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Inflammation is the widespread feature that clubs together all the different types of disorders below the umbrella titled as Arthritis. Additional similarities contain symptoms such as painful joints, stiffness etc. Further than these similarities, arthritic varieties, which appear to more than a hundred, differ from each other.

A joint is that part of the human body where 2 bones get connected with each other. In between them there will be a slight gap, which is enclosed with a fragile membrane known as synovial membrane. Its secretion, the synovial fluid acts a successful lubricant that enables the smooth movement of bones. An elastic material known cartilage envelops the bones. Arthritis is linked with any damage to this joint system. Rheumatoid arthritis affects synovial membrane and osteoarthritis affects the cartilage.

In case of rheumatoid arthritis, synovial membrane is inflamed, as it becomes stiff and thick. Osteoarthritis causes joint pains as cartilage fails to cushion the bone contact. In both cases, arthritic pain takes place when one bone directly rubs with the other bone. Usually, both women and men are equally affected by this disorder. Majority of rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed between the age group of 35 and 50.

Though symptoms vary from person to person, there are sure general characteristics. An ordinary arthritic symptom is morning stiffness. This affects the person’s mobility. Frequent joint locks and clicks when knee is bending is yet one more symptom. In some cases, redness is spotted in affected joints.

Along with arthritis, the person is likely to expand some other ailments such as fever and breathing troubles. Losing weight is also ordinary among arthritic patients. However, a person showing any of these symptoms cannot be generalized as a case of arthritis as these signs may also point to other illnesses. Only x-rays can provide the actual portrait of the joint circumstance. A loss of joint space is a clear case of arthritis. Blood test helps in the analysis of rheumatoid arthritis. Certain arthritic types are analyzed by examining fluid taken from the affected joint.

Read more on Arthritis Remedies and Arthritis Pain

If your dog suffers from morning stiffness, has trouble climbing the stairs, and appears to be less active now that he`s getting older, it may be that he`s suffering from arthritis. Even if he exhibits only one of these traits, it`s time to get your dog in to see the vet. Here`s what to expect on your first visit.

Your vet will begin with a full visual and physical examination of your dog. The doctor will check your dog`s body for swollen lymph nodes, listen to his heart and lungs, and check your dog`s ears and skin. Like any general physical exam of your dog, your vet will also inspect the dog`s gums and eyes.

After this initial examination, your vet will look for any easily detectable signs of arthritis, beginning with the spine, limbs and neck. A series of range of motion tests will check your dog`s flexibility. This process will help uncover any old injuries, any problems with the ligaments, and any obvious arthritic symptoms. It will also help uncover any fever, bacteremia, posture, gait, and signs of inflammation.

Assuming your dog displays signs of arthritis, the next step in the process will be to learn more through some diagnostic testing. This will likely involve drawing blood first. With some relatively simple blood analysis, the vet will be able to determine if your dog is allergic to the anesthesia required to take X-rays (the next step in diagnostics), and will also be able to make sure there isn`t anything else going on inside your dog that might not be obvious. Finally, the vet will want to use the results of the blood tests as a baseline for future testing to make sure the arthritis drug therapy is effective.

X-rays will help the vet detect the presence of arthritis in your dog and help determine the seriousness of the disease. To position your dog properly for the radiographs, most likely he`ll need to be sedated. X-rays can also detect any fractures or cancers that might be the underlying cause of your dog`s arthritis symptoms.

If it is determined that your dog has arthritis, the next step in the process is to design a treatment approach. New medications are now available that can dramatically assist your dog in leading a healthy and pain-free life. However, all dogs react differently to medications. Therefore, your vet will likely recommend a series of treatment trials. This simply means your dog will be given several medications on a trial basis to see which is most effective.

It`s always difficult to see your dog suffering with the pain of arthritis. But it doesn`t have to be that way. A trip to the vet can quickly determine whether or not arthritis is the culprit, and if it is, a treatment program to alleviate your dog`s pain can be started right away.

The increasing amount of cat owners feeding highly processed commercial cat food is reported by many veterinary experts to be a contributing factor in the increasing amount of cat arthritis happening in cats.
It is certainly not coincidence that owners who feed their cats homemade and raw food see lower occurrence of degenerative arthritis in their cats.

Today, although there are no concrete proof to show that commercial cat food contribute to arthritis development in cats, it is widely believe that they play a big part, From there, we understand that your cat’s diet would play a major effect in preventing this stressful cat disease.

Apart from diet, overweight older cats are also more likely to develop arthritis because of the extra pressure they put on their joints causing the cartilage and bones to wear off faster. Naturally, a cat who enjoys a healthy diet and who exercise regularly will be less likely to suffer from the same condition.

The symptoms of arthritis in cats would be that he will find it difficult to walk around and run. Moving around stiffly, he will not make jumps that he use to make and will have difficulty in climbing up stairs. Showing signs of depression, your cat would hide away and appear listless and even bad tempered. Not allowing you to touch and stroke him in areas where he is painful, he might cry out if you touch him on a painful joint.

To diagnose arthritis in cats, veterinary will observe, use blood test and most importantly the x-ray examination. The X-ray will show joint degeneration in areas of worn, irregular bone position and possible distortion of the joint and see if the bone is causing pain and forcing the cat to stand in an awkward position to compensate for the discomfort.

Arthritis treatment will include medication to help your cat ease the pain on his joints, to aid the regeneration process of cartilage and bone, to build up the fluid within the capsular joints to provide a cushion for the joint itself. Your veterinary will prepare dose of glucosamine and chondroitin that are use for the same purpose in humans for your cat.

You can help your cat to recover by encouraging him to walk whenever possible to prevent the joints from stiffening further. You should try to create a warmer environment for him to rest. A warm water bottle place under his bed might do the trick. The warmth will help your cat to ease pain and loosen his muscles which might be tense because of the constant pain that he is suffering.

Recovery from arthritis is possible with the right treatment and care. Although a hundred percent recovery is not possible, your cat will still be able to enjoy a high quality of life.

Moses Wright is a webmaster and he provides more information on Cat Health, Cat Veterinary Diseases and Cat Illnesses Symptoms on his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

Dog arthritis is one of the most common diseases that affect canines, especially large breed dogs (60-90 lbs). Just as human arthritis, dog arthritis tends to get worse with age

Here are 10 tips that may help your arthritic dog:

1. Slip-free Flooring. Hardwood and tile floors are slippery and can be very difficult for dogs with arthritis to move around. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog`s footing. This can help prevent your dog from slipping and getting injured.

2. A Soft Bed. Soft bedding can help support your dog`s bones and joints and make your pet more comfortable. This can be especially important in thin dogs in which bony prominences are likely to rub on hard surfaces. Some beds are made especially for dogs with arthritis, such as waterbeds, hammock beds, and beds with plenty of extra cushion.

3. Ramps or Cubes. Stairs and furniture can become difficult obstacles for your aging companion. Ramps or specially designed cubes can help pets safely climb stairs, get into or out of bed or get in
and out of your vehicle. Ramps can be made of plastic or wood and are available from many pet catalogs. A new product called “Puppy Stairs” are soft modular cubes that fit together in combinations that permit pets to climb up or down from beds or sofas. These cubes are made of soft rubber, have rounded corners and washable covers.

4. Medication. Various medications are available that can help your dog feel better. Medications include drugs such as Deramaxx®, Rimadyl® or Etogesic®. These drugs are classified as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and work to suppress inflammation and pain. Other medications such as Cosequin® can also be beneficial by providing your dog`s body with necessary nutrients for cartilage repair and function. See your veterinarian to discuss if any of these medications could benefit your dog.

5. Peace & Quiet. As your dog ages, he may not be as tolerant or patient as he used to be. Sore joints make it difficult for your pet to enjoy rambunctious playful children. Supervise playtime and consider keeping your dog away from very young children. Even parties and holiday time can be distressing for an arthritic dog. Your dog may want to join in the festivities regardless of the discomfort. To reduce joint pain and inflammation, you may want to limit your arthritic dog`s time as the center of attention.

6. Massage. By massaging your dog, you can increase his or her flexibility, circulation, calmness and a general sense of wellness. Professional animal massage therapists are available to provide your pet a more thorough treatment.

7. Weight Control and Dietary Therapy. Arthritis is more of a problem in obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by reducing the workload on your dog`s bones and joints. In addition to basic weight loss, there are diets formulated for dogs with arthritis that may be beneficial for your dog. Diets, such as Hills® Science Diet® j/d™ and Purina® JM Joint Mobility™ have been shown to help dogs with arthritis maintain weight, reduce pain and improve mobility.

8. Exercise. Modest daily exercise can help some dogs. Special care is needed, so it is important to first see your veterinarian, who can recommend an appropriate exercise program. Exercise can strengthen your dog`s muscles and ligaments thus reducing your dog`s injury potential and risk.

9. Extra Time. Don`t rush a dog with arthritis. It often takes them extra time to walk, climb stairs or get in and out of the car. Support and help your arthritic dog if needed or just give your pet the extra time to get around.

10. Grooming. Grooming should not be neglected, especially in the older dog. Arthritic dogs have a difficult time keeping themselves clean, especially in those hard to reach areas. Help your dog stay clean by trimming the hair around the rear end. Brushing will help remove mats and tangles, which can injure delicate older skin. Follow these top 10 tips, and you`ll be able to keep your arthritic dog living longer, stronger, happier and healthier.

About the Author:

With her PetPlace.com columns, Dog safety and health expert, Dr. Debra Primovic has helped thousands of dog owners keep their dogs living longer and stronger. For more information, check out www.petplace.com for 8,000+ veterinarian approved articles guaranteed to keep you from compromising the care of your dog.

Although there is no cure for arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis), you can do a lot to control the condition. In order to control arthritis, it is important to take good care of the affected joints. You should prevent exerting too much stress on these joints either by bending or turning. Especially during a painful flare-up, you need to take extra care of the affected join. When you are carrying out your daily chores, you should try not to strain the joint too much. By doing this, you can help to prevent much pain and damage to the joint. Below are some tips on how you can take care of your arthritic joint.

* Splints
Splints are supports that are strap onto the joints to immobilize them during painful flare-ups. They are made of plastic, cloth or metal. They are usually used on fingers, wrists, knees and ankles where arthritis occurs. These supports enable proper alignment of the joint, help relieve pain and prevent injury to the joint. Although splints are useful for protecting joints, using it too often can stiffen the joints and limit joint flexibility. Hence, it is advisable to use them only during painful flare-ups. While using it, you should remove it several times within a day to do some range-of-motion exercises with your joint. This is necessary to prevent stiffening of the joint and facilitate joint mobility.

* Supportive aids
Canes, crutches or walkers can be used to help you move around with less pain. Your doctor can advise you on how to use it correctly in order not to harm the joint.

* Raising the seat of your chair
With painful joints, it can be difficult for you to get into and out of a chair. You can make it easier by raising the seat of your chair. One way is to place a firm pillow on the seat of the chair. Alternatively, you can buy a lift-up seat for your chair.

* Bigger size handles
If you have arthritis at your hands, you may find it difficult to grip kitchen items, such as knives, peelers and can openers. If that is the case, you should use those which have bigger rubberized handles. They are easier to grip and can make your tasks easier to do.

* Clothes with Velcro straps
If you find clothes having back zipper or buttons difficult to use, you can replace the zipper or buttons with Velcro straps. They are much easier to use and can reduce and stress on your joints.

* Choosing the right shoes
It is important that you obtain appropriate shoes to wear if you have arthritis at your feet. The shoes should be easy to put on and take off, and are able to protect your feet and ankles. They have to be light, fit well and possess good shock absorption. Shock absorbing soles help to make walking more comfortable. You can consider using orthotics, which are special inserts that make shoes fit better on your feet. These inserts help to support your feet and spread your weight more evenly at your feet. They help eliminate discomfort and can make your feet feel better.

* Special household tools
There are specially designed household tools for those who suffer from arthritis to use which include peelers, can-openers, scissors, etc. These useful gadgets are designed to prevent too much strain on painful joints, hence making household chores easier to do. There are also specially designed gardening tools for people with arthritis as well. You can make use of these useful gadgets to do your chores.

* Distributing work over a longer span
If you have arthritis and need to do a set of household chores regularly, you can protect your joints from too much stress by distributing your chores over a longer period of time. Doing a little each day can allow some time for your joints to rest.

If you have arthritis, the above tips are some ways you can use to protect your joints. Protecting inflamed joints from further damage or injury is important. By taking these steps to protect your joints, you are able to control the condition more effectively. You can make use of whatever is available in the market to help you protect your joints and prevent it from worsening. With these useful devices, you are able to cope with arthritis better and reduce its impact on your life. For more ways on overcoming rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, please visit Homecare and Elderly care.

What Is Arnica Montana?
Native to Europe and southern Russia, Arnica Montana is a perennial plant with bright yellow, daisylike flowers. Some of its common names include leopards bane, wolfs bane, and mountain tobacco. Arnica Montana has a long history of use in herbal healing, as do other Arnica Montana species grown in the western part of North America. The dried flower heads and occasionally the underground stems and roots are the source of medicinal Arnica Montana.
Although Arnica Montana has been used for many years both internally and externally, research has raised serious concerns about its safety as an internal remedy, and experts worldwide now strongly discourage its oral use. But applied topically, Arnica Montana still enjoys wide popularity, particularly in Europe. It is also the most widely studied formulation in homeopathy, a system of medicine that uses tremendously diluted amounts of the active substance.
Health Benefits Arnica Montana

Arnica Montana in such topical formulations as creams, gels, and ointments is extremely popular (well-known products include Arnica Montana Kneipp Gel and Vasotonin Gel, for example). A 1981 German study identified the plants active ingredients as sesquiterpene lactones. These substances act as counterirritants, which mean that they produce a stimulating sensation that boosts circulation in the area where the Arnica Montana is applied.

The herbs active ingredients also have mild pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial actions. One of Arnica Montanas primary components, helenalin, also has a strong anti-edemic (anti-swelling) effect. Given these qualities, its little surprise that traditional healers recommend applying a cold compress soaked in tincture of Arnica Montana to reduce bruising.

Historically, herbalists used Arnica Montana to prepare teas and tinctures they believed would benefit a wide range of ailments, from anemia and depression to heart disease. But it was eventually discovered that even small amounts of Arnica Montana (except for super-diluted homeopathic formulations) can irritate mucous membranes, cause vomiting and diarrhea, and lead to drowsiness.

Although Arnica Montana is poisonous when taken internally, it is used in highly diluted homeopathic formulations. In these tiny tablets or pellets, which are dissolved under the tongue, the Arnica Montana has been diluted literally hundreds of times, so at homeopathic levels poisoning is virtually impossible. Recent studies have cast doubt on the remedys effectiveness, however. A 1998 Archives of Surgery review of placebo-controlled clinical trials of homeopathic Arnica Montana concluded that on balance, there is no solid evidence that Arnica Montana offers any real benefit. The authors further noted that the more scientifically rigorous, or best-designed, studies tended to show the negative findings.

Arnica Montana is also used in more than 100 cosmetic formulations that appear in a wide range of products, including hair tonics, anti-dandruff products, and perfumes. A 2001 article in the International Journal of Toxicology reported that so far, there is not enough data to assess the safety of using Arnica Montana in cosmetics.

Specifically, Arnica Montana is most commonly used for:

• Muscle strains and sprains.

Arnica Montana is widely applied to ease the inflammation and pain of muscle strains and sprains caused by overuse or injury. Although results have been contradictory, some studies concluded that for a short period immediately following a marathon run, Arnica Montana reduced muscle soreness. The effect was only temporary, however.

• Arthritic joints.
Inflamed and painful joints are said to benefit from Arnica Montana as well. Using the herb in a hot, moist compress may be helpful for arthritis pain, though it is not known whether it is simply the heat or the Arnica Montana that provides the relief.

• Psoriasis and eczema.

Numerous herbal formulas for these persistent skin disorders contain extracts of Arnica Montana, which may help given its anti-inflammatory and numbing qualities.

• Insect bites.

Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, topical Arnica Montana is believed to reduce the swelling and pain caused by insect bites. It may also help prevent infection.

Forms of Arnica Montana:

• Tincture
• Spray
• Ointment
• Oil
• Liquid
• Gel
• cream

For more details and Products: Arnica Montana

Doctors have known for a long time that diet affects gout, a specific type of arthritic condition, however the jury remained out for a long time on other common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. However, overall dietary health is important and does come into play.

Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to carry more of a load. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees. So making sure arthritic sufferers eat god foods and get help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan is advised.

To begin, here is a look at some vitamins, minerals, nutrients / foods and some herbal applications to consider.

VITAMINS

Vitamin B5 – When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.

Vitamin B3 – This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.

Vitamin B6 – Another B that reduces tissue swelling.

Vitamin B12 – This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection.

Vitamin C – This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals.

Vitamin E – This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility.

Vitamin K – This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.

MINERALS

Boron – This trace mineral aids in bone health.

Calcium – This is a much-needed mineral for bone health.

Magnesium – Magnesium helps keep calcium in balance within the system.

Zinc – This mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in arthritic patients.

Manganese – Manganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other.

Copper – Copper helps to strengthen connective tissue.

Germanium – This antioxidant helps with pain relief.

Sulfur – A lack of sulfur can result in deterioration of ligaments, cartilage, collagen and tendons.

NUTRIENT COMBOS

Chondroitin Sulfate – This lubrication in joints, joint fluid and connective tissue, can be found in the sea cucumber.

Gelatin – Help with raw cartilage replenishing with this cheap source.

Glucosamine Sulfate – This combo is necessary for tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid formation.

Quercetin – This helps with inflammation reduction.

Type II Collagen – Use this for growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage and connective tissue.

Arthritic Diets And Nutritional Healing

There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing, and each factor may not apply to each individual. For example, certain people are allergic to specific foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus, an arthritic condition connected to lupus.

There is a rare type of arthritis called Behcet`s Disease, and eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people with this rare condition. So as you see, there is a variety of arthritic conditions and along with them a variety of foods that may trigger them. The best way to approach the situation is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one`s approach based upon the specifics.

The term arthritis covers over 100 different diseases and conditions. Since it would be impossible to cover all of them in a work such as this, we will look at the most common conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout. There is a prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers that have an abnormally low blood zinc level. Several independent studies have been conducted where rheumatoid arthritis patients have been given increased doses of zinc and showed marginal improvement, yet the tests were not extensive enough to be conclusive.

The effects of copper on rheumatoid arthritis have been studied for a long time, and although results vary there seems to be some case for using copper to improve the condition, although this therapy has been dismissed by most of the medical profession as relatively ineffective. Copper therapy is not discouraged however when approached from food sources, and may work on some individuals. It is suggested that if you do attempt copper therapy, that copper-rich foods are utilized instead of copper supplements, because copper supplements can cause side effects which include change in sense of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal blood clots, increased joint pain, chills, anemia and kidney problems, and excess copper can cause cirrhosis of the liver in patients prone to Wilson`s Disease.

Check with your doctor to be sure you are not prone to storing excess copper in your body. There is an extensive choice of foods you can enjoy in order to increase your copper intake: lamb; pork; pheasant quail; duck; goose; squid; salmon; organ meats including liver, heart, kidney, brain; shellfish including oysters, scallops, shrimp, lobster, clams, and crab; meat gelatin; soy protein meat substitutes; tofu; nuts and seeds; chocolate milk; soy milk; cocoa are just a few of the foods that are rich in copper.

As for foods to avoid when suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, many nutritionists and naturopaths suggest avoiding dairy products all together, as they seem to exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be discouraged from taking doses of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a physician`s direction. Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions, and the concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is much better to approach any desired increase in vitamin or mineral intake through food therapy.

There has been some success with the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin in relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for some persons with osteoarthritis. These supplements can be found in pharmacies and health food stores, however the purity of the products or the dose of the active ingredients cannot be specified because the FDA does not monitor these supplements. The National Institutes of Health is studying glucosamine and chondroitin, so more should be known about the effectiveness of these products for osteoarthritis in the near future. Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners should be careful taking chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding.

Fish oil supplements have been shown to have some anti-inflammation properties and increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil capsules (omega 3 capsules) can sometimes reduce inflammation of arthritis. With osteoarthritis there is also the concern with deterioration of cartilage; therefore those with osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of Vitamin-A, since there is some evidence that it contributes to cartilage deterioration.

In the case of fibromyalgia, although clinical proof is once again sparse, there is a great deal of personal experiences of improvement of this condition when certain dietary practices are followed. Eliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, Aspertame, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco seem to be universal in those that have had success with treating the illness through dietary means. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of “The Total Health Program,” nine of ten sufferers of fibromyalgia are female, and 76% of those who followed suggested dietary rules experienced a significant reduction in pain.

The thing to keep in mind with fibromyalgia is that, unlike the other common arthritis ailments, it is more of a syndrome than a disease, and much of it can be reversed. Making corrections to diet as well as reducing stress and getting plenty of rest can lead to a full recovery.

George Harper writes for http://www.arthritisresolved.info where you can find out more about athritis and other topics.

George Harper writes for http://www.arthritisresolved.info where you can find out more about athritis and other topics.

It can be so frustrating, the thought that we may have to give up our favorite hobby because our hands simply can`t keep up. It used to be that we could sew for hours and hours a day, but our fingers feel weak and sore after just a few minutes, and that soreness can last for days.

Well, don`t give up too quickly. Just as there are now can openers and ice cream scoops that are specially made for people who suffer from arthritis in their hands, now there are ergonomically designed tools for hand sewing that can take the pain out of the process, and help compensate for the stiffness and weakness that often goes along with arthritis. One of the most important inventions, along with cushion-handled scissors and ultra-lightweight irons are thimbles designed for arthritis suffers.

And there are several different models, so you can choose the one that works best for you. The first type is designed primarily for the sewer whose fingers have become so sensitive that pushing the needle through cloth is just too painful. These thimbles are soft and flexible, but have a firm tip that is broad angled tip to help you control the needle. The soft body will not cause painful pressure, and the firm tip protects you from needle sticks while not pressing too hard on the bone and muscles. Their soft body hugs the finger and they come in many different sizes, so that your finger muscles do not have to strain to keep the thimble in place. If your problem is that your fingers are no longer nimble enough to manipulate a needle properly, or to apply enough pressure to push it through the cloth, you may want to consider an alternative thimble that looks more like an old-fashioned awl. These have a large handle of wood or soft plastic, about the size of a broad-tip marker. Instead of curling your fingers around a tiny needle, you simply hold on to the comfortable handle. The handle is attached to a needle with two threading points. The lower one, closer to the handle, is used for general sewing, while the one further from the handle is used for making small tight stitches, or when the material is too thick to penetrate all the way to the end of the needle. Either of these devices can allow you to sew longer and more comfortably.

However, it is important to take good care of your hands, and not let these assistive devices tempt you to overdo it. Give your hands frequent breaks, and gently stretch your hands and forearms during these breaks. Don`t try to go from a few minutes of sewing a day to a few hours all at once; build up gradually, a few minutes a day. Also, use your assistive thimble as just one of the tools to help relieve strain on your hands. Ergonomically designed scissors, threaders, seam straighteners, and other devices can enhance one another. You can create an entire sewing box of tools designed to keep you sewing for a long time to come.

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For more information about
Thimbles
visit: http://thimblesweb.com/index.htm

For more information about
Arthritis
visit: http://www.arthritiscures.us/