why does my arthritis appear to be worse when I wake up in the morning? Surely a night's rest should help.
412736
Do you have rheumatoid arthritis?  Morning stiffness is one of the classic symptoms - you will feel more stiff and painful in the morning.  With osteo arthritis, I imagine you may also get uncomfortable overnight as well, though I have less experience with it so I'm not sure.  It helps to get moving right away to loosen up the joints.  Also, if you take anti-inflammatories for the pain, they may take a while to start working when you take them in the morning.\n\nIf you have rheumatoid arthritis, and your doctor wants to put you on some of the newer drugs like Enbrel, they can really help.  I used to have an hour of morning stiffness or more, now I've been on Enbrel for six months, and I have none.  Ask your doctor if there is anything you can do to help with the pain in the morning, but in my experience, unless you are lucky enough to do well on meds, you just have to wait it out every morning.
791519
Exercise helps, but watch what exercise you do and how much you start out with. I took a 9 week yoga class. I felt horrible pain while doing the exercises. Afterwards my muscles would sigh in relief. Sometimes I would hurt for days afterwards.\n\nI've found that I do better with other types of exercise. Walking short distances. Swimming and exercising in a pool for 5-10 minutes. \n\nMy friend, who is a fitness instructor, told me to drink plenty of water while exercising and to avoid yoga until my muscles are stronger. \n\nIf you have sleeping problems, I'd suggest a good foam or memory foam topper for your mattress. I've been prescribed SSRIs in the past when my sleep problems were at their worst. Sleep clinics can help find out if you have a certain sleeping disorder.  \n\nA pain management clinic or specialist might help. Rheumatologists can be good, but some I haven't had luck with.\n\nSupport groups like fibrohugs also can help. \n\nHot showers and soaks in the tub help some. Hot tubs can sometimes be too hot for me, but the ones at the right temp. relax my muscles.\n\nMy blood sugar gets low throughout the day, so I keep healthy snacks at work. I also make sure to have protein and two veggies in my dinner.
820001
Probably IS arthritis.  There is a web site that gives an excellent explanation of joint cracking.  I have listed it below.
939026
Definitely!  It can also cause pain at any other time of the day or night.  My mother has rheumatoid arthritis and is in constant pain which seems to intensify at night.  Sounds as if you need to visit a rheumatologist for further evaluation.
21332
There are a few ways to go around this. first of all you need to solve your arthritis problem either by taking medication or by some other way...pain is the worst deterrent physical activity.\nOn a different facet, you need to indulge yourself in a “low impact” physical activity like low intensity yoga or exercise in a pool. Those are especially good for people with arthritis. Also, if you cannot perform any kind of cardio activity, I would recommend going to the sauna or hot tub, to get the blood flowing and your metabolism kicking.\nAlso, watch what you are eating and your calorie consumption.\nLosing weight is a hard endeavor and I’m confident you’ll do well. ;)\n\nGood Luck!
644272
Arthritis refers to the more than 100 distinct diseases that cause pain and swelling, and limit movement in joints and connective tissue. Arthritis is the number one cause of severe pain and disability which limits physical activity. In the United States 40 million Americans have arthritis. Three million of these people are severely affected. It is usually chronic, meaning that it lasts a lifetime. The specific causes are not known for most types of the disease. But much is known about the symptoms, and how to treat them.\n\nPhysicians diagnose arthritis based upon the pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical exam, X-rays and lab tests. The main symptoms of arthritis are:\n* joint pain,\n* joint stiffness, \n* inability to move the joint freely, and\n* joint swelling.\n\nOther symptoms can include fever, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, lower extremity rash, and nodules. The key to effective treatment of symptoms is a personal plan devised by you and your health care provider. Symptom treatment usually includes:\n* medicine,\n* exercise,\n* rest,\n* use of heat and cold,\n* joint protection techniques, and \n* sometimes surgery.\n\nMany things can be done to reduce the impact of arthritis on everyday life. With proper diagnosis and design of a treatment plan, arthritis symptoms can be controlled. To learn more, call the Arthritis Foundation at (800) 283-7800.
985413
You probably have rheumatoid arthritis (as this usually occurs more in fingers than osteoarthritis).  This is an inherited disease that you cannot get rid of.  Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints resulting from a degradation of the cartilage between them.  Therefore, while you may certainly massage it, that will not help.  The best thing to do is go see an orthopedists who can help with a solution.  The ones out there include pain medication and replacement.  \nGood luck finding help.
519659
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease. In OA, the cartilage cushion in the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub together. Pain, stiffness, and sometimes the formation of bone growths, called spurs, result. OA can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands, feet, spine, and in large, weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Although OA is often attributed to general wear and tear associated with aging, it can also be caused or exacerbated by a number of other problems, including obesity, injury, or repeated joint stress. Many researchers believe that OA is in part hereditary, and may be due to genetic abnormalities in the cells that produce cartilage.
924340
Hi Djinn\n\nHere are a few ideas to help the healing process.\n\nCause: \nArthritis is caused by acids and waste matter in the body, which eventually become solidified and lock the joint. This condition is caused and aggravated by improper diet. Some of the worst intakes are eggs, bread, milk, meat, salt, sugar, etc., because they cause arthritic calcification. The use of extremely hard water (generally of twelve or more grains in hardness) will often accentuate an arthritic condition where softer water will help relieve it. Sometimes an individual with a good inherent structure can throw off the hardest water without arthritic effect. The weaker person may drink water that is not very hard and absorb from it relatively larger quantities of the inorganic minerals. \n\n\nQuick Action Plan for Rheumatoid Arthritis\n\n1. Acupuncture treatment helps to reduce the body's aggressive defenses that inadvertently attack its own joint tissue. \n\n2. Massage affected joints with rosemary, benzoin, chamomile, camphor, juniper, or lavender. \n\n3. Diet plays an integral part in reducing or preventing the onset of all types of arthritic conditions. A diet rich in an abundant selection of fresh vegetables, and a wide variety of sweet and non-sweet fruits, soaked nuts and seeds, and whole grains is recommended. \n\n4. Tomatoes, cayenne, black and long pepper should be avoided by person's with rheumatoid arthritis. Minimize protein intake, choose small quantities of fish, legumes, eggs, soaked nuts and seeds. Eliminate beef, chicken, shellfish, and pork completely. Eat no hydrogenated fats, processed sugars, dairy products, alcohol, coffee, or black tea. \n\n5. Use the following powerful aids to speed and assist healing: Goji, Acai and Noni juice, bee pollen, royal jelly, and evening primrose oil are recommended, as is Shark cartilage, Wobenzyme, DMSO, MSM Manganese Cetyl myristoleate with lipase, and vitamin C.\n\n6. Test for food and environmental allergies and avoid all foods and substances to which you are allergic. \n\n7. Cleansing and Detoxification including colon and bowel cleansing therapies, fasting, kidney and gallbladder flushes, physical medicine, and homeopathic remedies. \nIsometric exercises, stretching, and yoga can help ease arthritis pain. \n\n8. Constitutional hydrotherapy (apply two to five times weekly) or heating compress (apply once daily to affected areas). \n\n9 Drink the juice of half a lemon before every meal and before going to bed. \n\nBest of health to your family.\n\nCheers
308016
It's arthritis. And, no popping your fingers or whatever you pop does not cause arthritis. The only thing it does is releases air that's trapped between your joints.
876956
I'd say it has something to do with your  bed!!!!\nif you have not had an injury in the past i'd be getting a new matress or one ot those theraputic foam mats to go over your matress the one with the lumps all over it... Give it a try  anyway and hopefully you'll wake up pain free in the morning.\ngood luck
291270
Do you mean rheumatoid arthritis?  In my opinion, it may help improve your overall health by giving you more vitamins, but it won't cure anything.  Get a good doctor.  I've asked my rheumatologist if any supplements/etc would help, and he basically said that if there was something, he would have told me to take it other than pumping me full of meds that can hurt my liver.  If you want to drink it as part of a healthy diet, go ahead, the healthier you are the better you will feel.  But you don't have to buy expensive supplements for this.  Any improvement you hear about will likely be a sales pitch or a placebo effect.\n\n*edit* Yes, I do have RA.  Always just talk to your doctor about anything first!! Also go to www.arthritis.org and to to RA connect, they have a discussion board where lots of people talk RA all the time.  It's been very helpful to me.
593594
I have arthritis in my hands, feet, and back. I get two injections of Enbrel a week. Makes a HUGE difference.  Difference between walking and not walking.
652972
It could be bursitis, an inflammation of the bursae( a fluid filled protective sac that reduces friction in the joints). You may end up having to see your Dr. but, try Motrin and rest, ice (20 min) and 20 min later heat (no more then 20 min) several times a day. But if the pain persists see your doctor.
63655
Degenerative Arthritis is basically joints that are deteriorating.  Joints deteriorate for several reasons.  Previous injury(fractures, ligament tears, repetitive microtrauma), can also be from diet(eating an inflammatory diet of meats, fried foods and carbohydrates) vs. eating plenty of green vegetables and drinking plenty of water to start.  There is a ton of stuff that contribute toward degerative arthritis, the main thing is lifestyle choices that we choose through out our lives.  Lifestyle choices such as exercise, diet, sleep, mental attitude, keeping all joints healthy and mobile.  If you are interested in keeping your joints from getting worse, I would recommend going to a chiropractor.  They are the only ones who will address joint problems.  They will not give you medications which cover up the symptoms of the joint problems, but actually coach you in a way to better joint function and improve your health.  If you want a quick fix, then there is always pain killers or anti-inflammatory medications but that will only help temporarily until your joints completely deteriorate then its time for surgical replacement.  After surgical replacement you chances are very slim that you will ride again, except around the barrels or around the farm.  Hope this information helped you along.  Want more information you can go to our web site www.yourdynamicwellness.net and that will give you plenty.  Key thing, dont just take a drug or surgery unless you completely know the side effects and outcome.\nSincerely,\nDr. Jon Bright
342145
I too have RA. Going on 12 years now. I can tell you from experience that going to the doctor on a regular basis is the best thing to keep the RA in check.\n\nFlare-ups can be a nightmare especially when you have more than one going on at a time. I am in pain as I type this now.\n\nWhat makes it worse is having small children, a job, & a bunch of chores sitting there waiting on you! Stress is the worst thing for it!\n\nHere are some things that help to get me thru the hard times...\n*long hot baths\n*800mg of Ibuprofen (as mentioned above for inflamation & pain)\n*for wrists/fingers-braces help to keep from bending the fingers & wrists to much (ouch!)\n*plenty of rest\n*meditation/relaxation/deep breathing\n*a good TNF inhibitor medication prescribed by your doctor (best for prevention of flare-ups)\n\nBTW...Methotrexate & Prednisone are not good for you. Prednisone should only be used in case of severe flare-ups for short periods of time.\n\nThe TNF inhibitors block the tumor necrosis factor that causes symptoms of RA. It is also used for other autoimmune diseases. They are given either intravenously by a doctor or through a shot that you take yourself. I take a shot subcutaneously (just under the skin). If you have health insurance TNF inhibitors are the way to go. They are wonderful. The only reason I am in pain right now is b/c I haven't been back to the rheumatologist in a while & don't have anymore. That is why I stressed GO to the doctor! Don't be dumb like me & let your joints deteriorate anymore than they already have! :)\n\nThe particular drug I was prescribed is Enbrel. Others include Kineret, Remicade, etc. Check it out! You will be glad that you did!\n\nBless you & hope you feel better soon!\n\n:)
519357
with the correct treatmeant the symptoms can be eased for long periods of time.\nnot sure that helps much.arthritis is sadly something we know very lil about,theres a huge sum of money been thrown into research here in england.