Rheumatoid Arthritis And Anaemia – Is There A Link?

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis is a challenge. The pain, stiffness and swelling make even simple everyday activities difficult to accomplish. Even sleep becomes an arduous task. Most of the symptoms associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis arise due to the strong inflammatory response of the immune system, leading to damage of joint tissue and structure. 

Now, researchers have found that people with Rheumatoid Arthritis are at risk of Anaemia.

What is Anaemia?

It is a condition when your body is unable to produce adequate red blood cells. In some cases, Anaemia may arise in spite of having enough red blood cells. In such a condition, the blood cells tend to have insufficient haemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen to the cells of the body. 

The primary symptoms of Anaemia are: 
• Constant fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heartbeat
• Headache
• Decreased capacity for work

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Anaemia

Researchers have found that 60% of people with Rheumatoid Arthritis suffer from some degree of Anaemia. This type of Anaemia is called Anaemia of Chronic Disease (ACD). This condition usually accompanies chronic problems like Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn’s disease and cancer. 

But why?

While the reason behind the high risk of Anaemia is not completely clear, researchers say that the intense inflammation that occurs in the body due to Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the primary factors. The adverse immune reaction causes the joint tissue to become inflamed. This induces the body to release proteins which end up interfering with how cells use iron. The inflammation also hampers the production of red blood cells. 

What you need to do

If you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, then firstly you need to inform your doctor about the risk of Anaemia that you face. To keep Anaemia at bay, you should take your medicines on time. Moreover, you need to consume iron-rich foods like spinach, tomato, beans, almonds, carrots, poultry meat, sardines, pumpkin and raisins. This will help maintain the haemoglobin content in your blood and keep your red blood cells healthy. 
     
By Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

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Top Recommended Exercises For Your Frozen Shoulder

 If you have been suffering from a stiff and painful shoulder for more than a couple of weeks, there is a chance that you are suffering from Frozen Shoulder. Also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, this condition can easily be identified by extreme stiffness in the shoulder accompanied with pain. You may be unable to focus on everyday tasks due to Frozen Shoulder. The pain may even interfere with your sleep. Thus, Frozen Shoulder presents a grave threat to your body’s fitness and mental stability.   

In dealing with this problem, doctors and physiotherapists around the world agree on one thing: exercise is vital. People with Frozen Shoulder need to keep using the affected shoulder in a careful and controlled manner. This will enhance blood supply to the muscles and ligaments, improve mobility, reduce pain and stiffness while speeding up the process of recovery.

5 exercises for Frozen Shoulder

1. Pendulum Stretch

· Keep your shoulders relaxed.

· Stand and lean forward slightly, allowing the affected arm to hang freely.

· Swing the free arm in a small circle.

· Do 10 clockwise revolutions and then switch directions.

2. Towel Stretch

· Grab each end of a small towel with one hand.

· Keep the towel horizontal.

· Use your healthy arm to pull the affected arm upwards.

· Do this 10 times per day.

3. Finger walk

· Stand straight in front of a wall.

· Touch the wall with the fingers of the affected shoulder.

· Use the fingers to “walk” up the wall slowly.

· Repeat 10 times and then take rest.

4. Cross Body Reach

· Stand with your legs slightly apart.

· Use your working arm to lift the affected arm at the elbow.

· Bring it up and across your body.

· Hold it until you feel a gentle stretch.

· Slowly lower the arm.

· Do this 10 times per day.

5. Armpit Stretch

· Stand in front of a chest-high shelf or counter.

· Lift the affected arm onto it.

· Bend your knees slightly so as to stretch the armpit.

· Hold for a few seconds and then straighten your knees.

· Repeat 10 times each day.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Tips To Unfreeze Your Frozen Shoulder

If you have Frozen Shoulder, then you are well aware of the enormous discomfort this condition brings with it. While the pain and stiffness are bad enough, it erodes the capacity to move your arm. If you are not careful, you can actually make Frozen Shoulder a lot worse. To manage this condition, you need to follow some simple dos and don’ts. These tips will not only reduce the discomfort but also speed up the recovery process.

Frozen Shoulder – What to do

1. Apply ice-pack: This helps to control the sensation of pain, especially in the mornings and the evenings. The ice reduces the blood circulation in the affected shoulder, thus reducing the feeling of pain and stiffness. Take care not to use the ice-pack for more than 10 minutes. 

2. Do stretching exercises: When the pain is under control, you can try out simple stretching exercises, especially those which target the muscles and ligaments in the shoulder. Just 10 minutes of stretching will help strengthen the shoulder muscles and increase mobility.

3. Take frequent breaks: While complete rest is advised to people with Frozen Shoulder, it may not be practical. So, if you want to continue to work, remember to take a 10-minute break after every hour. Use the break to walk around a bit and do some stretching exercises. This will reduce the strain on your shoulder and improve blood circulation.

4. Use a comfortable chair: If you need to sit for several hours at a stretch, then use a chair with armrests at an adequate height. This will support your shoulder muscles and reduce the strain.

5. Sleep properly: Avoid putting your affected shoulder under stress while sleeping. Keep a small pillow in between your legs to prevent you from rolling over and putting pressure on the painful shoulder. As the pain may interfere with your sleep pattern, you may want to take short naps throughout the day. Some people feel the need to sleep more than usual. This is considered normal.

What to avoid

1. Don’t carry a handbag: This will put unnecessary pressure on the affected shoulder. So try not to keep anything on the shoulder.

2. Avoid taking up housework: While this may appear to be a noble intention, trying to do housework in spite of having a Frozen Shoulder will only increase the risk of pain and stiffness. So, you should rely on your family members to complete the household chores.

3. Stay away from driving: Trying to drive in this condition will put massive strain on the shoulder muscles, leading to increased pain and stiffness. Thus, use the bus or the train instead of the car.

4. Stop irregular activity: If you cannot maintain your usual schedule, don’t push yourself. Try to take up a new hobby to pass the time. This will help keep your daily activity at a moderate rate, free from abnormally high or low levels.

5. Refrain from obsessing over the pain: This will only increase the pain sensation. To avoid feeling trapped by the pain, try to do meditation and breathing exercises. This will shift your focus away from the pain. 

          

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Frozen Shoulder – You Too Are At Risk!

Also known as Adhesive Capsulitis, the problem of Frozen Shoulder can be easily identified by its primary symptoms: excruciating pain and extreme stiffness in the shoulder. Usually, it is caused by a traumatic injury or lack of adequate physical activity. Such factors cause the flexible tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint to stiffen, thicken and swell up, leading to almost complete loss of joint motion.

How to identify Frozen Shoulder?

The first sign of this problem is the presence of pain. Gradually, the pain increases in intensity, thus limiting the use of the affected shoulder. Regular, everyday use of your arm becomes difficult. After some time, you may find it almost impossible to move the shoulder.

3 stages of Frozen Shoulder

1. Painful stage: The shoulder becomes stiff and painful, especially during movement. Shoulder mobility gradually becomes limited. Pain may seem to worsen at night.

2. Adhesive stage: In this stage, the shoulder becomes increasingly stiff, thus limiting the range of motion. However, the pain does not usually worsen.

3. Thawing stage: The movement in the shoulder slowly begins to improve at this stage. Even the pain may start to fade.

What causes Frozen Shoulder?

It is usually caused by:

· Severe injury to the shoulder

· Diabetes

· Thyroid problems

· Stroke

· Ageing

· Menopause

· Inactive lifestyle, leading to inadequate use of the shoulder

These factors, along with an extended period of inactivity, can make you highly vulnerable to Frozen Shoulder. The tissue surrounding the shoulder joint becomes stiff due to inflammation, leading to formation of scar tissue. This severely limits the range of motion. In most cases, people realize that they are suffering from Frozen Shoulder at around 9 to 10 months.

What should you do?

If you suspect that you are suffering from Frozen Shoulder, then you need to visit a specialized pain management or joint pain clinic without any delay. While this problem can be diagnosed by the symptoms alone, your doctor may want you to get an X-ray report or an MRI scan to rule out the presence of other complications and to further confirm the initial diagnosis.  

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

What Can You Do For Your Sore Muscles? Find Out Now!

You wake up one fine Sunday morning, ready to take on the rest of the day with the vitality and joy that befits the weekend. But as you attempt to climb down your bed, you feel a dull pain just above the buttocks. “What’s going on?” you begin to wonder as you become aware of the stiffness. You went to bed last night without any issues! As you sink back into the bed, a thousand worries start to crowd around your mind.

The pain and stiffness are the result of nothing other than muscle soreness. While you may greet this news with a sigh of relief, soreness is nothing trivial. You can follow some simple tips in order to tackle and ultimately resolve this problem.

Tips for dealing with sore muscles

1. Move slowly: You may feel like lying down and taking rest. After all, you are in pain! However, physiotherapists around the world say that this is actually a bad idea. What you need to do is to start moving slowly and carefully. This will gradually increase blood circulation to the affected muscles. There is no need to jump around or lift weights. But you should start using the sore muscles in a controlled manner. Do this for just 15 minutes.

2. Stretch carefully: After moving around a bit, you can start to do simple stretching exercises, especially those which target the affected muscles. Stretching makes the muscles more flexible and brings much needed oxygen-rich blood to the muscles. This will help speed up your recovery.

3. Drink water: Numerous studies have noted that one of the most common causes of muscle soreness is reduced concentration of water in the body. So whenever you feel sore, drink at least 2 glasses of water. Remember to stay away from caffeine or alcohol as both are known to increase the symptoms of dehydration.

4. Get massage: It is a known fact that massage brings almost instant relief to sore muscles. Just remember to inform the masseur of your current problem. This will help him moderate the massage session and give much-needed attention to the affected muscles.

5. Have adequate protein: If you tend to suffer from sore muscles regularly, then it is a sign that you are not getting enough protein through your daily diet. Thus, you need to include protein-rich items like fish and poultry. You can also try eating nuts or lentils as they are good source of vegetable protein.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

      

Lifestyle management to prevent Cervical Spondylosis

Is that nagging pain in the neck and shoulder region turning out to be your constant companion? Is it usually followed by tingling or numbness of the area? If so it’s time to fasten your seat belts. You might be suffering from Cervical Spondylosis. 

Cervical Spondylosis is an age related degeneration of the bones and discs of the neck. The edges of the vertebrae often develop bony projections that form along joints and are called bone spurs or osteophytes. Although people above the age of 40 are at risk of getting Cervical Spondylosis, even younger people may suffer from it. Often it is accompanied by headache, fatigue, anxiety, muscle weakness and sensory loss. In extreme cases, it may even lead to imbalance as well as loss of bladder control and bowel movement.

Factors that trigger Cervical Spondylosis:

• Repetitive stress
• Chronic bad posture
• Regular strain to the neck due to work
• Injuries to the neck
• Overweight
• Inactive lifestyle

Preventive Measures:

Cervical Spondylosis as mentioned above majorly occurs due to improper lifestyle. Hence, an effective management of the same can prevent its incidence.

1. Maintain correct posture: It is imperative to maintain correct posture. Improper posture, strain to the neck, sitting in one position for too long, all these can adversely affect the neck and shoulder.

2. Exercise regularly: Exercises are important to maintain a healthy body. It enhances the range of motion of the joints. Perform simple stretching and flexibility exercises. Engage in low impact aerobics such as walking, swimming, cycling and refrain from high impact aerobics like jogging and running.

3. Lose extra body weight: Weight loss is necessary to avoid putting extra pressure to the painful joints. Less weight provides greater joint mobility and muscle flexibility.

4. Eat right: Proper and healthy eating habit can immensely benefit the body. A diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, antioxidants and fibre promotes skeletal health and lowers inflammatory chemicals in the body.

5. Consume adequate water: Water intake is essential for maintaining the balance of electrolytes and minerals that one needs for normal muscle and nerve function. It is recommended to consume at least 8 glasses of water everyday.

Preventive measures are adopted to reduce chances of the occurrence of a disease. On the contrary, if the problem of neck pain is aggravating, one must consult a doctor as soon as possible. Persisting neck pain if left untreated can lead to Cervical Spondylosis.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Sleep – A Necessity For Fighting Chronic Pain

Pain and sleep have a strange and vicious relationship. Since pain and lack of sleep reinforce each other, this can wreak havoc on the lives of people who suffer from chronic pain. Previously, what sort of influence the existence of pain has on sleep was relatively unknown. While researchers and doctors routinely faced people in pain who have trouble falling asleep, they were unable to fully understand the relationship between the two factors.

Now researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered that the perception of pain has enormous influence on the degree of sleeplessness among people suffering from chronic pain-related issues.

The study

Researchers divided participants into 4 groups based on their perception of the pain. The participants were asked to report the level of pain they perceived and the amount of sleep they were able to have each night.

The findings

The researchers found that people who had higher pain perception were less likely to sleep well at night. This shows that while pain is an important factor, how patients dealt with the sensation of pain was vital in ensuring proper and restful sleep.

Coping with pain – 5 simple techniques

1. Learn to meditate: Deep breathing meditation techniques can help your body as a whole to calm down. This may decrease the sensation of pain. Try to meditate for just 15 minutes after waking up in the morning and before going to bed at night.

2. Control stress: Stress is known to intensify chronic pain. Negative feelings like depression, anger and anxiety can increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. If you can control stress, you can gradually manage the pain as well. This will help you get much needed rest.

3. Exercise regularly: Exercise helps to release endorphins. These help to improve your mood while blocking out the sensation of pain. Exercise helps to strengthen the bones and the muscles, which in turn reduces the risk of injury. By burning excess calories, exercise improves the depth and duration of sleep. 

4. Join a support group: A support group will give you access to the experience of other people facing the same problem. This will help to put your own troubles in proper perspective. You are less likely to feel estranged or overwhelmed by your own pain if you have the experience of other fellow sufferers as a reference point.

5. Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol aggravates the impact of chronic pain on your sleep pattern. People who resort to alcohol may experience temporary relief from pain, but it disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm, thus making it harder to get a good night’s sleep.

By Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org