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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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For most people spinal stenosis surgery is the final step in a pain control program. Lumbar stenosis treatment doesn't necessarily have to include surgery, but, if pain can't be controlled with non-surgical methods, an operation is an option. The good news for people suffering with a lumbar affliction is that non-surgical methods are can relieve the pain and suffering for a period of time. In fact, the symptoms could be controlled indefinitely. But non-surgical methods are not curative. Spinal stenosis surgery is about the only way remedy of the ailment. Lumbar stenosis is caused by the narrowing of the spinal canal. This can occur suddenly, but the condition usually develops over a long period of time. As the canal narrows, nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord become irritated or squeezed, and treatment in some form becomes necessary to relieve the pain. Occasionally, the spinal cord itself can be irritated or pinched. Squeezed or irritated nerves cause pain or numbness that radiates from the lower back and down the legs. Tingling and weakness in the legs are also symptoms. Activity can increase the severity of symptoms.

If none non-surgical techniques don't relieve the symptoms or the pain becomes too much to handle, surgery is an option. Pain and disability are usually factors in determining when to have an operation. When a person's quality of life is impacted to the point that they have a difficult time caring for themselves, spinal stenosis surgery is the only remaining option. There are two common types of lumbar surgical procedures. Both have the same goal, which is to make room for the affected nerve to heal. The two types of lumbar surgery are called microdiscectomy and decompressive laminectomy. According to a medical website, microdiscectomy is more useful in treating leg pain than it is for back pain. Basically, a surgeon removes a portion of bone that is over the nerve root, or a portion of the disc located under the nerve root. This spinal stenosis surgery usually takes pressure off the nerve and provides ample space for healing. Lumbar laminectomy surgery is also called open decompression surgery. In this procedure a surgeon removes a portion of the bone over the nerve root and provides space for healing. There are other medical options available, such as spinal fusion. Individual characteristics and degree of disability are key factors in determining a course of treatment.

During spinal stenosis surgery, the patient is asleep under general anesthesia. After surgery, the patient is monitored for awhile in a recovery room and will usually leave the hospital within two to five days. Following surgery, patients may experience pain for a few weeks. But over-the-counter and prescription medications help relieve the discomfort. Depending on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health, recovery time may last from just a few weeks to half a year. Always keep faith in God and continue to pray for quick healing. In Psalm 38 David makes an appeal for relief of an unknown yet severe and painful illness. Severe pain and suffering can be debilitating both psychologically and physically as David's plea can attest. "I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee." (Psalms 38: 6-9) Pain is a difficult burden to handle alone, so seek the mercy of God through prayer.

If after the initial assessment the doctor determines that spinal stenosis surgery isn't needed immediately, an effective treatment program will be developed. If lumbar spinal stenosis is suspected, there are at least two ways to confirm the existence of a problem: an MRI scan or a CT scan. The CT scan is sometimes done using an X-ray dye that has been injected into the spinal fluid. Both an MRI and CT scan procedures are too in-depth to explain in such a short article. But there are some websites with detailed descriptions of both procedures. If diagnosed, people can successfully manage their pain and symptoms through non-surgical means. Generally, non-surgical treatments are preferable to spinal stenosis surgery. Treatment may include an exercise program supervised by a physical therapist, activity modification, and epidural injections. Keep in mind, none of these methods will produce a cure. They are merely a means of controlling pain. According to online sources, inactivity can be detrimental or even debilitating to lumbar spinal stenosis patients. Therefore, the physical therapist will design an exercise program that will keep the patient active but will not add to the problem.

Physical therapists sometimes use heat or cold therapy as well as water therapy to treat lumbar conditions. Acupuncture is an alternative treatment often used to relieve pain. After assessing musculoskeletal imbalances, a physical therapist can more easily determine a course of action, which may include electrical stimulation, stretching exercises, and posture training. Obviously, patients should avoid activity that causes any increase in pain and suffering, which could ultimately lead to spinal stenosis surgery. Again, the primary goal of the treatment program is to relieve a person's pain and suffering. And it may be necessary to modify activities to accomplish the goal. For example, people adjust the way they walk, or they use assistance while walking. Leaning forward while walking is more comfortable and helps to alleviate the pain. Canes, walkers, and shopping carts are useful supports for people who finding leaning forward a comfortable position but are concerned with losing their balance and falling. Finally, an epidural injection of cortisone usually relieves pain symptoms and is a valuable part of the spinal stenosis treatment. Injections are given several times over the course of a few months. For some people, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can be helpful.

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Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a disease not so commonly discussed, leaving most of us little knowledge about its effects, treatments, or severity. Although we generally think of arthritis as a disease of the aging, juvenile arthritis is a reality that causes joint inflammation and stiffness for more than six weeks in a child of sixteen years of age or less. The inflammation causes redness, swelling, warmth, and soreness in the joints. Some may even experience affects on their internal organs such as the heart, spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

Although most people don't realize it, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system, which normally helps to fight off harmful foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses, begins to attack healthy cells and tissues. Scientists aren't sure of the cause, but they suspect it is something in the child's genetic makeup that develops problems with his joints and bones. Sometimes the trigger may be an environmental factor such as a virus that triggers development of pain. Persistent joint swelling, pain, and stiffness are typical, and commonly affects the joints in the hands and feet. It seems to be worse after sleeping, so one of the earliest signs of juvenile arthritis is often limping in the morning because of an affected knee. Often the symptoms flare up and down, called remissions flare-ups. Some children experience one or two flare-ups and are never bothered again, while some have many flare-ups or have symptoms that never go away. The symptoms usually present when a doctor sees a child are: persistent pain or swelling of joints, an unexplained rash and fever, or an unexplained limp. Joint swelling or pain must exist for at least six weeks for juvenile arthritis to be considered as the cause. For this reason, it is helpful for the parents to keep a record of when the symptoms first appeared. Blood tests and x-rays are useful diagnostic tools when trying to decide if a child is afflicted with this disease.

When a child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, treatment by a rheumatologist is necessary. A team approach, with a pediatrician, rheumatologist, and physical therapist, provide optimal treatment. Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed to reduce the swelling, and in severe cases, additional disease-modifying medicines are given. Physical therapy is an important part of the child's recovery plan. Exercise keeps the muscles in tone and can preserve the range and motion of the joints. Some people seek alternative ways of treating arthritis, such as special diets or supplements. These methods have not been found particularly helpful, but they aren't harmful either. A child may be helped by some of the alternative approaches by relieving the stress of living with a chronic illness. Doctors stress it is important not to neglect the regular health care treatment.

The entire family is affected when a child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and there are things the family can do to help the child to cope. First, treat the child as normally as possible by keeping him involved in family activities. The parents must keep close communication with the child's physician so that medicines can be balanced to treat the symptoms. Parents should encourage exercise and physical therapy, and during remissions, let the child be involved in team sports to help keep the joints strong and flexible and provide playtime with other children. The family can also work closely with the school so that school officials understand that the child may be absent for long periods of time and will need at-home lesson plans to keep up while he is ill. Allowing the child to leave class just a little earlier to give him more time to get to the next class is another important modification.

The disease should be explained to the child's classmates, so everyone understands what's happening to their friend. Children can be very supportive of one another when they understand what's going on. Children should understand that getting a disease is no one's fault. Sometimes children get the notion that a child is being punished for something he did when he gets sick. There are also support groups to help a child cope with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis by talking to others who share his experience. There are groups for the entire family as well, which helps them cope with the special stresses that occur. Whether it is a short-lived problem, or a lifelong one, children can be helped when they are stricken with the strange and painful disease called juvenile arthritis. Psalm 127:3 tells us, "Children are a heritage of the Lord." We as believers all have a responsibility to care for those little ones who touch our lives. Helping them struggle those discouraging times with their disease is important for each of us.

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