Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand, but can also affect joints in the feet and throughout the body. Anyone can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, but women are more likely to develop symptoms. These most often begin between the ages of 20 and 30. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not yet understood, but many effective strategies have been developed to manage the symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Signs
The main symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is joint stiffness in the morning, often in the hands or feet. Stiffness that persists for an hour or more, or swelling and pain that lasts for more than six weeks, may be indicative of rheumatoid arthritis. Joint discomfort is typically symmetrical, i.e. both hands will hurt or feel stiff, not just one. Early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms also may include fever, excessive tiredness, or pea-sized lumps called “nodules” that can be felt under the skin.

Other possible rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include anemia, appetite loss and the accumulation of fluid in the ankles or behind the knee. In children, symptoms may include shaking chills and a pink rash which may follow the characteristic painful and swollen joints.

Used for arthritis sufferers as well as those who have repetitive motion problems in their joints, the arthritis pain relief gloves offer support for the muscles whilst gently warming the affected areas. The gloves are designed to cover the muscle, ligaments, tendons and metacarpal bones in a protective material. These arthritis relief gloves are usually worn at night while the sufferer sleeps. This helps prevent the stiffening of the joints that can be a nightly torture for those who have acute arthritis. The arthritic relief glove has proven itself so effective that the material is being used to create support sheaths for other parts of the body which are potentially affected by arthritis. Knee wraps are available, which can be worn during your working day and which help keep walking and other daily living activities from becoming unbearably painful.

The arthritis relief material has been fashioned into ankle and elbow braces as well. These arthritis relief gloves are much more effective than the old methods of heating rice filled pads to provide the necessary heat to affected areas for pain relief. The gloves and other pain relief wraps are long lasting and washable. They are available with velcro adjustment strips so can be made as tight or loose as you need. Usually these arthritis relief gloves will cost between $10 and $30 depending on the brand and special features offered. They are available at local pharmacies, major retailers and online directly from the manufacturers.

Arthritis is caused by the degeneration and deterioration of the cartilage layer surrounding the joints. This causes the bones to rub against each other, causing discomfort, pain and deformity of the bones. Glucosamine works by stimulating the body’s natural production of the proteins which rebuild and replenish the damaged cartilage. This means that the Glucosamine is treating the cause of arthritis rather than just the symptoms.

Glucosamine is classed as a nutritional supplement rather than a herbal medication. It can be obtained from a variety of sources, including health food shops and online stores. As it is a natural product, any side effects from taking Glucosamine are much milder than those caused by other medications. It is generally not recommended for diabetics, as it is a carbohydrate and can cause fluctuations in insulin levels. Individuals with shellfish allergies should be aware that most Glucosamine on the market is derived from shellfish, although some companies now offer corn derived Glucosamine. It is also recommended that pregnant or breast feeding women do not take Glucosamine; there is no evidence to suggest that it would be harmful, but there is not yet sufficient evidence to guarantee 100% safety.

Generally the benefits of taking this supplement can far outweigh any side effects and it has generally be proven t be safe and effective. It is often marketed as Glucosamine Sulphate, and daily recommended doses vary with each manufacturer. As it can take some time to be absorbed into the system you may need to take it for 1- 3 months before you start seeing the benefits.

Taking Glucosamine supplements, when taken early enough, can also help to prevent joint conditions such as arthritis by enabling the body to repair cartilage on an ongoing basis and maintain joint strength and function.

If you would like to try the benefits of Glucosamine for yourself, click Here.

Joint Advance is a natural product containing Glucosamine. It is available from here.

Images courtesy of Free Digital Photos and Free Images.