Arthritis cases on the rise as doctors warn of early signs often ignored

From standardmedia.co.ke

Arthritis often begins subtly, with morning stiffness or joint aches that are easily mistaken for fatigue or ageing. Over time, it can worsen, limiting movement, disrupting sleep and reducing quality of life. The condition covers more than 100 disorders affecting joints, muscles and connective tissues, and can occur at any age.

Doctors warn that many people dismiss early symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. The most common form, osteoarthritis, is a “wear-and-tear” condition caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the knees, hips, fingers and lower back.

It is more prevalent among older adults, people with excess weight, and those in physically demanding jobs involving prolonged standing, lifting or kneeling.

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Grace Achando Opwoche, 63, is living with osteoarthritis, which she believes developed after years of strenuous work and weight gain. Persistent pain has made walking and daily tasks increasingly difficult.

“From my doctor’s explanation, I came to believe that the nature of my job contributed a lot to the persistent joint pains,” she says. “My work required a lot of standing and moving around for long hours. I have also added extra weight over the years, which is weakening my joints.”

Dr Boniface Adhiambo explains that cartilage acts as a shock absorber between bones. When it wears down, movement becomes painful and even basic activities such as climbing stairs can become difficult.

Another major form is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. Unlike osteoarthritis, it often affects both sides of the body simultaneously, such as both wrists or both knees.

Doctors warn that if left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can also damage other organs, including the lungs, eyes and heart.

“Rheumatoid arthritis is not simply joint pain,” says Dr Adhiambo. “It is a systemic disease that may cause fatigue, fever, weight loss and prolonged morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.”

Gout is another increasingly common form, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It typically strikes suddenly, causing intense pain, redness and swelling, often in the big toe, ankle or foot.

It is associated with diets high in red meat, sugary drinks, processed foods and alcohol, and is more common among people with obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Psoriatic arthritis and juvenile arthritis can affect both adults and children, causing joint pain, swelling and fatigue. In children, juvenile arthritis may also affect growth and daily functioning. Doctors caution that persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue should not be ignored.

Joint pain may also result from other conditions such as viral infections, fibromyalgia and lupus. Rising obesity levels, sedentary lifestyles and nutrient deficiencies are increasing risk among younger people, while injuries can lead to post-traumatic arthritis if joints fail to heal properly.

There is no cure for most forms of arthritis, but early diagnosis and treatment, alongside physiotherapy, exercise and weight management, can help preserve mobility. With cases rising globally, arthritis is becoming an increasingly significant public health concern, affecting movement, independence and overall quality of life.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/amp/features/article/2001548590/arthritis-cases-on-the-rise-as-doctors-warn-of-early-signs-often-ignored 

No pills, no surgery: Scientists uncover simple arthritis pain relief method

From thehealthsite.com

Researchers found a simple walking adjustment which may significantly reduce arthritis pain, improve joint function and potentially slow knee damage without needing medication, injections or surgery

Almost 25 per cent of older adults typically aged 40 and above suffer from painful osteoarthritis which is a condition that can make simple tasks such as walking, climbing stairs or standing for extended periods hard. Over time, the disease deteriorates the cartilage that provides cushioning for the joints and once the damage occurs there is no way to reverse.

While the standard approach for treatment often focuses on pain relief or replacement surgery for the joint, a new study claims that as simple as changing the way people walk can help reduce pain and slow joint damage. The team of researchers from the University of Utah, New York University and Stanford University found that personalized gait retraining was quite effective when it comes to easing symptoms for individuals with knee osteoarthritis.

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The study published in The Lancet Rheumatology was based on modifying walking style examining how the angle of the foot changes during gait. Participants were instructed to turn their toes slightly inwards or outwards depending on what caused the least pressure on their knee joint. Explaining the concept Scott Uhlrich, study co-lead said, "We've known that for people with osteoarthritis, higher loads in their knee accelerate progression and that changing the foot angle can reduce knee load. So the idea of a biomechanical intervention is not new, but there have not been randomized, placebo-controlled studies to show that they're effective."

Why personalisation matters

Osteoarthritis often occurs on the inside of the knee as it is subjected to more body weight. Although the adjustments for walking do not work for all patients some participants found that setting their toes slightly inwards helped while others found it helpful when turned outwards.

According to Uhlrich, past studies have been unsuccessful because the same walking protocol was used for all participants. He explained, "Each person's new walking pattern was customized to him or her and helped increase the amount of weight individuals could offload from their knee, which was likely a factor in the positive knee cartilage and pain results we observed."

How the trial was conducted

The trial included 68 people with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis. Participants' walking patterns were initially evaluated on the basis of MRI, pressure-sensitive treadmills and motion capture cameras. Afterwards they received six weeks of gait training sessions during which they were instructed to keep their designated foot angle with vibration feedback devices placed on their shin.

The participants were instructed to walk for at least 20 minutes a day after the training period to make the movement automatic. The results showed that after a year the participants in the real gait retraining group experienced similar pain relief as with common medications. MRI scans also revealed lower deterioration of cartilage health markers in the group compared to the placebo group.

Even though results were promising, researchers emphasized that patients shouldn't try to alter their gait on their own without professional help. The incorrect foot angle may cause more stress to the knee rather than less.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to arthritis treatment or exercise routines.

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/no-pills-no-surgery-scientists-uncover-simple-arthritis-pain-relief-method-1325959/ 

Psoriatic Arthritis: Are You Settling for Less-Than-Optimal Control?

From everydayhealth.com

For most people with psoriatic arthritis, the availability of highly effective therapies means that the goal of treatment is a score-based outcome known as minimal disease activity (MDA).

But many people with psoriatic arthritis don’t have minimal disease activity — and experience significant joint swelling, pain, and fatigue. In some cases, this may be because you aren’t getting the right treatment.

Here’s what you should know about optimizing your control of psoriatic arthritis, and recognizing when you may need to advocate for more effective treatment.

What Is ‘Optimal Control’ in Psoriatic Arthritis?

Usually, doctors aim to treat psoriatic arthritis using what’s known as a treat-to-target approach — meaning they set a specific goal that makes sense for a patient, then adjust treatment as needed to achieve that goal.

For most people with psoriatic arthritis, the goal of treatment will be minimal disease activity, which is defined as meeting 5 out of 7 criteria that are based on clinical assessments and patient-reported outcomes. “It fits well with the treat-to-target principle — assess regularly, define the goal, and adjust therapy when the goal is not met,” says M. Elaine Husni, MD, MPH, a rheumatologist and the director of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Center at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

While many doctors use minimal disease activity as the main measure of psoriatic arthritis control, “Others may use informal targets and rely on a physical exam and patient reported satisfaction,” says Rebecca Gordon, MD, a rheumatologist at UCHealth Cherry Creek Medical Center in Denver. Tolerating medications well is another important measure that isn’t a component of minimal disease activity, Dr. Gordon says.

Some practical outcomes indicating minimal disease activity, or good control of psoriatic arthritis, include:

• Minimal or no joint swelling or pain
• Small area, or no area, of skin with active psoriasis
• Minimal or no pain in areas where tendons join bones (enthesitis)
• Minimal or no swollen “sausage fingers” or toes (dactylitis)
• Minimal or no systemic symptoms, like fatigue or brain fog

Above all, your psoriatic arthritis shouldn’t get in the way of daily activities, says Eric Ruderman, MD, a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago. “I think function is a really important target,” he says. “We want to get the disease controlled enough that it doesn’t limit the things they do.”

Signs You’re Settling for ‘Good Enough’

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Psoriatic arthritis symptoms that persist in a significant way may be a sign your disease isn’t adequately controlled.

The following “red flags” may indicate less-than-optimal disease control, according to Dr. Husni:

• Ongoing swollen joints
• Ongoing enthesitis or dactylitis
• Morning stiffness that doesn’t improve soon
• Recurrent disease flares that require steroid treatment
• Worsening skin or nail symptoms
• Pain that interferes with work, sleep, exercise, or family activities

But it’s important to distinguish symptoms of psoriatic arthritis from any other health conditions you may have. “Ongoing pain does not always mean that psoriatic arthritis is not under control,” says Gordon. “In cases where it is not certain what is causing ongoing pain, imaging with ultrasound or MRI can help evaluate ongoing inflammation or other causes of pain.”

You may also be settling for inadequate treatment if your overall disease control is good, but an aspect of your psoriatic arthritis that especially bothers you persists, says Dr. Ruderman. “If you go after a global outcome measure and yet the thing that bothers [the patient] isn’t truly better, then you haven’t achieved your target,” he says. “I look to them to say, what are the elements of the disease that bother you the most? Is it your joints, your skin disease, your Achilles tendinitis?”

The Risks of Settling

Settling for less-than-adequate treatment of your psoriatic arthritis doesn’t just mean a worse quality of life in the present. It could also endanger your health in the future.

Gordon says that suboptimal disease control is linked to both accelerated joint damage and a higher risk for cardiovascular disease. “Patients should be working closely with their primary care providers to ensure optimal control of things like lipids, blood pressure, and diabetes,” she says, particularly if you’ve had periods of ongoing psoriatic arthritis activity.

Ongoing symptoms that seem fairly tolerable can still mean trouble in the future. “If you settle, sometimes disease with low-grade symptoms can continue and lead to disability over time,” says Husni.

Ruderman notes that some therapies for psoriatic arthritis, particularly biologic drugs, may help prevent joint damage even if they don’t fully control your symptoms. “You risk the possibility that you might do less well on something that we switch you to,” he says. “So it becomes a bit of a judgment call.”

A key question, Ruderman says, is whether you’re fully living your life instead of being limited by your psoriatic arthritis. “If the answer is no, we can maybe get there,” he says. “And why shouldn’t we, when we have the medications and tools to do so.”

How to Advocate for Improved Treatment

If you feel that your psoriatic arthritis treatment leaves something to be desired, it’s important to let your doctor know about your concerns so they can take action. If your disease has improved but you have some ongoing symptoms or episodes of feeling worse, “There may still be some lingering disease activity, and more imaging or frequent exams could help,” says Husni.

Husni suggests keeping a diary with weekly entries listing any symptoms or concerns and sharing this with your doctor at your next appointment. “This will help the physician understand what is bothering you the most and better understand what is related to psoriatic arthritis and what may not be,” she says.

Since appointments with a rheumatologist can be difficult to schedule and may feel short or rushed, Gordon suggests asking your doctor about the best way to communicate between appointments to share your concerns as needed.

During appointments, “patients should not be afraid to ask directly, ‘Am I at my treatment target?'” says Gordon. “Patients should also express their priorities — i.e. reduced pain, minimizing side effects — to help tailor treatment selection.”

Don’t be afraid to let your doctor know if you’re not satisfied with your disease control, says Ruderman. “You have to say, ‘These are the elements of my disease that I’m not happy with. What are we going to do to fix that?’”

The Takeaway

• For most people with psoriatic arthritis, optimal control means achieving minimal disease activity (MDA), with few if any ongoing symptoms.
• Even relatively minor disease activity can worsen joint damage over time, and may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
• Let your doctor know if you have any symptoms that bother you, keeping track of how often they occur. Ask how your treatment can be changed to address your concerns.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis/are-you-settling-for-less-than-optimal-control/ 

5 Arthritis Treatments That Soothe Sore Joints Without Breaking the Bank

From aol.com

If mornings now begin with stiff knees, achy hips or hands that need a minute to get going, you're far from alone. More than 50 million American adults live with arthritis, and women over 50 are often hit hardest—partly because dropping oestrogen levels affect the cartilage that cushions our joints, leading to pain and swelling. The good news? Doctors say some of the most effective arthritis treatment options are simple, affordable and already sitting in your kitchen, freezer or spice rack.

                                                                                                                   fotolgahan

The best arthritis treatment options to ease pain and stiffness

When arthritis symptoms flare-up, you want fast pain relief. These at-home arthritis treatments reduce inflammation, stiffness and aches so you can feel like yourself again.

Move gently—and often

Cartilage thrives on motion, so the worst thing you can do is settle into the recliner and stay put. "For me, I think the biggest thing is to really work on motion," says Joseph A. Gil, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon at University Orthopaedics. The natural course of osteoarthritis is for joints to stiffen and lose mobility, so the goal is staying flexible without pounding sore knees and hips.

Walking, swimming, water aerobics, Pilates and chair yoga are all gentle options that can help with many forms of arthritis. A review in the journal Healthcare even found that pool-based "aquatic exercises" eased joint pain and improved quality of life.

Apply heat in the morning, then ice at night

One of the easiest arthritis treatment strategies costs almost nothing: a heating pad and a bag of frozen peas.

"I think that heat in the morning, when patients wake up stiff, is helpful to get the joint going," Dr. Gil says. "Then at night-time, when the patient has been using the joint all day, putting ice on is very helpful in cooling off the inflammation."

The simple rule for reducing pain, per James Lyons, MD: heat for stiffness, ice for swelling. Heat improves blood flow and relaxes tight muscles, while cold slows blood flow and acts like a natural numbing agent during flare-ups.

A few friendly safety notes: Wrap heating pads or ice packs in a towel, and limit each session to 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re going the icing route for your arthritis treatment, Kimberly J. Templeton, MD, of the University of Kansas Health System, recommends frozen peas because they're cheap and mould beautifully to a sore joint.

Eat the Mediterranean way

What's on your plate matters more than you might think when it comes to treating the many types of arthritis. "A Mediterranean-style diet tends to help the most," confirms Raj Dasgupta, MD. "That means lots of vegetables, fruits, olive oil, fish and whole grains."

The standouts:

• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines deliver omega-3 fatty acids that ease joint pain and stiffness. Aim for two servings per week.

• Leafy greens, berries and olive oil offer antioxidants that help protect joints from inflammation.

• Nuts and seeds make an easy anti-inflammatory snack.

What to scale back on: processed foods, sugary drinks, excess alcohol, red meat and saturated fats, all of which can trigger inflammation, says Pamela Tambini, MD.

Spice things up

Two pantry staples earn high marks from doctors when it comes to easing arthritis

• Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Italian scientists found people who took 1,000 mg of curcumin daily for 90 days had 58 percent less joint pain and stiffness. Here's the trick: Curcumin's absorption jumps up to 2,000 percent when paired with black pepper. A cosy cup of turmeric tea with a pinch of pepper does the job.

• Ginger inhibits inflammatory pathways too. Cory Rice, DO, says 500 to 3,000 mg per day may reduce osteoarthritis pain over three months. Registered dietitian Amy Davis notes you may feel some relief from herbs and spices in one to two weeks, with substantial benefits after one to two months of consistent use.

Try these affordable arthritis supplements

Five supplements have the best evidence when it comes to treating arthritis naturally:

• Curcumin (500 mg twice daily): "Studies have shown that curcumin works as well as NSAIDs for pain management without the side effects," says Melina Jampolis, MD.

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Boswellia (300 to 400 mg daily)

• UC-II collagen (40 mg daily for knees) 

• Vitamin D, especially in winter

Beyond at-home arthritis treatment: When to call your doctor

If pain is interfering with your daily life, speak up. "If there's something impacting you, your ability to function and your quality of life, and nobody's asking about it, then you need to speak up and ask," Dr. Templeton said. Over-the-counter options like Tylenol or ibuprofen can help too—just check with your doctor before taking them regularly.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

https://www.aol.com/articles/5-arthritis-treatments-soothe-sore-013004766.html