Arthritis
and Acai: Gain Relief from the
Pain
and Discomfort That Acai Can Offer
Arthritis Symptoms
The
symptoms of
arthritis vary depending on which type is involved. For osteoarthritis,
the
most common type, the symptoms include low-grade inflammation and pain,
caused
by wearing of the cartilage that acts as a cushion inside the joint. As
the
bone surfaces become less well protected by cartilage, the patient may
experience pain when
standing and walking. Joint movement will be restricted
because of the pain
and as a result, muscles may atrophy and ligaments may
become lax. Other characteristic symptoms include stiffness on
awakening or
after prolonged rest, discomfort in a joint before or during a change
in
weather and bony lumps that develop on the end or middle joints of the
fingers
Rheumatoid
arthritis is considered a chronic, inflammatory,
autoimmune disorder wherein
the body’s immune system attacks the joints, specifically the synovial
membrane
that lines the joint. It is a painful and potentially disabling
condition which
can lead to significant loss of mobility due to pain and joint damage.
RA is a
systemic disease which means it is not confined to the joint. It often
affects
extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the muscles,
skin, blood
vessels, heart and lungs. Characteristic symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
include pain and
swelling in the joints
of the hands and feet, morning
stiffness or after periods of motionlessness and the presence of
nodules, or
lumps, that usually develop near the elbow.
Arthritis Treatment
There's
currently
no cure for most forms of arthritis. The
primary goal of treatment is to
alleviate and minimize symptoms of pain and inflammation
with the help of
exercise programs, physical therapy and medications. Physical therapy
can help
relieve pain and
inflammation, maintain joint mobility and range of motion. How
much therapy a patient needs, and the type of therapy will depend on
several
factors, such as the severity and type of arthritis, age,
and the patient’s
general state of health. In most cases, the physical therapist will
devise a
program based on the instructions of the orthopedic or rehab doctor. Pain can
be relieved with ice packs or hot moist packs. Ultrasound can be used
to
deliver heat deeper into the joint. This is
effective in relieving pain and
relaxes muscles around the affected joint.
As
for
pharmacologic treatment, osteoarthritis patients
are usually prescribed with pain relievers
and anti-inflammatory medications. These drugs include
acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or other nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If the symptoms are not responding to
medications, local injections of corticosteroid into the affected joints can be
performed. For severe cases, surgery such as a hip or knee replacement
may be
required. For rheumatoid
and other inflammatory types
of arthritis,
anti-inflammatory
medications including ASA and other NSAIDs are also given
In
addition, a class of drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
(DMARDs) is also used. However, they require time – weeks to months -
before
they can take full effect.
Acai
and Arthritis
Over
the past couple of years, there has been a growing interest in Acai both from
researchers and from the increasing number of arthritis sufferers
worldwide.
Moreover, more and more people are turning to alternative forms of
treatments
to help alleviate the pain and
suffering that arthritis
brings. Acai is widely
regarded as the number one ‘superfruit’ antioxidant in the world,
thanks to its
rich content of anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols. With the
remarkable
antioxidant properties of Acai, the body
will be better equipped to rid itself
of all the toxins and free radicals that can cause oxidative damage to
body
cells. This is especially true with inflammation. While there are
a lot
of scientific studies attesting to Acai’s potent
anti-inflammatory abilities,
one need not bother to read as arthritis sufferers
from the world over have
testified that their arthritis is a
lot better if not completely alleviated as
the inflammation has been taken cared of by Acai.
The
Acai berry also
provides beneficial amino acids, vitamins, minerals
and enzymes that can
help body cells repair themselves. This way, the body is
essentially
repairing itself from the inside out. The antioxidants in Acai have
cleansing
effect and this starts the process of reversing the effects of arthritis. Many arthritis sufferers
also claim that they can endure the pain longer when they
started taking Acai
tablets. This is another positive benefit of using Acai for arthritis as
this superfruit has a long and rich history of providing
people with greater energy and it is all-natural. This is of utmost
importance
for arthritis sufferers
as they can exercise more and actively participate in
the rehabilitation of their arthritic joints. This
will help to keep the joints
mobile and flexible,
thereby impeding the progress of the
disease.
Recommended
Products
Suite
632
38-11
Ditmars Blvd
Astoria
New York USA 11105
Toll
Free 24 Hours
Order Line: 1-888-800-5582
Tel:
(718) 956-0807 Fax: (419)
793-5542
Email
(Online
Since October 15, 2005.)
|
