Monday 14 October 2024

Delaying knee arthritis treatment can damage spine, warn health experts

From bilkulonline.com

New Delhi, Oct 12 : Delay in proper knee treatment, timely detection and ignoring knee arthritis symptoms can worsen the condition of knees and additionally damage the spine affecting the quality of life, health experts said on Saturday on the occasion of the World Arthritis Day. Knee arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint condition that primarily affects adults. It causes pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the knees, often making everyday activities difficult.

However, according to experts, the repercussions of untreated or poorly managed knee arthritis extend far beyond the knee join. Dr L Tomar from Max Hospital said that in more than 70 per cent cases, osteoarthritis is the commonest reason for knee arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes more progressive damage to the medial (inner) joint compartment cartilage leading to reduction in the gap between the two bones. Patients with advanced knee arthritis are often seen to have spinal deformity because when patients continue to walk with a bow leg deformity it put more pressure on lumber spine leading to its damage, such cases can be corrected with minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery, said Dr Tomar.

In osteoarthritis, multiple osteophytes form around the joint causing progressive limitation in knee movements. Patient with late-stage knee arthritis often report with fixed deformity with very little movement. According to Dr Praveen Gupta from Fortis Hospital, several neurological symptoms can be a consequence of rheumatological diseases. For instance, inflammatory arthritis can lead to nerve compression syndromes, resulting in pain and numbness.

Yet, these interconnections are frequently overlooked in clinical practice, primarily due to a lack of knowledge and training in the field. Experts urged patients not to ignore early signs of arthritis, advising them to consult specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment. Timely action, they stressed, can prevent long-term complications and improve overall quality of life. 

https://bilkulonline.com/2024/10/12/delaying-knee-arthritis-treatment-can-damage-spine-warn-health-experts/ 

Sunday 13 October 2024

Living With Arthritis: Tips For Managing Pain And Improving Quality Of Life

From news18.com 

You can effectively manage arthritis pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being by incorporating these tips into your daily life


World Arthritis Day, observed annually on October 12, aims to raise awareness about arthritis and related conditions, which affect millions globally. It highlights the importance of early diagnosis, treatment, and support for those living with arthritis. Arthritis encompasses over 100 diseases, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. The day promotes advocacy, education, and research efforts to improve the quality of life for arthritis patients. By fostering understanding and empathy, World Arthritis Day encourages both individuals and healthcare systems to prioritize arthritis care and patient well-being.

Living with arthritis can be challenging, but there are ways to manage pain and improve your quality of life. Dr Ajay Kumar SP, Consultant- Spine Care, Manipal Hospital Varthur shares some valuable tips:

Pain Management

  • Medication adherence: Follow your doctor’s prescription plan.
  • Exercise regularly: Gentle exercises like yoga, swimming, or cycling.
  • Heat or cold therapy: Apply heat or cold packs to affected joints.
  • Mind-body techniques: Practice meditation, deep breathing, or tai chi.
  • Rest and relaxation: Balance activity with rest.

Lifestyle Adjustments

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Reduce joint stress.
  • Balanced diet: Include omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
  • Quit smoking: Smoking exacerbates arthritis.
  • Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep.

Assistive Devices

  • Canes or walkers: Support mobility.
  • Joint supports: Use splints or orthotics.
  • Adaptive tools: Modify daily items (e.g., ergonomic handles).
  • Bathing aids: Install grab bars or use non-slip mats.

Staying Active

  • Physical therapy: Improve flexibility and strength.
  • Gentle exercises: Try tai chi, qigong, or water aerobics.
  • Join a support group: Connect with others.

Mental Well-being

  • Seek counselling: Address anxiety or depression.
  • Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques.
  • Connect with loved ones: Build a support network.

Healthcare Team Collaboration

  • Regular check-ups: Monitor condition progression.
  • Open communication: Share concerns and questions.
  • Explore alternative therapies: Discuss options with your doctor.

By incorporating these tips into your daily life, you can effectively manage arthritis pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being.

https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/living-with-arthritis-tips-for-managing-pain-and-improving-quality-of-life-9084085.html

Friday 11 October 2024

What’s the Prognosis for Psoriatic Arthritis?

From healthcentral.com

Without treatment, symptoms for PsA can get worse. Learn how to manage this disease so you can keep living an active life 

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can impact practically every part of your body. The chronic condition can lead to peripheral arthritis, skin disease, spine disease, enthesitis, dactylitis, nail disease, as well as other comorbidities such as eye disease and anxiety.

The complications and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can worsen over time and negatively impact your quality of life. In years past, the prognosis for someone with a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis wasn’t great. But recent treatment advances have improved outcomes for those with this disease and lifestyle modifications are helping people with PsA stay active longer. We asked the experts what you can expect if you’ve been diagnosed with this disease and how you can slow its progression.

Typical Progression of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis often begins as the skin disorder psoriasis. Psoriasis causes rashes with itchy, scaly patches, and can be found anywhere on the body. About a third of people who have psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation.

Early in the disease course, it may be hard to determine if you have psoriatic arthritis. This stage of the condition is referred to as subclinical or preclinical, according to a 2022 article in the Journal of Dermatological TreatmentAt the subclinical psoriatic arthritis stage, you may have joint inflammation and/ or changes to the joint that are detectable via diagnostic imaging techniques like ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Largely, though, the joints are pain-free at this point, making it hard to know you have the condition, unless you go looking for it. In fact, subclinical symptoms indicating early PsA are widespread among patients with psoriasis who do not yet have a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, according to the article authors. In one study, 41% of patients with psoriasis in whom psoriatic arthritis was identified by rheumatologists were undiagnosed by their dermatologists.

The early stage of the disease can also be a difficult time for patients, says Hannah Pugh, an occupational therapist and head of clinical experience at Reactiv, a virtual physical therapy company in Brooklyn, NY. “During the early stages of PsA, treating and managing the condition can be challenging as patients have not yet received a diagnosis, which often means they have not started appropriate medication,” says Pugh, who works with patients who have a chronic condition to help them manage their condition and equip them with tools to regain control over their disease.

Beyond the early stages of psoriatic arthritis, how the condition progresses varies greatly from one person to the next. “It is a full-body disease,” acknowledges Laura Coates, Ph.D., an associate professor and researcher of psoriatic arthritis at the University of Oxford in England. “It can affect many different types of tissues—like your joints, tendons, skin, spine—and can affect any joint in the body,” she explains. Even for a single person the disease can look different from month to month or season to season.

Still, there are some issues that most psoriatic arthritis patients share in common that were identified by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA). These complications and symptoms can worsen over time. According to a 2023 study in the journal Joint Bone Spine, people with PsA were also like to have:

  • Axial disease: Anywhere from 20% to 70% of people with psoriatic arthritis face the sacroiliitis and inflammatory back pain caused by this disease. Back pain typically increases as time goes on.

  • Dactylitis: 15% to 48% of patients with psoriatic arthritis also have this symptom, often referred to as “sausage digits.”

  • Enthesitis: 7% of psoriatic arthritis patients with a disease duration of five years have this complication.

  • Nail psoriasis: Anywhere from 40% to 67% of psoriatic arthritis patients have nail issues.

  • Peripheral arthritis: 64% of people living with psoriatic arthritis have this form of arthritis.

  • Skin psoriasis: 77% have active psoriasis.

Will Symptoms Get Worse Over Time?

Without treatment, uncontrolled inflammation can cause multiple psoriatic arthritis symptoms to occur at once. For example, in one study, 50% of people with psoriatic arthritis experienced peripheral joint involvement and skin psoriasis at the same time.

And for those with psoriatic arthritis who have skin involvement, progression is often unpredictable, according to Christopher Sayed, M.D., an associate professor of dermatology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Many patients with mild psoriasis may continue to have occasional mild flares that are controlled with topical medications, but it can decide to get worse at seemingly random times,” he says. Severe disease may predict even worse outcomes, says Dr. Sayed. “Patients that have had severe flares with extensive involvement of the skin are more likely to have more frequent and more severe swings in disease activity,” he explains.

Does Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Life Expectancy?

According to a 2022 study in the journal Rheumatology, among psoriatic arthritis patients, mortality rates may be slightly higher than in the general population. Researchers relate those stats to a greater amount of cardiovascular disease in the PsA community.

In another study, researchers set out to discover whether new treatment advances have translated into normalizing life expectancy for those with psoriatic arthritis. Compared to the general population, they found a small but significant increase in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among women with psoriatic arthritis but not men. What’s more, mortality increased among patients who had used glucocorticoids but not biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).

The three leading causes of death for psoriatic arthritis patients (as well as the general population) were:

  • cardiovascular disease

  • malignancies

  • respiratory diseases

Death from cardiovascular disease was higher among women. The authors of the study hypothesized that risk factors such as obesityhypertension, smoking, and diabetes may have been more prevalent among women with psoriatic arthritis.

Factors That May Affect PsA Life Expectancy

People with psoriatic arthritis have a higher burden of risk factors like obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking and cardiovascular disease compared to the general population. Each of these can play a role in life expectancy.

Obesity

The World Health Organization defines being overweight or obese as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. The prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults is about 42% where the rates of obesity for those with psoriatic arthritis is about 45%. The problem is that fat increases inflammatory proteins which promote more inflammation. Ongoing inflammation contributes to a number of different diseases that can lead to not only worse PsA but also a shorter life expectancy, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The good news? Losing weight can make a big difference. In one study, weight loss of more than 10% of body mass resulted in an increase in the percentage of patients achieving psoriatic arthritis remission from 6% to 63%.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, another name for hypertension, can damage your body over time if it goes untreated. It is measured in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and the optimal range is less than 120/80 mm Hg according to the American College of Cardiology. Body-wide inflammation is known to damage blood vessels, according to the Arthritis Foundation, which can put you at additional risk if your psoriatic arthritis is not controlled. Monitoring your blood pressure numbers and keeping your disease under control can be key to staying healthy.

Diabetes

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in people with psoriatic arthritis ranges from about 6 to 20%, compared to 2 to 15% in the general population, according to a 2020 review. A higher risk of diabetes is reported in women with more severe forms of psoriatic arthritis. According to the authors of the review, the link between diabetes and psoriatic arthritis is not completely understood, but certain cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor alpha are suspected to play a role. The good news is that treating your psoriatic arthritis may help reduce your risk of diabetes.

Cardiovascular Disease

Also known as heart disease, cardiovascular disease refers to a few conditions including heart attack and stroke. According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with psoriatic arthritis actually have a doubled cardiovascular risk—they have traditional risk factors for heart disease such as obesity and diabetes and they experience whole body inflammation, which is known to damage blood vessels. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight becomes especially important if you have PsA because obesity is associated with many cardiovascular risk factors.

Does Age of Diagnosis Matter? 

According to a 2023 study, age of onset of psoriatic arthritis can make a difference in disease outcome. In the study, participants with PsA were put into two groups, those who were diagnosed after 60 years of age (late onset) and those diagnosed before 60 years of age (early onset).

Interestingly, people with late onset psoriatic arthritis displayed an increased risk of a major cardiovascular event, even with similar smoking habits and body weight as the group with earlier onset. The authors admit that there is a lot of research needed to understand why this relationship exists.

While some may be hesitant to try a biologic as they get older for treatment, there is research available suggesting that older people with psoriatic disease respond just as well as younger people to biologic treatment. In one study looking at psoriasis treatment with a biologic, the efficacy in elderly subjects (65 or older) was comparable to that in younger subjects throughout 52 weeks of treatment. Notably, 75% clear skin was reached by 82% of the elderly subjects and 79% of younger subjects at week 52. The total rate of adverse events was similar between the elderly and younger participants.

How Severely Can Psoriatic Arthritis Affect the Body?

Thanks to better treatment options and greater awareness of the condition, psoriatic arthritis is increasingly treated early on in the disease stages. That’s a good thing, because without treatment, heightened stiffness and pain can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, which in turn can give rise to various health issues such as cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, and mental health disorders, says Pugh. “In more severe cases where PsA remains untreated, cumulative damage to the joints can become permanent,” she explains. Such damage can make it difficult to complete daily tasks resulting in a loss of independence and reduced sense of overall well-being, she adds.

Frailty can be another outcome of untreated psoriatic arthritis, per an American College of Rheumatology study. Frailty is defined clinically as the state of increased vulnerability due to physical and functional decline. “The prevalence of frailty in older adults with psoriatic arthritis was higher than the prevalence found in older adults in the general population in prior studies,” says Sarah Lieber, M.D., a rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and co-author of the study.

The frailty in people with PsA was compounded by issues such as comorbid conditions and falls, says Dr. Lieber, who also found that other PsA-related symptoms seemed to multiply when frailty was not addressed. For instance, “we found that anxiety was more common among adults with psoriatic arthritis who were frail than those who were not frail,” she says.

How Does Psoriatic Arthritis Impact Quality of Life?

The presence of enthesitis, dactylitis, inflammatory back pain, and peripheral joint involvement when you have PsA is significantly associated with a worse general quality of life, according to a 2023 study in the journal Joint Bone Spine.

In addition, if left untreated, the functional limitations and chronic pain of psoriatic arthritis can have a profound impact on a person’s mental health, says Pugh. In turn, “a decreased mental state can impact a person’s ability to hold a job, maintain healthy relationships, and affect their physical abilities,” she adds.

Research supports the risk that untreated psoriatic arthritis can have on mental health. In a 2022 study, researchers discovered that depression prevalence was higher in patients with than without PsA. Anxiety prevalence was also higher among psoriatic arthritis patients. According to the same study, depression remains underrecognized and undertreated in over half of moderately-to-severe patients.

Fortunately, a revolution in psoriasis disease treatment over the last 25 years has led to the development of many effective treatments. “Even the worst cases often respond very well to treatments, and because we have more than a dozen drugs that range from very good to great, we can troubleshoot when one doesn’t work well,” says Dr. Sayed.

Many of these drugs lead to substantial improvement within one to two months, and by three to four months, most medications reach their maximum effectiveness, he says. The key: Early diagnosis—timely detection and treatment of psoriatic arthritis is known to result in improved outcomes over time.

Beyond Medication

Researchers now know that psoriatic arthritis outcomes are based on more than medication alone. For instance, both physical and occupational therapy have been shown to improve PsA symptoms over time. “Physical therapy is a very important part of treating psoriatic arthritis,” says Laura Coates, Ph.D., an associate professor and researcher of psoriatic arthritis at the University of Oxford in England. PT along with medication is an effective way to treat inflammation, control pain and maximize function with psoriatic arthritis, she adds.

Other lifestyle factors that may help with your psoriatic arthritis prognosis include:

  • Diet

  • Exercise

  • Maintaining a healthy weight

  • Smoking cessation

  • Stress reduction

How to Increase Life Expectancy With PsA

Having psoriatic arthritis doesn’t mean that you are destined to live with comorbidities or enjoy less of your life compared to others without the condition. However, it does mean that there is an increase in risk factors and complications, especially with untreated disease. The good news is that you can control your destiny by taking charge of your lifestyle and medical care.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, the first order of business in increasing your life expectancy with psoriatic arthritis is to quit smoking since tobacco increases inflammation and decreases treatment effectiveness. Eating a heart healthy diet and moving with intention can also make a difference—cutting the risk of heart disease nearly in half. The importance of staying on top of your treatment is also critical, since under treatment of PsA leads to uncontrolled inflammation which is the driver of many serious conditions.

Takeaways

Psoriatic arthritis impacts different people in different ways. Skin, joints, tendons, and bones including the spine are commonly impacted. If psoriatic arthritis isn’t diagnosed and treated early, over time the symptoms can worsen, multiply, and lead to permanent joint damage. A reduced quality of life, including a negative impact on mental health, often accompanies more severe disease. Fortunately, new and more targeted treatments today make it possible to slow disease progression and prevent future damage in a matter of months. Physical and occupational therapy along with lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and weight loss can also help you to live your best life.

https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-prognosis?ap=nl2060&rhid=&mui=&lid=141093361&mkt_tok=NTQxLUdLWi0yNDMAAAGWC2m5XsM8_OU1a6tRF6FOZtmidGOUQI-y8HniLjz9F7K_wjY0M-g3srSiprpNx8Rp0n0KCpdzQVWOHHPpyaM6rlZBNAuiUhtbHQn3kj0fpHtu36c

Thursday 10 October 2024

World Arthritis Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance & Tips To Better Manage Arthritis During Fall

From ndtv.com

World Arthritis Day 2024: In this article, we share the theme, history, significance, and tips to help you manage arthritis during the fall season

World Arthritis Day (WAD) is observed on October 12 every year to raise global awareness about arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). It aims to improve public understanding of these conditions and the impact they have on individuals' daily lives. The campaign also highlights the importance of early diagnosis, self-management, and access to adequate treatment. Millions of people worldwide live with arthritis, making this day essential to advocating for better healthcare services, support systems, and research for cures and treatments.

Theme

The theme for World Arthritis Day 2024 is "Informed Choices, Better Outcomes." This year's focus is on improving access to information, a topic that is especially relevant in today's fast-paced digital age, where individuals living with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) are often confronted with an overwhelming flood of information to process and navigate.

History

World Arthritis Day was established by the Arthritis and Rheumatism International (ARI) in 1996. The initiative grew from the need to spread awareness of the various forms of arthritis and rheumatic diseases, which are often misunderstood or under-recognised. Over the years, WAD has grown into a globally recognised campaign supported by several health organisations, including the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR).

Significance

The significance of World Arthritis Day lies in its ability to bring the challenges faced by those with arthritis to the forefront. It promotes awareness of early detection and timely intervention, which are crucial in preventing severe complications of arthritis. It also emphasises the need for more accessible treatments and therapies to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis.

Fall weather, with its dropping temperatures and changing humidity, can trigger arthritis flare-ups or exacerbate existing symptoms. The cooler climate tends to cause joint stiffness and discomfort for many individuals with arthritis. However, several strategies can help manage arthritis symptoms effectively during this season.

Tips to better manage arthritis during fall

  1. Cold weather may cause joint stiffness, but staying active can help keep the joints flexible. Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga to maintain mobility.
  2. Cold temperatures can cause joints to feel stiff and painful. Dressing in layers can help retain body warmth and keep joints flexible. Warm clothing, especially around sensitive joints like knees and elbows, can minimise discomfort and prevent flare-ups.
  3. Heat therapy can be especially helpful during the cooler months. Using heating pads, warm baths, or electric blankets can ease joint stiffness and pain by promoting better blood circulation.
  4. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins can help reduce inflammation. Incorporate foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, and turmeric into your diet to manage arthritis symptoms.
  5. Even in the cooler months, dehydration can cause joint pain and worsen arthritis symptoms. Drinking plenty of water helps lubricate joints, maintain flexibility, and promote overall joint health.
  6. Stretching is essential for improving joint flexibility and reducing stiffness. Gentle stretching exercises, particularly targeting areas prone to stiffness like the hips, knees, and fingers, can help keep your joints limber and prevent pain during the fall.
  7. Stress can trigger inflammation and worsen arthritis symptoms. Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness to manage stress. Reducing stress can help minimise flare-ups and improve mental well-being alongside physical health.

By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can better manage arthritis symptoms during fall and improve your overall quality of life.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/health/world-arthritis-day-2024-theme-history-significance-tips-to-better-manage-arthritis-during-fall-6750369 

Monday 7 October 2024

Can knuckle cracking cause arthritis?

From msn.com

The question:

Is it true that cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis?

The science:

Knuckle cracking, which stretches the finger joints, is common. People may do it for various reasons — to relieve stress or tension, or simply for the pop. While it may sound destructive, there is no conclusive evidence that it causes serious or lasting harm, including arthritis.

There are no good quality studies that link cracking and degenerative changes in knuckles, or the metacarpophalangeal joints, experts said. “I usually tell my patients there’s no evidence that it’s harmful,” said Michael Pham, a rheumatologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.

In a 1998 case report in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, a physician named Donald Unger tested the myth perpetuated by his own mother, aunts and mother-in-law. He cracked the knuckles on his left hand twice per day every day, leaving the right hand as his control test. After 50 years, his knuckles showed no signs of arthritis and no differences between his left and right hands.

He quipped that the conclusion “calls into question whether other parental beliefs, e.g., the importance of eating spinach, are also flawed.”

There are many types of arthritis, but the one that has been blamed on knuckle cracking is osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease in which the tissues in the joint wear away, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. While injury or overuse can contribute to this kind of tissue damage, it would require excessive weight-bearing and friction on the joint, which does not occur by increasing the space between the joints by popping the knuckles, said Korsh Jafarnia, an orthopaedic hand surgeon at Houston Methodist.

However, there are no rigorous studies that rule out definitively that knuckle cracking is associated with osteoarthritis, said M. Elaine Husni, director of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Centre at Cleveland Clinic.

What else you should know:

Arthritis may not be a concern, but in rare cases, overzealous knuckle cracking could cause minor injuries such as ligament injuries and joint dislocation, Jafarnia said. In addition, research is mixed on whether the habit can cause other issues. A 1990 study reported that habitual knuckle crackers are more likely to experience hand swelling and lower grip strength, but a 2017 study reported the opposite.

Husni said occasional knuckle cracking is not likely to cause harm, though the effects of habitual knuckle cracking, which she defined as more than about five times per day, is being studied.

Anyone who develops pain or discomfort or experiences an escalation of pain that lasts more than about six weeks, or notices swelling or warmth in a joint should seek medical attention from a primary care physician or rheumatologist, she added.

The bottom line:

There is no conclusive evidence that cracking your knuckles can cause arthritis or other serious or permanent harm.


https://www.msn.com/en-ca/health/other/can-knuckle-cracking-cause-arthritis/ar-AA1piRI2?ocid=BingNewsVerp 

Saturday 5 October 2024

Rheumatoid Arthritis Tied to Heavy Economic and Human Burdens

From physiciansweekly.com

THURSDAY, Oct. 3, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with higher health care expenditures and suboptimal quality of life in U.S. adults, according to a study published online Aug. 6 in ACR Open Rheumatology.

Yinan Huang, Ph.D., from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, and colleagues estimated the economic and humanistic burden of RA among U.S. adults using self-reported data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2018 to 2020).

The researchers found significantly higher total annual health care expenditures in the RA group versus the non-RA group (mean, $3,382.971). The RA group also had lower Short Form 12 Health Survey physical component summary scores (mean, 4.78) and lower mental component summary scores (mean, −0.84). Compared with the non-RA group, the RA group also had increased odds of requesting assistance with activities of daily living (adjusted odds ratio, 2.02) and instrumental activities of daily living (adjusted odds ratio, 2.11).

“RA was associated with higher health care expenditures, particularly prescription medication costs, and was associated with suboptimal quality of life,” the authors write. “Prescribers should evaluate the health-related quality-of-life impact in prescribing treatment to adults with RA. Managed care professionals and payers should be aware of the high expenditures of RA due to high-cost prescription medications.”

https://www.physiciansweekly.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-tied-to-heavy-economic-and-human-burdens/ 

Monday 30 September 2024

5 Supplements You Shouldn't Take for Arthritis, According to Experts

From eatingwell.com

Supplements might seem like a good strategy for joint pain. But in many cases, they may do more harm than good 

When you’re living with arthritis, supplements might seem like a good pain management strategy. But they aren’t always the answer for joint pain and inflammation. While supplements might seem like a quick fix, not all of them deliver the benefits they claim to. And some may even pose health risks.

If you or a loved one have arthritis, here’s what you need to know about which supplements to avoid, plus proven strategies to provide relief.

5 Supplements You Shouldn’t Take for Arthritis

1. Glucosamine

According to the Arthritis Foundation, glucosamine is one of the most popular supplements for managing arthritic joint pain. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound in the body that builds cartilage and helps cushion joints.

However, despite glucosamine’s popularity, research reveals mixed results regarding its benefits. And a recent body of evidence shows that combining glucosamine with exercise provides no significant relief for knee osteoarthritis over exercise alone.

There’s another potential downside to this supplement. “Glucosamine supplements can interact with certain medications, particularly blood thinners like warfarin,” says Melissa Mitri, M.S., RD, a Connecticut-based dietitian and owner of Melissa Mitri Nutrition. “Moreover, they can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, constipation, abdominal pain and even allergic reactions in some individuals.”

2. Chondroitin

Chondroitin is a natural part of cartilage that has long been used to treat arthritis. However, the American College of Rheumatology cautions against using chondroitin for treating knee or hip arthritis, although it may be effective for arthritis of the hand.

Trouble is, it’s not safe for everyone. “Studies have shown inconsistent results, and chondroitin may worsen asthma symptoms, affect blood sugar levels and interfere with blood clotting,” says Angel Luk, RD, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Food Mysteries. “Its lack of solid scientific backing and potential risks make it a less favourable option for arthritis patients.”

3. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is touted for its potential anti-inflammatory benefits. However, rheumatologists question its safety. “The use of red yeast rice can lead to side effects such as muscle pain and weakness,” says Zeba Faroqui, M.D., a rheumatologist based in Levittown, New York.  “In some cases, it has been associated with more severe issues like liver injury and rhabdomyolysis, a condition causing severe muscle pain.” In addition, it can interact with medications used for inflammatory arthritis, such as methotrexate and azathioprine, she says.

4. Chaparral

Chaparral, derived from the creosote bush, has been used in traditional medicine for various health conditions, from skin rashes to cancer. However, taking chaparral could jeopardize your liver health.

 “Chaparral has been linked to liver damage, with over two dozen reported cases of liver injury,” says Mitri. “The risk of severe liver complications outweighs any potential benefits, making it a risky choice for arthritis management.”

5. Arnica

Arnica is a traditional pain relief herb that is available in topical forms like creams and gels. While some research supports its topical use, oral consumption may be harmful. “Oral arnica can lead to nausea, dizziness and more severe complications like heart palpitations,” says Mitri. “Its benefits are limited, and the risks associated with oral use make it unsuitable for treating arthritis.”

Tips for Managing Arthritis

If you’re trying to manage arthritis-related pain, there are some supplements that may be helpful. However, many may be harmful.

A safer, more effective strategy is a comprehensive lifestyle approach. That starts with exercise, physical therapy and medication if prescribed. Certain foods may also help. For instance, leafy greens, berries, walnuts and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are among the best foods for joint health.   

Also, consider keeping a food and symptom journal. “Tracking your food intake and symptoms can help you identify foods that may trigger arthritis flare-ups and help you make healthier dietary choices,” says Mitri.

The Bottom Line

Managing arthritis symptoms can be tricky, especially when some supplements offer more risk than relief. Products like glucosamine, chondroitin, red yeast rice, chaparral and arnica can cause adverse effects and often lack solid scientific support. Instead of relying on supplements, focus on a healthy diet that’s rich in anti-inflammatory plant foods and omega-3-rich fish. And don’t forget exercise. It’s an excellent way to keep those joints strong, flexible and pain-free!

https://www.eatingwell.com/supplements-you-shouldnt-take-for-arthritis-8718160