pain. In these instances, the heaviest prescription drugs and injections are usually administered to lessen inflammation, swelling, stiffness and discomfort. Sometimes, surgery is recommended for treating osteoarthritis in the knee in those who are becoming increasingly immobile. There are no blood tests that can detect osteoarthritis as of yet, but X-Rays continue to be a reliable way to determine if there is any degeneration in joints. Many people are not aware that they are experiencing degenerative arthritis until much later in life when they develop pain and swelling. "As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him." (Psalm 18:30)

The condition is apparent in almost 70% of all people over 70, but can begin its onset much earlier. While the disease is generally linked to typical wear and tear to joints over time, some people are predisposed by genetics. Also, those who are overweight are at a much higher risk of developing the problem. Women are more likely than men to suffer with cartilage degeneration in the knees, especially later in life. Those who are particularly at risk should adhere to a preventive lifestyle that includes appropriate exercise, the addition of supplements to the diet such as glucosamine treatment of osteoarthritis, effective weight management and periodic checkups to determine an early onset of the disease.

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Arthritis causes pain within the joints of the human body due to inflammation and is the term used to refer to over 100 rheumatic diseases that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and internal organs. The two most common forms of the debilitating disease are: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Arthritis cures are few and far between, as there has been nothing developed to actually stop the effects of the painful ailment. Most aid is in the area of pain relief and management. Pain is the number one concern for people with the disease which is distinguished by impeccable pain that shoots through a person's joints. Pain is the body's way of telling a person something is wrong. The ultimate result of long term suffering with this problem is that the tissue/fluid between the joints whithers away causing the joints to rub against one another and result in additional constant pain.

There are two forms of pain classifications: acute and chronic. Acute pain is temporary, such as that resulting from a cut, bruise, or fracture. The aspect of chronic is that it is consistent and long term. Arthritis causes chronic pain, which can be mild to severe and can last a lifetime. More than 40 million Americans suffer with some form of this joint disease and have chronic pain that interferes with their daily activities. Osteoarthritis is the most common type affecting 16 million in the USA, and the rheumatoid type, which is the most crippling form of the disease, affects 2.1 million in the USA alone. Temporary arthritis cures for pain have been discovered, or at least management, but many sufferers will have to learn to live with the pain for the rest of their lives.

The amount of pain perceived in each case varies from person to person, and with arthritis cures being unknown, each person must learn to manage their own pain and discover which actions, or environmental reactions cause the most pain and eliminate them. Variables that increase the adverse reactions can include: depression, anxiety, and hypersensitivity. There are a variety of methods for short term pain relief including taking medication. Typically over the counter medication such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are helpful. Placing hot and cold packs on the area of inflammation may help. These methods include a warm bath or shower, dry heat (heating pad), or an ice pack (those with poor circulation should not use ice packs).

Joint protections can be considered moderate relief for pain by using a splint or brace to allow joints rest and to protect them from injury. A physical therapist or physician can make recommendations as to which arthritis causes resulting in pain would benefit by the use of a splint or brace. Receiving regular massages by a certified massage therapist is also an option. A massage therapist will lightly stroke or knead the painful muscle which will increase blood flow and bring warmth to the stressed area. Another viable alternative option to try is to research the possibility of acupuncture.

Acupuncture should only be done by a licensed acupuncture therapist. Acupuncture is performed by inserting tiny needles into the skin at specific points on the body. These needles in their specific points stimulate the release of natural, pain-relieving chemicals produced by the brain or the nervous system. This Oriental method has been around since ancient times as a way to relieve the symptoms of many ailments as well as to aid in weight loss and can also help a person to quit smoking cigarettes. However, the method does not work for everyone, but it should be considered if other methods of relief should fail. Keep in mind that these arthritis cures are for the temporary relief of pain only, usually reserved for those whose pain falls under the "acute" category. Long term pain care management for those sufferers of the chronic pain associated with various arthritis causes should use additional approaches if the short term pain methods don't work.

Long term arthritis cures for pain relief include medications such as NSAID's which stands for "non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs". This class of drugs includes aspirin and ibuprofen. When NSAID's don't work, DMARD's are used. This stands for "disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs". They include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, and gold injections. They are assumed to correct abnormalities of the immune system. Careful monitoring of the administration of these drugs is mandatory by a physician. Corticosteroids are hormones, very effective, and are taken by mouth or injected. These should only be used once or twice a year as frequent injections can cause damage to the cartilage. Checking with a doctor before beginning any treatments for the pain that arthritis causes are responsible for should be recommended and carefully monitored by a physician. Of course prayer should be the first line of defense. "For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when he cried unto Him, He heard." (Psalm 22:24)

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There are many natural remedies for gout that may prove to be effective for people who choose not to use traditional medicinal treatments. Some of the options that are available for those who suffer with the condition include supplements, foods and herbal remedies for gout. Gout is a very painful, arthritic condition that usually affects the big toe, but can also affect other joints such as the ankles. It is caused by uric acid that cannot be properly filtered out of the body through the kidneys. When the body has too much uric acid in the blood, crystals tend to form and become deposited in the joints. The supposition is that gravity draws the crystals downward and that is the reason for the build up in the lower joints of the body rather than other places. The kidneys are responsible for clearing toxic waste from the body and when this organ is unable to filter enough uric acid from the blood, gout can result.

The cause of the condition has been associated with eating too much red meat and alcohol. Rich foods such as gravies, sauces, yeast and sweet breads are also offenders. Drinking red wine and beer can also complicate the condition. The common offending element in all of these foods is purine which causes excess uric acid in the blood. Perhaps the most well-known historical figure who had the condition is Henry VIII. He was very wealthy which made it possible for him to have access to large amounts of red meats and wine in answer to his every whim. People who were poorer did not have access to red meats and expensive wines, but neither did they develop the condition. Since those days, gout has been dubbed the 'rich man's disease.' Today, residents of countries like America are more likely to develop the condition because of the rich foods that are available. Those who develop the condition, however, have found that there are some natural remedies for gout that can alleviate or heal the condition.

Relieving the filter overload on the kidneys is one of the primary ways to deal with the problem. Those who espouse natural remedies for gout believe it is important to give the kidneys a break by eliminating purine rich foods in the diet. Red meat should be restricted to only a couple times a week for those who have a moderate gout condition. Seafoods such as salmon, scallops and mussels need to be eliminated as well. For people who have a severe condition, it is suggested to eliminate rich foods altogether from a diet for at least a month in order to give the kidneys a much needed break. While restricting the daily intake of rich foods, adding herbal remedies for gout can prove to be very helpful. "And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth..." (Genesis 1:29a)

Dandelion is an effective herb that is known for its detox properties. Drinking dandelion tea every day can help to support liver and kidney functions. Dandelion is available in easy to brew tea bags or in loose bulk form. Alfalfa is another herb that is often used to help digestion in the stomach and to reduce acid buildup in the blood. Alfalfa can be purchased from many health food stores and is found in tea bags or in capsules. Other herbal remedies for gout include Buchu and Uva Ursi that help to soothe and return the kidneys and urinary tract to good health. When the kidneys do not function properly, the surrounding tissues become inflamed. These herbs offer anti-inflammation properties to provide support to ailing kidney and urinary tract tissues.

Devil's Claw is a very popular herb used to eliminate pain in the joints for both gout and rheumatoid arthritis. The herb also helps to reduce the levels of uric acid as well as lower serum cholesterol levels. A recommended dosage is to take approximately 750 milligrams of Devil's Claw three times a day. Gravelroot is an herb that stimulates the elimination of uric acid from the body. This can be purchased in dried form and 2 teaspoons added to a cup of water. Drinking the mixture three times a day can help reduce acid toxicity in the blood. There are also other natural remedies for gout that have proven effective for some people. Surprisingly, eating large amounts of fresh or canned cherries has been shown to be a productive remedy for gout.

Consuming at least a half pound of fresh or canned cherries a day can reduce uric acid levels and eliminate the recurrence of an attack. Other berries that are also effective for the same reason include blue berries and other dark red-blue berries. These berries contain flavonoids that help protect collagen as well. Another treatment that can be included simultaneously with herbal remedies for gout is the addition of rosehip tea to the diet. Rosehips are considered one of the most effective gout tonics when taken as a beverage. Approximately 5 rosehips tea bags should be steeped in a large bottle of water.

This brew should be taken cold and should replace other drinks for a while as a detoxification regimen. Rosehips also contain vitamin C and iron which provides a support to the body's systems. For those who drink lots of tea or coffee, replacing these drinks with rosehip tea can be quite beneficial. If a person doesn't care for cold drinks, this brew can be warmed for a hot tea beverage. A typical flare-up of the illness can be eliminated by applying some of these tried and true, natural remedies for gout. Many people prefer alternative treatments to prescription medications for the condition, which may only mask the symptoms and ignore the fundamental problems. For more information, consult an herbalist or holistic doctor for more extensive, natural treatment protocols.

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