Arthritis is more than one disease. The three most common types are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. All types of arthritis cause joint pain, swelling, and tenderness. Symptoms of arthritis tend to come and go. When they get suddenly worse, it is called an arthritis flare up. Sometimes the cause … Read More
If you're suffering from the pain and discomfort of gout, foods containing high levels of purine—among them organ meats and certain seafood—should be avoided. But what about foods that are safe to eat and might even help improve your condition? Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals … Read More
Gout in foot, instep, and ankle areas is common, affecting up to 8 million Americans today. The condition has been recorded throughout history, affecting many famous people—the most notorious of whom was Henry VIII, renowned for his lavish diet of rich food and copious amounts of alcohol. What is gout? … Read More
Osteoporosis is a condition of very low bone density that is commonly seen in women over the age of 50. It also can occur in men, typically after age 65. When bones lose density, either from having low bone mass or excessive bone loss, they become fragile and more likely … Read More
It used to be fairly common for everyone in the family to drink a spoonful of cod liver oil daily. But what are cod liver oil benefits? And what are its risks? Nutrients in cod liver oil Omega-3 fatty acids. Fish, including cod, is one of the major food sources … Read More
The best one-size-fits-all class for flexibility is an aerobic exercise group class. The ultimate goal is aerobic (cardiovascular) fitness, but instructors and their students have to go through warm-up and flexibility exercises before getting to the aerobic component. If you are a beginner or older adult not used to regular … Read More
The pain, stiffness, and restricted movement that accompany arthritis may seem like a good reason to curl up in bed, but exercise is beneficial in mild-to-moderate arthritis. Arthritis exercise benefits include: Healing. Exercise increases blood circulation and oxygenation within joint tissue, promoting repair. Lower risk of complications. Exercise helps protect … Read More
As a naturopathic physician, I use a variety of tools and strategies to help my patients. One of them—homeopathy—is widely misunderstood. Some people mistake homeopathy as just another word for natural medicine. Rather, it’s a specific technique that uses very small doses of highly diluted substances to stimulate the body’s … Read More
Trigger finger happens when a finger gets stuck in a bent position, but the finger in question is not the one most people associate with pulling a trigger. Rather, the ring finger and the thumb are most often affected by this condition, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. … Read More
You've likely heard of the condition, but what is lupus? Simply put, it's a group of autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body. In the United States, lupus affects one in 2,000 people. Lupus can affect multiple systems of the body, including the joints, … Read More
