Carmel, NY (PRWEB) December 07, 2011

More than 800,000 joint replacement procedures are done in the United States every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total joint replacements, which are done most frequently to relieve the pain and disability caused by severe arthritis, are performed most often on knee and hip joints but also on joints in the ankle, shoulder, fingers, and elbow. ?The risk of postoperative infection is present in all surgical procedures but it can be particularly serious in joint replacement,? says Dr. Joel Buchalter of Somers Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine. ?While the infection rate for joint replacement has been reduced to 1-2%, our goal is zero infections. And because airborne contaminants in the operating room are the primary cause of infection, creating an ?ultra clean air? environment is an important weapon in our fight against infection.?

Postoperative infection is particularly troublesome in joint replacement because the implant procedure introduces foreign material into the patient’s body. Bacteria are usually well controlled by the body’s own immune system; when an infection is detected, the immune system responds quickly and attacks the infecting bacteria. But an implanted prosthetic joint cannot defend itself against infection the way other tissues can. When bacteria gain access to the area around the prosthesis, it is harder for the immune system to clear the infection with a foreign body amidst the tissues. If an infected implant persists, the problem can worsen and sometimes the implant may need to be removed in order to cure the infection.

Preventing infection requires careful attention prior to surgery, during surgery and after surgery. Prior to surgery, patients and their doctors must ensure that conditions that might introduce bacteria into the body ? such as skin conditions, problems of the teeth and gums, and urinary tract infections ? are treated. These bacteria can be carried by the blood from distant sources in the body to the prosthesis. Similarly, after surgery patients must be attentive to treating cuts promptly and consider taking prophylactic antibiotics before invasive dental work or other procedures.

?But blood-borne bacteria do not pose the greatest risk in joint replacement procedures,? Dr. Buchalter says. ?The majority of infections are caused by airborne particles that are either present in the operating room ? from skin cells shed by the operating room staff and the patient. ? or are introduced through the ventilation system or through infiltration (e.g via a door being opened and closed). That’s why the most advanced facilities use specialized ?clean air? distribution systems that remove these contaminants to reduce the risk of infection.?

Air distribution in a hospital operating room is more complex than in a typical office building, where the primary objective is to quickly mix the air introduced into the room with the air already in the room in order to maintain a comfortable temperature without a draft. In the operating room, this typical system would spread an unacceptable level of airborne contaminants. Clean air environments were developed initially for semiconductor manufacturing and subsequently adapted to operating rooms. They utilize a specialized air distribution system comprised of several components that remove particulate matter from different sources:

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Question by cyndee_45: How bad does my arthritis have to get before I can claim disability?
I have osteoarthritis in my neck, lower back, wrists and ankles. I take prescription anti inflamitories and muscle relaxers in order to go to work. I work 10 hrs a day on my feet constantly moving, stretching and bending. While this movement is good for my arthritis, it can get really painful by the end of the day. I feel like I am up a creek without a paddle most of the time, especially after a 3 day workout. Then I just totally crash. I am tired of waking up with swollen hands, having a crick in my back and limping for a while after sitting down for 30 minutes.

Best answer:

Answer by mlgable
This is something you need to discuss with your doctor. Only he or she can decide if you might qaulify for disability. Please keep in mind that disablility is not all it is cracked up to be and you will not get anywhere near the amount of money each month that you make working. Your best option right now since you can still work is to cut back on hours and find a different job that is better suited to your problems. Go in and talk to your doctor about all of this though.

What do you think? Answer below!

Technorati Tags: Arthritis, Before, claim, disability

Question by Rosebloom: How can I help with my dogs arthritis?
I have a Yorkie/mix terrier who is 10 years old. He has started to suffer arthritis in one back leg. Is their anything in herbs,food, doggy vits to help him? and do you have any advice on how to deal with arthritis

Thanks everyone!!
Thanks everyone for all your advice, all great answers!

Best answer:

Answer by april
I had an old dog that got arthritis in her back legs and hip so bad I had to assist her going outside to potty. My vet gave rimadyl and she was like a different dog. I heard derramax works good too. They’re a little pricey, but worth it to make your baby feel better.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Technorati Tags: Arthritis, dogs, help

Question by Ziah: How to relieve arthritis of the arms during the night time?
My mom suffers from severe arthritis from her hands all the way to her elbows, she can’t sleep comfortably. Is there a way to relieve these symptoms so that she can get a good nights sleep??
Maybe a heated sleeve??

Best answer:

Answer by Ginny Jin
A sling with padding in it possibly.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Technorati Tags: arms, Arthritis, during, night, relieve, Time

Question by Missy154: What are the signs of arthritis and is it preventable?
I had a serious wreck 10yrs ago and fractured my hip in several places and had to have major surgery. The doctor told me that I would be more suceptable to arthritis. I am now 32 and have been having for the last few yrs or so pain in my arms and legs but only at night when I am trying to sleep. Could this be the onset of arthritis? What are the signs? Thanks!

Best answer:

Answer by sokokl
One of the signs of arthritis is when one has pain when they know the weather is going to change such as when it rains. Stiffness such as during cold weather can also be a symptom of arthritis. Some people notice their pain worse during the day and others at night too. This can often tie in to the weather as well. Sometimes swelling and redness can be symptoms of arthritis.

As to how to prevent it once it starts the only thing that can be done is to minimize the amount of pain thru medication and other forms of treatment and sometimes exercise.

Sometimes pain in the muscles can be a sign of arthritis too. When I first started out I didn’t have the classic symptoms of arthritis. My problem was muscle pain in my thigh area. Whenever my arthritis acts up and I know it’s going to be a bad flare I will often feel it in my thigh first and one way I’ll know it is when I start to feel a burning sensation in that area and then the pain comes next.

To learn even more about arthritis please check out: http://www.arthritis.about.com and http://www.osteoarthritis.about.com

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

Technorati Tags: Arthritis, preventable, Signs

San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) November 03, 2011

Winster.com recently conducted a survey to its gaming community of baby boomers and seniors, and discovered some atypical gaming behavior and lifestyle trends, which help to explain the immense growth of social media usage among 50-plus adults.

With three million registered players, Winster.com is the ‘Club Penguin’ for older adults (average player is 50 years old). The social game website offers a variety of free, multi-player casual games that encourages collaboration, instead of competition, strengthening social networks while promoting positive social interaction.

The survey received over 8,000 responses from Winster players. Highlights from the survey:

Technorati Tags: Adults, Infographic, Older, Playground, Virtual, Winster.com

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) October 28, 2011

Massage Envy Campbell at Preston has been working with arthritic patients for years, recently hosting Healing Hands for Arthritis, where, for every massage and facials in Campbell at Preston,Carrollton, Dallas, TX on October 12th, $ 10 was donated to the Arthritis Foundation. Beyond this, therapists from the clinic are working with outreach programs where they can help those suffering with arthritis heal their ailments.

Massage Envy Campbell at Preston has set up a committee to work with the local branch of the Arthritis foundation as well as other community groups whose members are affected by arthritis. Massage Envy Campbell at Preston has made it a priority to work with those at the Arthritis Foundation and various communities suffering with arthritis on an ongoing basis for the rest of the year, helping to manage their pain with massages in Carrollton, Dallas, TX. One guest who suffers from arthritis has been going to Massage Envy Campbell at Preston for months and has found it is the one thing that helps him manage his pain more than anything.

?We look for charities that can really impact people?s lives,? says Owner Bruce McGovern. ?so The Arthritis Foundation really fit us like a glove because we can help someone suffering from arthritis to feel much better.?

The massage therapists at Massage Envy Campbell at Preston are excited to be able to help those suffering from arthritis, with many of them taking additional classes to further their knowledge on how they can best treat someone suffering from arthritis. McGovern and his staff take pride in helping to treat those suffering from arthritis in the Dallas area and look forward to their ongoing work with the Arthritis foundation and various similar organizations in the area through massage therapy in Campbell at Preston, Carrollton, Dallas, TX.

About Massage Envy

Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise of massage centers is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage services to consumers with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Massage Envy Spa is its newest concept, offering Murad

Technorati Tags: Arthritic, Campbell, Community, Dallas, Envy, Massage, Preston, Works

LOS GATOS, CA. (PRWEB) October 28, 2011

ActiveOver50, the #1 magazine for the active 50+ consumer in Northern California with over 200,000 readers in print and online, features teacher/model Sandra V. Wilson, 50, on the cover of its latest issue.

High school dropout at 16. Married at 21. Divorced at 25 with two kids. English teacher at 40. Starts modeling career at 50?all the while overcoming dyslexia and rheumatoid arthritis. Her lifelong dream was to become a model on the ?runway? or grace the cover of a magazine.

How does a 50 year old compete against ?size 2, teenage girls?? Sandra said, ?If I could conquer all the other challenges in my life, why not start a modeling career at 50??

Lili Forrest of Deviations agency was looking for a ?mature and fit? baby boomer, and Sandra had the looks and shape. Besides profiling Sandra who lives near Charleston, West Virginia, the latest issue of ActiveOver50 includes the following articles:

Wrong Meds Can Kill You
?AARP Up Close? by columnist Dr. Walter M. Bortz, II, M.D.
How Long Will You Live?
?De-Clutter Your Life? by money columnist Evelyn Preston
?Down Under? by travel adventure columnist Don Mankin
Social Security Q & A
?Second Acts??by job career columnist Dr. ArLyne Diamond
Computer Games for the 50+
Doggie Breath?
Downsizing Challenges

About ActiveOver50 Media

ActiveOver50 is a six year old Media Company in the San Francisco Bay Area offering an array of products for the active 50+ consumer including a TV series with NBC Bay Area, trade show, newsletter, website and print magazine. The magazine reaches over 200,000 readers in print and online worldwide.

ActiveOver50 targets the active 50+ who are working, seeking work, thinking of retiring or leading active retired lives.

For more information about ActiveOver50 Media, contact publisher/CEO Larry W. Hayes at 408.921.5806 or email Larry(at)ActiveOver50(dot)com. Visit website: ActiveOver50.com.

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Technorati Tags: ActiveOver50, Arthritis, Career, Cover, Dyslexia, English, Featured, Launches, Magazine, Modeling, Overcoming, Rheumatoid, Sandra, Teacher, Wilson

Arthritis is not a single disease. It encompasses about 100 different conditions, that affect joints and that pose unique problems for diagnosis and treatment.

Arthritis is the general term given to a number of painful and debilitating conditions affecting the joints and bones. It is actually made up of two Greek words: athro – meaning joints; and itis – meaning inflammation. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Although arthritis is normally associated with people in the “baby boomer” category and older, it can affect people at any age, even children. When this happens to children it is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, although it is much less common than Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:

1. low fever;
2. fatigue;
3. multiple sore or achy joints;
4. multiple swollen or inflamed joints – rheumatoid arthritis impacts the soft tissue surrounding your joints. The tissue surrounding the joints may be red, swollen and tender when touched;
5. joint stiffness or reduced mobility – this is typically noticed first thing in the morning and/or after periods of long rest.

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks normal tissues as if they were invading antibodies. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes inflammation of the tissues around the joints and other organs of the body. The hands and feet are the most affected areas of rheumatoid arthritis although it can also affect any joint lined by a membrane. Rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systematic illness and sometimes called rheumatoid disease.

if caught at an early stage the joints can regenerate if aided by additional protection. This is why it is best to treat horse arthritis in an early phase to ensure the most effective recovery rate. The main symptoms of this disease to watch for are as follows: If your horse hesitates to execute maneuvers that were once routine to him, noticeable bumps/swelling of the joints in his legs, noticeable grinding of the joints while you ride or work him out, if you notice that there is a little puffiness in his leg joints. Sometimes, your horse may exhibit noticeable awkwardness or difficulty in his gait that might taper off after a while during the work out.

Arthritis comprises over 100 different diseases and conditions. The word arthritis means “joint inflammation”. When joints are inflamed, it causes pain and usually also limits movement of the joints that are affected. For many people, arthritis pain has a large impact on their life. Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing and bathing for more than 16 million Americans.

Some household remedies are known to provide relief from arthritic pains. The following are some of the more benefiting ones:-
# Applying a paste of limestone and honey on the affected joints externally provides relief.

# Mash some mustard in warm water and apply this solution on the joints. This must be done repeatedly to get results.

# Put two teaspoons of cumin into a glass of water. Bring this to a boil. When the water is still hot, soak a towel in it and foment the affected region with this towel. This will provide relief from the pain within a few hours.

# Asafetida mixed with egg yolk can be applied on the affected joints to seek immediate relief.

Some natural remedies for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis  include:

* Exercise – a regular exercise regimen helps to avoid stiffness of the joints associated with inflammatory arthritis
* Water aerobics – endorphins produced in the brain during water aerobics can help ease the pain of inflammatory arthritis
* Valerian – this can be used to treat the pain of inflammatory arthritis. This natural medication is a known sedative and caution should be used – some people have experienced withdrawal symptoms when stopping abruptly.
* Comfrey – a comfrey salve can be used to reduce the inflammation of the affected joints

Preventing Arthritis

Some forms of arthritis, such as gout and infectious arthritis, can be prevented through diet and care. Gout, for example, is often the result of excessive intake of foods containing uric acid, which result in the deposition of crystals in the joints. These crystals cause the pain and inflammation associated with this form of arthritis.

The 3 main components to exercise and arthritis are:

* Range of Motion (Flexibility)
* Resistance (Strength)
* Endurance (Cardiovascular)

Technorati Tags: Arthritis, Symptoms

Question by rraytann: What is the difference between arthritis medicines Mobic and Celebrex?
I take 200 mg Celebrex every day for arthritis. My RN friend says she takes Mobic 15 mg and it is the only arthritis medicine her hospital prescribes since it is safer and works better than Celebrex. I want to know why it is safer and what, if any, are the side effects?

Best answer:

Answer by ckm1956
Celebrex is called a COX-2 type drug. There’s much less chance of stomach irritation than with other arthritis drugs.

I doubt seriously that Mobic is the only arthritis medicine your friend’s hospital uses. What if someone is allergic to it?

What it comes down to is that your doctor knows you better than your friend. Ask him/her at your next visit to answer your questions.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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