Is There a Better Way to Treat Arthritis?

Bone and joint pain is on the rise, especially with increased fitness activities, injuries and the aging population of baby boomers. Management of bone and joint disorders and chronic bone pain can be very difficult. Follow up is frequently needed for established and chronic problems for the best management. Proper evaluation is essential and there are multiple ways to protect and improve your joint health.

I am including general information about bone & joint health including arthritis. I find that reducing inflammation, no matter what the cause, is always helpful for joint pain. The major purpose of drugs/medications has been to reduce inflammation. Changing your diet is helpful. Exercise of some sort, especially resistance exercises are very important. Weight management is important as obesity is a major risk factor for the well being of your joints.

The evaluation process must consider previous injuries/surgery, tendonitis, congenital disorders, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, osteoporosis, bone spurs, disc problems, fibromyalgia, neuromuscular and autoimmune disorders, multiple myeloma, bone cancers, rotator cuff tears, pelvic instability syndrome, vascular problems, etc. requires a thorough and ongoing review of your history and a (repeat) physical exam.

A review of family history for arthritis and autoimmune disorders, injury and work history for possible wear and tear or overuse problems, previous surgery, a dietary and nutritional review, weight issues such as chronic obesity, and a smoking history is important in the evaluation of bone, joint and muscle disorders.

Diagnostic tests might include x-rays of affected joints, a bone density test to rule out osteoporosis, DEXA scan, a bone scan, BIA (bioelectrical impedance analysis) test, and lab tests that include bone markers including calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and vitamin D (25-OH D3 levels), thyroid and parathyroid studies, hormone studies, immunoglobulin studies, a PET scan, a bone scan, RHEUMATOID FACTOR, an ANA and possibly an MRI, and an EMG, or biopsy, as indicated, just to name a few.

Nutritionals include: Omega three fatty acids -fish oil-- (epa/dha) Higher doses from two to five grams) , SAMe, hyaluronic acid (collagen type II), strontium, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, and natural progesterone support bone health. In addition, adequate intake and a good source of Vitamin D (not milk (100 IU) and at least 1000-2000 IU (testing is recommended for the best dose) of vitamin D3 (and sunshine, if tolerated--20 minutes without sunscreen is 25, 000 IU) are now recommended, calcium, magnesium and vitamin K are very useful for bone health. Vitamin K cannot be used if on blood thinners, such as coumadin. Glutathione (IV, inhaled or via oral liposomal products) and it's precursors (alpha lipoic acid, glutamine and cysteine/N-acetylcysteine) along with Vitamin C, are very useful for helping to reduce pain.

Additional supplements that are very useful for bone and joint health are Kaprex, Kaprex AI, EC Matrixx, Cal Apatite and Ostera which are all made by Metagenics.

Acute pain management needs the immediate attention of your doctor, a specialist or the emergency department. For more resources, or product information, please email me.

Dr. Shelby-Lane is a board-certified anti-aging and regenerative medicine physician. To learn more about Dr. Cynthia Shelby-Lane check out the services she offers at http://www.elanantiaging.meta-ehealth.com or http://www.diagnose-me.com

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Using MRI For Dog Arthritis

One of the newest diagnostic procedures for dog arthritis is the use of MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. This procedure is not really new for human patients but it is quite the first time that its use is being extended to man's best friends.

Dog arthritis is a very common concern. Almost all dogs suffer from this the moment they reach their senior years. But even so, this condition can also be prevented with right intervention.

MRI is a welcome addition to the diagnostic tools that vets use to detect and cure arthritis in dogs. With the use of this high-tech medical scanner, veterinarians don't have to perform surgery on your pets just to know which joints sustain the problem. What's more, the use of this equipment allows vets to diagnose other diseases in your pet as well.

Dogs aged two years old can use the MRI scanner. Right now, vets would require dog owners to take their dog for an MRI scan several times within six months to monitor their disease. This way, the vet can easily see the improvement or the worsening of the condition. As such, they can adjust the pet's medication accordingly. MRI has been a great help not only for your dog but for you and its vet as well.

The MRI scanner uses a large cylinder running through a magnet. The scanner uses radio waves that are sent through the body, which in turn, would produce the image of the dog's joints, or any other part of its body for that matter. The image produced is either a two dimensional or a three dimensional reproduction of the muscles and joints.

However, only selected hospitals are offering this service right now. Most veterinarians are not yet equipped with this device, as it is quite a little too expensive for small clinics. Also, only a few hospitals allow pets and other small animals to be placed inside the MRI scanner. Hospitals currently allow only human patients for their equipment, although much of it is due to the fact that they don't have the necessary restraints and devices fit for animals.

The cost of MRI scanning for animals is not much different from human subjects. For people who have limited budget on their pets, it could be quite a big decision whether or not they should put their pet through the scan. However, this still proves to be one of the most efficient ways to provide your pet with the treatment it needs so that it can live life comfortably despite its condition.

If you want to know more about MRI or if you want to subject your pet for one, talk to your vet today. Your vet would know if the diagnostic procedure is necessary for your pet or if the old way of treating arthritis is sufficient. It also pays to know which hospital is offering the service to pets so that you'll know where to take your dog for one should it require the test in the future.

Visit DogArthritisCare.Com for canine arthritis articles and information. Read also the deramaxx FAQ.

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