Reduce Inflammation with Omega-3s

According to an article in ARTHRITIS TODAY Magazine, Fatty Acids: How Omega-3s Reduce Inflammation, people with arthritis may benefit from a diet high in Omega-3s. A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital pointed to Omega-3s, when ingested, are converted to compounds that help control the body's immune system response.  The study's lead researcher and the American Dietetic Association suggest a diet rich in omega-3's (fish) over taking supplements.

In the printed version of this magazine, January/February 2011, there is an article about omega-3s in walnuts and how eating them daily may help lower blood pressure. The article also suggests that they may help people with inflammatory conditions. Reducing caloric intake to make room in your diet for the fat in the walnuts is also suggested. Other information on Walnuts and their nutritional value

Use heat to increase flexibility
Use cold to reduce swelling

Physical exercise is recommended to help maintain blood pressure, strength, and flexibility for people with arthritis.

It seems to be inevitable that when people exercise they experience occasional stiff muscles. A little heat to help increase blood circulation and flexibility before or after exercise may help prevent muscle strains. Maine Warmers microwave heating pads are portable and can go in the car on the way to the gym, yoga studio, or tennis court. Their traditional Neck Wrap or a fun Whale Back Warmer, among other shapes and sizes of heat pads, can be used on knees, elbows, and other joints as well. They are especially helpful for those with arthritis.

How to deal with Popliteal Cysts or Baker's Cysts

There is a condition, called Baker’s Cysts that can cause swelling of the knee and leg.

According to the Mayo Clinic Baker's Cysts are most often caused by a cartilage tear or arthritis. Most people don’t know they have this fluid build up, and often it goes un-diagnosed. The fluid build up in the knee causes swelling and tightness in the back of the knee.

For more information on signs, symptoms, causes, when to seek medical advice, screening, and diagnosis, complications, treatment, and self-care visit the Mayo Clinic Web page on Baker’s cyst. They basically recommend taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin, resting, icing, using a compression sleeve, and elevating the leg.

Maine Warmers Knee Pack

Reducing the swelling is one method of dealing with Baker’s cysts. Elevating the leg,  reducing physical activity, and wrapping the knee in an ice pack -- not harsh ice -- will help reduce swelling.

For gentle ice packs that wrap around the knee check out Maine Warmers’ Gentle Ice Packs, especially their knee pack which comes with a bag of whole corn (not popping corn) or it can hold a bag of frozen peas that you buy at the store for colder therapy. Frozen whole corn is not harsh like ice cubes and can be microwaved as well. Neck warmers also wrap around the knee and can be used repeatedly for ice or can be microwaved for soothing heat.

Using gentle ice packs for Plantar fascia pain

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that causes sharp pains in the heel and foot. The Plantar fascia is a band of muscle that runs between the heel and the ball of the foot and helps form the arch of the foot. Over time this muscle loses its elasticity and can be damaged by running or excess walking. The layer of fat that protects it slowly becomes flattened with age and pain develops. For more information about this subject visit the Mayo Clinic Web site for illustrations, risk factors, what to expect when you visit a physician, and more.

Lifestyle recommendations include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive shoes, not wearing worn athletic shoes while exercising, switching to low impact forms of activities, stretching, taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines, and applying ice. Cold therapy helps reduce swelling though most folks don’t want to use ice because it sounds so uncomfortable.

Maine Warmers’ gentle ice packs are soothing and comfortable -- not at all harsh like cubes. Mainely Foot Warmers can be frozen as well as microwaved and used to help reduce swelling and pain. There are a variety of products that can be used for the feet on this web site. All can be microwaved for heat or frozen for gentle cold therapy.