How to Manage the Heart Disease Risk of Psoriatic Arthritis

From everydayhealth.com

If you live with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you’re well aware of its impact on your joints, including symptoms like stiffness and swelling, as well as the persistent fatigue it can cause. 

But PsA can also affect your heart, and while it may not cause any noticeable symptoms, the condition comes with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

That’s because psoriatic arthritis isn’t just a joint problem: It’s a systemic inflammatory condition, meaning that inflammation affects the entire body. And inflammation plays a major role in the development of atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), the root cause of most heart disease.

But there are steps you can take to improve your heart health — and the good news is that many of them include some of the same things you’re doing to manage your PsA.

Keep reading to better understand the connection between psoriatic arthritis and heart health and get expert advice on how to reduce the likelihood of heart disease, including heart attack and stroke.

The Link Between Psoriatic Arthritis and Heart Disease

Psoriatic arthritis belongs to a family of conditions called psoriatic disease, which also includes psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. Both involve an overactive immune system that causes widespread inflammation.

“This inflammation doesn’t just affect the joints or skin,” says Michael Garshick, MD, a cardio-rheumatologist at NYU Langone Health in New York City. A lot of the same immune cells and pro-inflammatory proteins that are upregulated in psoriatic disease are also involved in the development of atherosclerosis,” he says. 

“In general, psoriasis and PsA are put together when we discuss heart disease risk. That’s mostly because there are many more patients with psoriasis compared to psoriatic arthritis, and the studies on heart disease and PsA haven't been as robust,” says Dr. Garshick. It’s estimated that about 1 in 4 people with psoriasis also have PsA.

In general, people with psoriatic disease have a cardiovascular risk similar to those with moderate to severe psoriasis, says Garshick. “So if you have really only mild psoriasis, but you have psoriatic arthritis, that upgrades the risk of a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than if you didn't have psoriatic arthritis,” he says.

Whether it's psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, it’s believed the combination of inflammation caused by the conditions and the fact that most patients with psoriatic disease have a higher risk of the traditional cardiometabolic risk factors — like hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), type 2 diabetes, obesity, and smoking — promotes cardiovascular disease, says Garshick.

PsA Inflammation Impacts Heart

Experts believe that heart disease and psoriasis and PsA may share inflammatory pathways that drive the progression of both diseases.

“Although psoriasis plaques are different from plaques in the arteries, the inflammation that makes the skin red and flaky is similar to the kind of inflammation that causes blockages in the arteries,” says Joel Gelfand, MD, the director of the psoriasis and phototherapy treatment centre at Penn Medicine in Philadelphia.

In fact, a lot of the same immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines that are upregulated in psoriasis or psoriatic disease are also part of the disease process in atherosclerosis, specifically cytokines or proteins such as TNF-alpha, says Garshick.

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of fats and cholesterol in and on the artery walls, called plaque. The build-up limits blood flow and can eventually lead to heart attack or stroke.

There’s a really big overlap between the disease processes driving psoriasis and atherosclerosis, says Garshick. “There's even evidence from genetic studies suggesting that in patients who have atherosclerosis, that may promote worsening psoriatic disease, so we think it’s a bidirectional relationship,” he says.

Higher Risk of Traditional Heart Disease Risk Factors

People with PsA are more likely to also have traditional heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

“It’s really a synergy,” says Dr. Garshick. “It’s the combination of systemic inflammation and the higher rates of these common risk factors that increases the overall cardiovascular risk.”

Indeed, the PsA inflammation could contribute to or worsen cardiovascular disease risk factors, including the following: 

• Insulin Resistance Inflammatory chemicals interfere with how the body uses insulin, leading to higher blood sugar and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, a major heart disease risk factor. 
• High Cholesterol Inflammation disrupts normal fat metabolism, raising triglycerides and lowering “good” HDL cholesterol, contributing to clogged arteries.
• Hormone Imbalance From Fat Tissue (Adipokines) The hormones leptin and resistin are elevated in PsA and promote more inflammation and artery damage.

“In general, the higher prevalence of atherosclerosis in the psoriatic patient population is a contribution from both underlying systemic inflammation and traditional cardiovascular risk factors,” says Garshick.

How to Manage Heart Disease Risk

“Unfortunately, there’s good evidence to suggest that cardiovascular risk factors are both underrecognized and undertreated in people with PsA,” says Garshick.

According to the most up-to-date recommendations, more aggressive heart disease risk management is needed in PsA to reduce morbidity and early death, he says.

Identify Controllable Risk Factors

People should have a cardiovascular disease assessment when they are first diagnosed with PsA, per the new recommendations by the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network (PPACMAN).

“For patients with psoriatic disease, that would include checking lipids, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, and, if they’re elevated, to either treat, or refer to their primary care doctor or a preventive cardiologist office,” says Garshick.

A preventive cardiologist may be especially helpful if you are reluctant to start medication, have trouble tolerating drugs like statins, or when you want more personalization, he adds.

Many people assume that because they’re regularly seeing a rheumatologist or dermatologist, their heart health is also being monitored, but that’s not always the case. 

Garshick recommends taking a proactive approach and making sure you know your numbers for cholesterol and blood pressure.

Discuss Drug Choices for Psoriatic Arthritis

Effective treatment of inflammation is key to improving PsA symptoms and slowing the disease process, but does that help reduce the risk of heart disease?

“There’s observational data suggesting that treating psoriatic disease may reduce cardiovascular risk, but randomized controlled trials haven’t definitively proven that yet,” says Garshick.

There has been concern that some drugs used to manage PsA may actually increase heart-related risks, says Garshick.

There were concerns about a couple of biologics used for PsA, including TNF-alpha inhibitors, which include adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), and infliximab (Remicade), and IL-23 inhibitors, which include guselkumab (Tremfya) and risankizumab (Skyrizi), but recent evidence shows they are generally safe, he says. 

On the other hand, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a new kind of disease-modifying drug (DMARD), do come with heart risks. The JAK inhibitors approved to treat PsA include tofacitinib (Xeljanz) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq).

“These medications come with a black box warning from the FDA for cardiovascular and clotting events. They also tend to raise LDL, or ‘bad,’ cholesterol, but that doesn’t fully explain the risk,” he says.

Because of this, the preventive cardiologist and the rheumatologist need to have a conversation before a patient is started on a JAK inhibitor, to make sure it’s the best choice and that cardiovascular risks are managed appropriately, says Garshick.

Maintain a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

The experts in the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Clinics Multicenter Advancement Network recommend the following lifestyle changes to manage your heart disease risk if you have psoriatic arthritis. 

• Be physically active. Aim for regular moderate to vigorous exercise to boost both your physical and mental health. Exercise can reduce psoriasis and joint symptoms, improve your mood, and help you sleep better. If skin discomfort, joint pain, or fatigue makes it hard to exercise, start small and talk to your doctor about ways to stay active comfortably.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Choose nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid high-sugar, high-fat, and processed foods that can increase inflammation.
• Aim for a healthy weight. Any loss of excess weight — even a small amount — can reduce joint pain, lower inflammation, and improve your response to psoriasis treatments. If diet and exercise aren’t enough, weight loss medications like GLP-1 agonists may be an option.
• Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of developing psoriasis and can make symptoms worse. It may also make treatments less effective and raise your risk of heart disease. One of the best things you can do for your skin, joints, and overall health is to stop smoking.

The Takeaway

• Psoriatic arthritis increases your risk of heart disease caused by widespread inflammation and related conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
• Regular screening for heart disease risk factors is essential and should begin at diagnosis.
• Management of PsA with the appropriate medications may reduce cardiovascular risk, but some medications may increase it. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
• A heart-healthy lifestyle, including exercise, a balanced diet, weight management, and smoking cessation, can significantly improve both joint health and heart health.
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• https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/how-to-manage-heart-disease-risk-in-psoriatic-arthritis/

How Loneliness Affects Your Patients With Arthritis

From physiciansweekly.com

The experience of loneliness profoundly impacts overall well-being and self-management in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), according to a study in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.

“Overall, there is a critical need to address loneliness as an essential issue for people with IA, highlighting the necessity for increased support and recognition,” wrote Bente Appel Esbensen, PhD, and colleagues.

Periodic pain, fatigue, and joint or back stiffness can make it challenging for patients to take part in social activities and build connections with other people. Studies show that patients with IA report more loneliness than the general population and patients with other chronic conditions.

The researchers conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 14 patients aged 25 to 75 years who reported loneliness. Among them, five had rheumatoid arthritis, five had psoriatic arthritis, and four had axial spondylarthritis. A nurse experienced in caring for patients with mental health challenges conducted the interviews, which averaged about a half hour each.

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three themes from interviews: (1) loneliness amplifies the negative impact of arthritis; (2) patients feel forced to opt out of social activities; and (3) a longing for loneliness to be addressed by healthcare professionals.

“Irrespective of whether the experience of loneliness preceded the diagnosis of IA or not, participants described how loneliness made living with the arthritis diagnosis disheartening,” the researchers reported. “For some, loneliness and isolation were followed by a loss of meaning and direction, and they felt depressed about the way their lives had turned out.”

Pain and fatigue made socializing with other people difficult because patients lacked energy. They withdrew, sadly aware that the social withdrawal was hurting their psychological well-being, according to the study.

Patients also reported that during consultations with their rheumatologist or rheumatology nurse, the sole focus was on the clinical exam and test results.

“This frequently led them to perceive that their perspectives were overlooked, contributing to a prevailing emotional isolation and loneliness,” the researchers reported. “They expressed a desire to be recognized for more than their arthritis, aspiring to have their broader apprehensions acknowledged as well.”

https://www.physiciansweekly.com/post/how-loneliness-affects-your-patients-with-arthritis-2 

USA: FDA approves vagus nerve stimulator for rheumatoid arthritis

From healio.com/news

Key takeaways:

• Implantable device stimulates the vagus nerve for 60 seconds daily.
• The device activates anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties in the body.

The FDA has approved the SetPoint System, a vagus nerve stimulator from SetPoint Medical, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

The device is an implantable, integrated neurostimulator about the size of a vitamin tablet that stimulates the vagus nerve for 60 seconds once daily with the goal of activating natural anti-inflammatory capabilities within the body. The device has also demonstrated the capacity for immune modulation.

“The approval of the SetPoint System, the first-in-class neuroimmune modulation platform, represents a transformative milestone in the management of autoimmune diseases,” Murthy V. Simhambhatla, PhD, CEO of SetPoint Medical, said in a company press release. “We are committed to improving the health of people living with RA and look forward to working with providers and payers to make our innovative therapy accessible to their patients.

“We plan to introduce the SetPoint System in targeted U.S. cities this year, followed by expansion across the country starting in early 2026,” he added.

The FDA approval follows the double-blind, placebo-controlled RESET-RA study, in which patients underwent the daily vagus nerve stimulation and were assessed at 12 weeks. According to the researchers, the SetPoint System demonstrated statistically significant improvement over placebo in terms of ACR20 response at that time point (P = .0209).

Further results showed that for patients with one prior exposure to a biologic or traditional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug, 44.2% of those in the vagus nerve stimulation group achieved ACR20 response, compared with 19% of controls (P = .0054).

“This is a landmark study in the treatment and care of rheumatoid arthritis,” John Tesser, MD, FACP, FACR, MACR, of Arizona Arthritis & Rheumatology Associates and Midwestern University, who was a principal investigator of the RESET-RA study, said in the release.

“The study met its primary efficacy endpoint of ACR20 at three months, with improvements observed in ACR response rates and disease activity metrics through 12 months of follow-up,” he added. “75% of patients in the study were free of biologic or targeted synthetic DMARDs at 12 months.”

SetPoint is additionally planning to evaluate its device for the treatment of other autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease, according to the release.

https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20250731/fda-approves-vagus-nerve-stimulator-for-rheumatoid-arthritis 

The 3 common types of arthritis in over 60s, the symptoms and when to seek help

From the-independent.com

Some level of discomfort can be down to ageing, but worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious issue 

Arthritis is a widespread condition in the UK, especially among those aged 60 and over.

While some level of discomfort can be a natural part of ageing, ongoing or worsening symptoms may indicate a more serious issue that shouldn’t be ignored.

To learn more, Justine Musiime, a chartered physiotherapist with a special interest in rehabilitation for older adults, revealed three of the most common types of arthritis in later life.

She also shared some key insights about when to seek professional advice for symptoms and why early intervention is so important.

                                                             Arthritis is common in people aged 60 and over (Alamy/PA)

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis in older people is osteoarthritis.

“Osteoarthritis is mainly the degeneration or wear and tear of the joint,” explains Musiime. “It mainly affect the knees and the hips, but can also affect other joints in the hands and the spine.”

In osteoarthritis, the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones breaks down and bony growths can develop, according to the NHS website.

It is estimated that around 8.75 million people in the UK have seen a doctor about osteoarthritis, according to Versus Arthritis’ website, and pain and tenderness are common symptoms.

“The pain is usually worse in the morning,” says Musiime. “So, after someone has been asleep, when they wake up they often feel terrible pain when they try to move. There can also be swelling as well.

“Sometimes people will also hear a crunching noise when they try to move the affected joint.”

However, the severity of osteoarthritis symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, and between different affected joints.

The exact cause is not known, but several things are thought to increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis such as joint injury, age, family history and obesity, according to the NHS website.

Osteoarthritis is also more common in women than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis

“Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system starts attacking the joints by mistake, causing inflammation,” explains Musiime.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include swollen and tender joints, swelling and stiffness in joints in the morning that lasts for longer than half an hour, severe tiredness and a general feeling of being unwell, according to Versus Arthritis.

Over time this inflammation can damage the joints, cartilage and nearby bone.

According to the NHS website, the condition usually affects the hands, feet and wrists and there may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares.

The NHS website also states that a flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it’s possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.

While rheumatoid arthritis can affect adults of any age, it’s most commonly starts among people between the ages of 40 and 60, according to Versus Arthritis.

Gout

“Gout is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the body,” explains Musiime. This can lead to crystals forming around your joints, which causes pain, according to the NHS website.

“This mainly affects the big toe, causing it to be swollen, painful and sometimes red,” notes Musiime. “Sometimes you might also see skin peeling off.”

Things that can trigger a gout attack include an illness that causes a high temperature, too much alcohol or a very large meal, dehydration, a joint injury or certain medicine, according to the NHS website.

                                               I think if people are displaying symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible (Alamy/PA)

When should people seek help about their symptoms – and why is it important?

“I think if people are displaying symptoms, they should seek help as soon as possible. With the different kinds of arthritis there are different ways of managing the symptoms,” says Musiime. “Arthritis can affect people’s everyday life, even doing basic things like cooking, cleaning and dressing. I have met patients with arthritis who are unable to wash themselves.

“Arthritis isn’t curable, but seeking professional advice can help manage the symptoms and might be able to help slow the progression down too.”

Medication is a common pain management strategy for arthritis.

“I always tell my patients that they need to take the pain medication they have been prescribed because it can help take the edge off the pain,” says Musiime. “It also means that the medication will be in their system for when they start or try to get up and walk.

“Patients with arthritis are often prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, but it’s best to talk to your GP to figure out the best medication for you.”

https://www.the-independent.com/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/arthritis-over-60s-symptoms-treatment-b2798871.html

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy: A Step Toward Arthritis Relief?

From cityofhope.org

Arizona arthritis rates are higher than those nationally. Find out whether low-dose radiation therapy may help ease osteoarthritis symptoms.

Arthritis is a common condition, affecting more than 60 million people across the United States. In Arizona, the arthritis rates are higher than the national average: Approximately 30% of women and 21% of men have some form of the disease. One possible reason for this is that individuals with arthritis often move to warmer, dryer climates, like Arizona, in search of symptom relief.

Osteoarthritis treatment typically begins with conservative approaches such as physical rehabilitation, weight loss and moderate levels of physical activity. These are frequently followed by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, these initial strategies may not provide sufficient symptom relief — or their effectiveness may diminish over time.

One evidence-based treatment option has been shown to reduce pain and improve joint function in people with osteoarthritis: Low-dose radiation therapy (LDRT).

“LDRT works by reducing joint inflammation, resulting in decreased pain, improved mobility and enhanced quality of life,” explains Michael Christensen, M.D., M.B.A., radiation oncologist at City of Hope® Cancer Center Phoenix. “This is especially true in patients who have not responded well to conventional therapies like NSAIDs, physical therapy or weight loss.”

Arthritis is more common in Arizona than in most other states – and it can significantly impact patients’ daily lives.

• More than 23% of Arizonans, or approximately 1.6 million people, have been diagnosed with arthritis
• About 850,000 Arizonans experience daily limitations due to their arthritis
• Approximately 42% of those with arthritis report work-related limitations caused by the condition

What Is Low-Dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis?

While radiation therapy is commonly associated with cancer treatment, it has been used for decades to treat a wide range of non-cancerous condition as well. As the name suggests, LDRT involves significantly lower doses of radiation than those used in cancer care. When used to treat osteoarthritis, LDRT can target the joints most affected by the disease.

“Low-dose radiation therapy helps relieve pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis by modulating the body’s immune response,” says Dr. Christensen.

LDRT may help relieve arthritis symptoms — such as joint pain and reduced mobility — through several biological mechanisms:

• Reducing the activity of inflammatory cells, including macrophages and neutrophils
• Slowing down the production of pro-inflammatory proteins
• Enhancing the immune system’s ability to control inflammation and preserve healthy joint tissue

Dr. Christensen notes that approximately 70% of patients experience meaningful symptom relief, with the greatest improvement typically occurring between six and 12 weeks after treatment.

How Is LDRT Administered?

LDRT is delivered externally using focused radiation beams. The process is non-invasive and pain free, with each course typically consisting of six sessions over two to three weeks.

“LDRT is an outpatient treatment, where each session lasts just 10 to 15 minutes,” says Dr. Christensen. “Because it’s so well tolerated, most patients can resume normal activities immediately after each treatment.”

If a patient experiences partial relief or symptoms return, a second course of LDRT may be considered eight to 12 weeks after the initial treatment.

Low-Dose Radiation Therapy Side Effects

One of the key benefits of LDRT for osteoarthritis is its low risk of side effects.

“The radiation doses used for LDRT are much lower than the threshold associated with tissue damage or secondary malignancy,” Dr. Christensen explains.

Side effects are rare and generally mild, with the most commonly reported being temporary skin redness or mild fatigue. Importantly, there is no evidence that LDRT increases the risk of cancer in older adults.

https://www.cityofhope.org/locations/phoenix/low-dose-radiation-therapy-for-osteoarthritis 

4 surprising arthritis triggers hiding in toothpaste

From rollingout.com

Common oral care products may trigger inflammatory responses in susceptible individuals 

Photo credit: shutterstock.com/PeopleImages.com - Yuri A

The morning ritual of brushing teeth seems harmless enough, but emerging connections between certain toothpaste ingredients and autoimmune conditions have raised important health questions. While maintaining oral hygiene remains crucial, understanding potential risks helps consumers make informed choices about their dental care products.

The relationship between oral health and systemic inflammation has gained attention as scientists explore how everyday products might influence immune system function. Certain compounds commonly found in toothpaste may contribute to inflammatory responses that could potentially trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis in susceptible individuals.

Antimicrobial agents disrupt immune balance

1. Triclosan, a widely used antimicrobial agent, appears in numerous toothpaste formulations designed to combat bacteria and prevent gum disease. While effective at killing harmful microorganisms, this compound may also disrupt the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth and throughout the body.

The human microbiome plays a crucial role in immune system regulation. When antimicrobial agents eliminate both harmful and beneficial bacteria indiscriminately, the resulting imbalance can trigger inflammatory responses that may contribute to autoimmune dysfunction.

Triclosan has been detected in blood samples and urine, indicating that it absorbs through oral tissues during routine brushing. This systemic exposure means the compound can potentially influence immune function throughout the body, not just within the mouth.

The chemical structure of triclosan allows it to persist in body tissues, potentially causing cumulative effects over time. Regular exposure through daily toothpaste use may create chronic low-level inflammation that contributes to autoimmune disease development in genetically predisposed individuals.

Fluoride compounds trigger inflammatory pathways

2. Fluoride preparations in toothpaste, while beneficial for preventing tooth decay, may inadvertently stimulate inflammatory responses in some people. Different fluoride compounds used in oral care products can interact with immune system cells in ways that promote inflammation.

Sodium fluoride, the most common form found in toothpaste, can accumulate in joint tissues over time. This buildup may contribute to the inflammatory processes characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in individuals with genetic susceptibilities to autoimmune conditions.

The mechanism involves fluoride’s ability to interfere with enzyme systems that regulate inflammatory responses. When these regulatory systems become disrupted, the immune system may begin attacking healthy joint tissues, leading to the chronic inflammation seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Excessive fluoride exposure has been linked to skeletal fluorosis, a condition that shares some similarities with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including joint pain and stiffness. This overlap suggests potential pathways through which fluoride might contribute to autoimmune joint problems.

Surfactants alter immune cell function

3. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), the foaming agent that creates toothpaste’s characteristic lather, may influence immune system behaviour through its interaction with cellular membranes. This detergent-like compound can penetrate oral tissues and potentially reach systemic circulation.

SLS has demonstrated the ability to alter cell membrane permeability, which could affect how immune cells communicate and respond to threats. Disrupted cellular communication may contribute to the immune system confusion that characterizes autoimmune diseases.

The compound’s harsh cleansing action may also damage the protective barriers of oral tissues, creating opportunities for bacteria and other inflammatory triggers to enter the bloodstream. This increased bacterial translocation could stimulate chronic immune responses that contribute to autoimmune disease development.

Regular exposure to SLS through daily brushing may create ongoing irritation and inflammation in oral tissues. This chronic inflammatory state could serve as a persistent trigger for systemic autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals.

Artificial preservatives activate immune responses

4. Chemical preservatives used to extend toothpaste shelf life may inadvertently trigger immune system activation. Compounds like parabens, formaldehyde-releasing agents, and other synthetic preservatives can act as immune system irritants.

These preservatives may function as haptens – small molecules that become antigenic when they bind to proteins in the body. Once this binding occurs, the immune system may begin producing antibodies against the preservative-protein complexes, potentially leading to autoimmune reactions.

The cumulative effect of daily exposure to multiple preservatives through oral care products may overwhelm the body’s natural detoxification systems. This toxic burden could contribute to the chronic inflammation that underlies autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

The oral-systemic connection

The mouth serves as a gateway between the external environment and internal body systems. Ingredients absorbed through oral tissues can quickly enter systemic circulation, influencing immune function throughout the body.

Gum disease and oral inflammation have already been linked to increased rheumatoid arthritis risk, suggesting that the oral environment plays a significant role in autoimmune disease development. Adding potentially inflammatory toothpaste ingredients to an already compromised oral environment may amplify these risks.

Making safer choices for oral care

Natural alternatives to conventional toothpaste formulations may reduce exposure to potentially problematic ingredients. Products free from triclosan, SLS, artificial preservatives, and excess fluoride offer options for those concerned about autoimmune disease risks.

Simple ingredients like baking soda, sea salt, and essential oils can provide effective cleaning action without the inflammatory potential of synthetic compounds. However, consulting with dental professionals ensures that alternative oral care approaches maintain adequate protection against tooth decay and gum disease.

Understanding these connections empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their oral care products while maintaining the dental hygiene necessary for overall health.

https://rollingout.com/2025/07/26/arthritis-triggers-hiding-in-toothpaste/

Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?

From medicalnewstoday.com 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not have a cure, and is a progressive condition, which means it continually develops over time.

Treatment for RA may help to slow the condition’s progression and aims to prevent irreversible joint damage. People with RA who do not have treatment may experience disability and a less favourable outlook.

Research suggests that around 40% of people with RA have functional disability that affects their daily lives and ability to work within 10 years of a diagnosis.

Seeking early treatment, which means within six months of first experiencing symptoms, can improve a person’s joint functioning and may lead to lower levels of swollen, tender joints. It also decreases the risk of bone erosions.

Early treatment can also increase a person’s chance of remission, a period in which they have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Some people may choose to slowly decrease treatment if they achieve remission.

However, even late treatment can offer benefits and significantly improve a person’s outlook. People with RA tend to have similar mortality rates if they have treatment, whether it is early or later.

Healthcare professionals may recommendTrusted Source a combination of treatments for someone with RA. A person’s treatment plan may change over time as their condition progresses. Treatment goals tend to be:

• pain relief
• lower inflammation and swelling
• improve daily functioning
• slow, stop, or prevent joint damage
• slow, stop, or prevent organ damage, including a decreased risk of heart and vascular diseases

A doctor may recommend the following treatment options:

• physical therapy
• occupational therapy
• medications, such as:
  • anti-inflammatory drugs
  • corticosteroids
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
  • biologics
  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors
• joint surgery
• nutrition consult

People with RA also benefit from regular exercise, which may involve creating a tailored exercise plan, stress reduction, and dietary changes.

A person’s healthcare team will continually monitor them and adjust the treatment plan when necessary. It is important for someone with RA to attend regular check-ups, which may involve blood tests, imaging tests, bone health assessments, and more.

People with RA may also develop complications that require treatment and affect a person’s quality of life and outlook. Common complications of RA include the following:

• irreversible joint damage
• risk of cardiovascular disease, which can cause stroke or heart attack
• vasculitis, in which inflammation damages blood vessels
• osteoporosis, which involves weakened bones
• interstitial lung disease, a progressive lung condition
• cancerous tumours
• Sjögren’s disease, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands

Anyone who develops symptoms of RA can benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan as quickly as possible.

People with RA can also benefit from speaking with their healthcare team if they develop new symptoms or challenges with their daily function. A doctor may suggest making changes to their current treatment plan.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/rheumatoid-arthritis-cure?utm_source=ReadNext#1