Has Weather Got Anything To Do With Arthritis Pain ?

Ever heard of a rainy or cold weather affecting your joint pain? Or does the change in the level of pain make you predict the weather outside? And does your weather prediction come true often? Have you wondered why?

Most of the people believe in the link between weather changes and arthritis pain. They feel better in a warm and dry weather than a cold and rainy weather. Although there are many inconclusive research works based on this concept, there is enough evidence too, supporting this theory.

Is there any link between weather and arthritis pain?

Most of the studies that have been conducted to support this theory have come out with two factors that could have a link with arthritis pain. They are change in the barometric pressure and temperature. 
Although people connect pain with cold and damp weather, it is actually the atmospheric pressure that plays the role here. 

“Barometric pressure or atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the earth’s atmosphere at any given point.”

In simple terms, it is the weight of the atmosphere on us. When it is going to rain, the atmospheric pressure sees a drop. This drop in pressure causes the tissues to expand because low pressure pushes less against the body. This tissue expansion can put pressure on the joints and aggravate pain. This is all the more felt when the tissues are already inflamed or injured. 

It has also been found that a 10 degree drop in temperature is associated with intensified pain.
However it has to be kept in mind that weather doesn’t cause arthritis, it just temporarily increases pain. Therefore a dry and warm climate may result in less pain but will not cure a person of arthritis.

Measures that can bring you relief

1. Warmth 
If the weather is cold outside, try to keep yourself comfortable by dressing up in warm clothes. Wearing layers of clothing would prevent the body heat from escaping. 

2. Active routine
When the body is active, it remains warm. This will avoid stiffness in the joints and keep away excessive pain. But make sure not to indulge in too much activity when you are already in pain. 

3. Heating pads 
Heat gives comfort to joint pain. It relaxes the muscles and can be soothing. Use hot water bags or heating pads on the affected area. 

4. Positive attitude
Weather changes are temporary, so is your pain during the cold and wet weather. Keep yourself distracted with your work or favourite activities and consume nutritious food. This will keep you healthy and hearty. 

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Tips To Manage Heel Pain

Your heels take the pressure of your entire body. The fatty padding of the heels protects your feet and also gives shape to them. Pain in the heels due to any reason can be quite annoying and troublesome. Difficulty in movement can disrupt your daily routine. Heel pain can keep you down till it heals.

Your heel pain can be due to many reasons. Some of them include:

1. Wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels

2. Injury due to strain or fractures

3. Walking or running on hard surfaces

4. Obesity

5. Carrying heavy load

6. Abnormal walking style or gait

Other serious causes include:

1. Calcaneal spur

2. Plantar fasciitis

3. Achilles tendinitis

Tips that would bring you relief from heel pain

1. Rest

The best option that one can follow when suffering from pain is taking rest. Avoid taking part in strenuous activities and going to the gym till you recover.

2. Ice

Place an ice pack on the heels. If ice pack is not available, wrap ice cubes in a piece of cloth and apply. Ice helps to lessen inflammation and numb soreness. Ice will not cure any heel disorders but give you comfort from pain.

3. Supportive shoes

Wear shoes that fit well. Make sure that they are neither too tight nor over-sized. Avoid shoes with flimsy soles as these would not protect your heel from getting hurt. Shoes that provide proper arch support are the best bet. Do not walk barefoot on hard or uneven surfaces. 

4. Stretching and flexibility exercises

Light stretching exercises increase the flexibility of the ligaments. These also strengthen the muscles and prevent further injury. While exercising never rush into a new form or regimen without prior warm up. However, make sure not to put too much pressure on your foot when it is already suffering from pain. 

5. Orthotic devices 

Orthotic devices are made of lightweight materials that are used as shoe inserts. They aid in the healing of various problems like Achilles tendinitis, Plantar fasciitis, etc and give comfort from simple heel pain. They provide better arch support and reduce pain and swelling. Apart from these benefits, orthotics also improve the overall health of the foot and ankle as well as prevent foot deformities. Orthotics can be custom made accommodating your needs and functions. 

6. Night splints

Night splints or braces help in keeping the foot stretched and in position. It prevents the Achilles tendon to contract. Night splints can be adjusted to a proper angle basing on the wearer’s comfort factor.

These ways would definitely aid in managing heel pain. But, make sure not to neglect appropriate treatment.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Can Cracking Knuckles Lead To Arthritis?

Cracking knuckles or that popping sound which comes when you bend your fingers, is commonly seen everywhere. Some consider knuckle cracking to bring relief while for others it may be a habit. Sometimes a person might not know consciously that he is cracking knuckles consistently because it has got ingrained in him as a habit. Some consider the repetitive cracking of knuckles by a person around to be irritating and bothersome.

But do you know how the cracking sound comes?

What can be the cause behind it?

Many joints in the body have small pockets or gaps which are filled with synovial fluid. This fluid facilitates the movement of the bones in the joint without grating against each other. 
When you bend or pull your fingers, the capsule surrounding the joint is stretched. This expands the volume of space between the bones. Due to volume expansion, the synovial fluid moves into the newly formed space. The sudden inflow or movement of the fluid into the empty space creates the popping sound when you crack a knuckle. 
The more you crack your knuckles, the more you stretch the capsule around the joint. This loosens the capsule and the surrounding ligaments. This enables the joints to pop easily.

Does it lead to Arthritis? 

There have been many research works and surveys conducted to find out the link between knuckle cracking and occurrence of arthritis. Comparative studies have been conducted between groups who don’t indulge in knuckle cracking and habitual knuckle crackers. There has been no scientific evidence about the possibility of cracking knuckles leading to arthritis. However, excessive cracking of knuckles might lead to other issues.

Can excessive knuckle cracking result in any other problem?

1. Functional hand impairment
Too much of knuckle cracking results in repeated stretching and loosening of ligaments which might lead to functional hand impairment. 

2. Injured ligaments
If there is pain while cracking knuckles, it might be a result of other abnormalities like injured or over-stretched ligaments. 

3. Instability in the joint
Excessive knuckle cracking may lead to weakness in the joints.

4. Swollen hands
Cracking knuckles over a period of time can cause swelling in the hands.

5. Lesser grip strength 
Repeated knuckle cracking may lower the grip strength of the hand, i.e, reduce the ability to maintain a strong grip while holding a thing.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Diet Tips To Lower Uric Acid

Uric acid is a chemical compound that is produced as a result of the breakdown of organic compounds like purines. They occur naturally in the body and are also found in certain foods. This end product, i.e. uric acid gets mixed up with the blood, filtered through the kidneys and expelled with the urine.
But when the amount of uric acid increases in the blood or the kidneys don’t filter out faster, complications arise. This rising levels of uric acid in the blood is called Hyperuricemia. It can lead to the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints which leads to a condition called Gout.

Nutritional tips to lower uric acid levels in the blood 

A gout friendly diet is one which not only keeps the uric acid levels under control but also helps in maintaining overall health. 

Diet to have
1. Water: Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily to reduce uric acid levels. More water helps your body to flush out excess uric acid.

2. Citric acid: Lemon is a rich source of citric acid. Citric acid is known to be a solvent of uric acid. A glass of lemon juice daily would aid in controlling the level of uric acid in the body. Other sources of citric acid include oranges and amla.

3. High fibre content: Foods high in dietary fibre help in reducing uric acid levels in the blood and helping the kidneys to eliminate them. Consume foods like oats, carrots, barley, isabgol, etc that are rich in fibre content.

4. Foods  rich in Vitamin C: Vitamin C is known to break down uric acid and force it out of the body through urine. Include foods rich in Vitamin C in your daily diet like guava, capsicum, tomato, amla, oranges, lemon etc.

5. Complex carbohydrates: Include complex carbohydrates in your diet. They give a feeling of fullness, thus preventing overeating. This in turn helps in maintaining ideal body weight. Foods rich in complex carbohydrates include whole grains, vegetables, brown bread etc.

Diet to avoid
1. High protein diet: A high protein diet contains a lot of purines in it, which increase the level of uric acid in the blood.  Purine rich foods include meat, poultry, pulses, seafood and vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, peas etc.

2. Alcohol: Limit or avoid the consumption of alcohol as it interferes with the elimination of uric acid from the body. Beer is especially linked to increased gout attacks.

3. Fats: Refrain from excessive consumption of sugary foods, beverages etc that are high in saturated fats and trans fats.

Apart from dietary control, it is also essential to follow a healthy and active lifestyle in order to prevent gout.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid 

Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Your Wallet Can Trigger Sciatica

Who doesn’t love to flaunt a fat wallet? 
A wallet is taken as a symbol of one’s financial standing. You cannot think of leaving the house without carrying this very important accessory. Apart from keeping currency notes and coins, people tend to stuff debit cards, visiting cards, driver’s license, receipts and little bits of paper (reminders mostly), making it thicker by the end of the day. 
A wallet is a convenient place to stuff important things. It helps the person stay organized and most importantly avoid misplacing money, card or license etc. 

While, carrying a wallet has its pros, it is not devoid of cons either.

Some disadvantages of carrying a fat wallet

1. Puts stress on the hip joint: Sitting on a fat wallet can put pressure on your hip joint and lower back. 
2. Tilts the pelvis: A fat and stuffed wallet in the back pocket will hinder the person to sit upright. It will tilt the pelvis to one side which puts more stress on the spine. The fatter the wallet is, the more painful your back would be.
3. Alters the posture: Keeping a fat wallet in the back pocket also affects a person’s posture and spinal alignment.
4. Affects the nerves: The people who sit on thick wallets are vulnerable to damage in the key nerves of the lower back region especially the sciatic nerve. 

Can a fat wallet cause Sciatica?

Have you heard of the ‘Fat wallet syndrome’ or the ‘Piriformis syndrome’ or ‘Wallet sciatica’?
The terms themselves say it loud about the relation between carrying a fat wallet and your piriformis muscle. When you carry a fat wallet, it strains on the piriformis muscle in the buttocks. This in turn pinches or irritates a portion of the sciatic nerve that runs down the leg from the lower back region. When the nerve experiences this unwanted strain for a period of time, it triggers symptoms of Sciatica. 
This causes numbness in the foot, lower leg and ankle. In severe conditions, it makes it hard to lie down, walk or sit comfortably. 
Not only a fat wallet, but carrying your cell phone or anything else in the back pocket can strain the sciatic nerve. 

Things you can do to avoid sciatic pain

1. Avoid stuffing your wallet with unnecessary things. A regular check would enable you to keep your wallet slimmer. 
2. Do not sit on your wallet. While sitting, take it out and put it elsewhere. Do not put it in the front pocket of your trousers and sit, as this too would strain your nerves.
3. Buy wallets that are slimmer and smaller and do not have too many divisions in it. This would discourage you from putting useless things in your wallet.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

5 Tips For A Healthy Spine

Your spine is what allows you to walk, stand, sit or run. Your spine is what helps you to coordinate and involve in daily activities. Any change in its normal structure or function can adversely affect your movement and coordination. The condition of your spine is directly proportional to the proper functioning of the central nervous system which controls every cell, tissue and organ in the body. Therefore, a healthy spine is crucial for leading a hearty and normal life. 

The following simple ways can help in keeping your spine healthy:
 
1. Sleep right
Sleep is when your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. It is essential for the overall wellbeing of the body. Apart from sleeping well, your posture when asleep as well as the mattress and pillow you use are equally important. The mattress should be such that it supports the spine. Turn the mattress regularly to avoid uneven surface. It is better to sleep on your side rather than on stomach. Sleeping on stomach puts pressure on the spine, especially in the lower back region.

2. Make exercise a part of your routine
Making exercise a part of the daily routine can go a long way in keeping your spine in good health. Regular exercise strengthens the core muscles of the lower back and the abdomen, which in turn reduce the strain on the spine. This can be done through stretching, strengthening and aerobic exercises. However, it is advised to start slow and begin with light exercises. If you are a beginner or have a weak spine, do not lift heavy weights or opt for rigorous exercises.

3. Maintain the right posture
Maintaining the right kind of posture is essential to avoid putting strain on the spine. Improper posture might lead to constricted blood vessels or nerves and cause back and neck pain, headache, etc. If you are sitting on a chair for long hours, make sure you have proper back support. When the spine is kept in proper alignment with the body, it tends to be strong. But when you stoop or slouch consistently, the muscles and ligaments get strained which can lead to back pain and other problems.

4. Drink enough water
A normal vertebral disc consists of 88% water. Hydration is essential for nutrient delivery, lubrication and elimination of wastes. It is important for maintaining soft tissue elasticity and fluidity in joints. Dehydration or loss of spinal water can cause degeneration of the spine and immobility between the vertebral discs. As the spine loses its protective padding, it leads to the damage of structural health. Hence keeping the body hydrated is necessary for spine health.

5. Take care of your diet
Your diet must consist of fruits, vegetables and other natural food items. Reduce the intake of processed food, junk food etc. as much as possible. Focus on foods rich in calcium and other nutrients (like phosphorus and vitamin D) for better bone strength and mass. This will prevent various bone disorders like Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution
Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

Simple Exercises To Take Care Of Your Wrist

Many daily activities like driving, using the computer, gardening or carrying bags put a strain on the wrist. The repetitive motions involved while doing these activities can cause stiffness or pain in the wrists and fingers.

Simple exercises of the wrist can prevent injury and improve flexibility. They can also reduce pain. The following exercises can be of use to bring comfort to your over-stressed wrist:  

1. Make a fist
Stretch your fingers out and close them to make a fist. Open your fist and repeat the procedure again. You can do this for 20 times.

2. Bend your wrist
Bend your wrist downwards slowly by holding the upper part of the hand until you feel the stretch. Then bend it upwards by following the same process. Hold each bend for a count of ten. Repeat this exercise for 3-5 times.

3. Rotate your wrist
Keep your elbow close to the side of your body. Now slowly rotate your palm upwards and then downwards, until you feel a stretch. Hold each position to a count of 10. Repeat this for 3-5 times.

4. Stretch your wrist
Keep your hand open and facing downwards. Move the wrist from side to side until you feel a stretch. Keep the position to a count of 10. Repeat this method for 3-5 times. 

5. Raise your wrist
Outstretch your arms and leave your wrists in a limping position. Raise your wrists to point your fingers toward the ceiling. Then lower your wrists so your fingers point downward. Repeat this for 10 times.

6. Take it easy
Take regular breaks in between throughout the day to give rest to your wrists. Take a five-minute break for every 20 or 30 minutes of continuous keyboard or mouse usage.

7. Stretch your arms fully

Interlace your fingers together, keep your palms open facing inward and stretch your arms as far as possible. Then keep your palms outward and stretch again. Repeat this for 3-5 times. 

8. Squeeze a ball

Take a stress ball and firmly squeeze for 5 to 10 seconds. This would strengthen the wrist muscles. Repeat this for 3-5 times.

9. Make an eight
Interlace your fingers and keep your elbows at your side. Move your interlaced hands in a figure eight motion. Rotate your wrists fully. Perform this exercise for 10 to 15 seconds. Give rest to your wrists and then repeat.

10.  Maintain good posture

A good posture reduces the amount of strain on the body. Make your workspace comfortable and have a desk of appropriate height so that you have enough legspace. Keep your back straight against your chair. Keep your wrists in a neutral position by raising your forearms a little. Make sure your arms and hands can move freely.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org

7 Tips To Reduce Neck Pain

Neck pain is one of the most common complaints people have from their everyday life. A consistent and nagging pain on your neck can ruin your entire day. It can disrupt your daily schedule and make you irritable. Neck pain can be due to a simple cause like improper posture or a stiff pillow or due to more complicated ones like injury or bone disorders.

Why you have neck pain ?

Neck pain can be due to several reasons like: 
• Poor posture while sleeping or sitting
• Sitting at a desk for a long time without changing position
• Wrong kind of pillow
• Sudden jerk while exercising
• Injury
• Various bone disorders

Tips to get relief from neck pain

1. Maintaining correct posture: Incorrect posture contributes to neck pain. It is essential to maintain the right posture while sitting, standing, sleeping or walking. Keep your head and neck straight. When working on the computer, keep the monitor at your eye level and the mouse at a low level so that you don’t have to continually reach for it. Take 10 minutes break for every hour of work. Use the break to stretch your neck muscles.

2. Use the right pillow: This factor, although very common is often ignored. A bad pillow can give you a stiff neck when you wake up in the morning. Neck pain is especially common if the neck and spine are not properly supported while sleeping. Use a single pillow rather than piling up two or more. If you sleep on your side, then prop up your knee using a separate pillow. 

3. Roll your neck: Lower your chin to the level of your chest and roll your neck in a circular motion. Repeat this for five times, and then start again in the opposite direction. It reduces stiffness and improves flexibility.

4. Be easy on yourself: Go easy on your everyday schedule till you recover from your pain. Do not lift heavy weights or engage in strenuous activities.

5. Exercise: Keeping your neck completely still might cause stiffness. Therefore, exercise can help reduce pain to some extent. Thirty minutes of walking or light aerobic exercises would improve blood flow and keep the neck muscles fit. You can also follow a regimen of stretching and strengthening exercises.

6. Use Hot and Cold therapy: Apply hot and cold compress on the affected area, alternately. Heat therapy increases blood circulation to the affected muscles while cold pack will help control the feeling of pain.  No matter which one you are applying; do not keep it for more than 20 minutes at a stretch.

7. Massage: Massage gently on the affected area to boost blood circulation and relieve pain. However, if it’s an injured area then do not massage.

Dr. Shabtab Khalid
Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Note: Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution, through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy aims to eradicate problems like joint pain, inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm and stiffness. The protocol is at once scientific, effective and safe, with no known side effect. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

www.zilaxo.org