Take it to the Pool: Benefits of Aquatic Exercise for Arthritis

From fox11online

Exercise is not only good for your overall health; it's also great for managing arthritis. Exercise keeps joints flexible and the muscles around the joints strong. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation recommends that people with arthritis get at least 30 minutes of exercise, at least five days a week - that's the same recommended amount for the average adult.
"However, if you live with arthritis, certain types of exercise may aggravate joint pain or even seem too difficult because of limited joint mobility," says Dr. Daniel Linehan, orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists of Green Bay. "For these reasons, water exercise is one of the best types of activities for those with arthritis."

There are many benefits of water exercise, including:
Less stress on arthritic joints. Water helps supports your body's weight while exercising, which reduces the amount of stress put on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.

Larger freedom of movement. Since water does support your body, water exercise isn't limited by your ability to balance. You can move through full range of motion without fear of falling.

Additional resistance. When you exercise in water, you are moving through 12 times the resistance of air. Therefore, it's a great way to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular stamina.

Easing pain when done in a warm pool. Heat is an effective method to relieve pain as well as improve your muscles' range of motion. So when water exercise is completed in a pool that's heated, it can provide all the other benefits of water exercise plus additional pain relief.

Here are three types of water exercise you can try:

1. Swimming is an excellent low impact exercise for anybody because it works all of your muscle groups as well as the cardiovascular system.
2. Water walking. Similar to swimming, water walking is a strengthening and cardio exercise. Plus, it's really simple. All you need to do is stand in waist- to chest-deep water and walk. You can go forward, backward and sideways to work different muscles, and you can increase the intensity by adding knee lifts or pumping the arms.
3. Water aerobics. Aerobic exercise tends to be higher-impact, which can easily trigger joint pain, swelling or stiffness. However, when done in water, the impact on your joints decreases by 75 percent. Water aerobics allows people with arthritis to benefit from the full body workout that aerobics provides.

http://fox11online.com/sponsored/osmsgb/take-it-to-the-pool-benefits-of-aquatic-exercise-for-arthritis

Inject your own fat to ease pain of arthritis: Surgeons believe groundbreaking discovery could cure millions from debilitating joint injuries

From mailonline

Injections of fat into the joints may be a way to reduce the pain of arthritis, according to a new claim by surgeons. 

In a groundbreaking trial, the jabs are being given to 100 patients with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis.

The treatment provides lubrication inside the joint to improve function and reduce the pain and stiffness.

The small amount of donor fat is taken from the patient’s own body, selected according to their own wishes and fat availability, with the entire procedure performed as daycare surgery under local anaesthetic and sedation.

During the surgery, the fat is obtained and prepared, then injected into the joint cavity

of the osteoarthritic knee.

Patients are discharged soon afterwards with antibiotics and painkillers, then followed up

to see if joint function has improved and whether there is a reduction in pain and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis, which affects more than eight million people in the UK, is caused by the wearing away of the smooth cartilage lining joints, making movement more difficult and leading to inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness.

Treatment options are limited, typically focusing on pain relief and improving the movement of the joint, and in severe cases, joint-replacement surgery.

The study was carried out at the King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Saudi Arabia, and

the lead researcher said: ‘Like a car gearbox, joints work best when they have good levels of lubrication, and it is normally provided by synovial, a thick gel-like material. 

‘In osteoarthritis sufferers, one element of this fluid, hyaluronic acid, does not work properly. Some research suggests improving lubrication with injections of hyaluronic acid.

‘We believe a simple injection of fat will improve chronic osteoarthritis. We are using the self-lubricating effect of patients’ own fat to improve function and reduce pain.’

The trial results will be reported in the British Medical Journal in December.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3614069/Inject-fat-ease-pain-arthritis-Surgeons-believe-groundbreaking-discovery-cure-millions-debilitating-joint-injuries.html 

The Psychological Impact of Psoriatic Arthritis

By Andrew Smith

A series of interviews indicates that psoriatic arthritis patients lack both the information they need to understand their condition and the support they need to weather its unexpectedly severe physical and emotional toll.

British investigators conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 adults who suffer from the condition. Their questions were informed by the Common-Sense Self-Regulation Model (CS-SRM) and their 2-stage analysis of the answers combined the coding of pre-determined CS-SRM components and the identification of additional emergent themes. Constant comparison techniques allowed patterns that spanned multiple CS-SRM components to emerge inductively from the data.
The people who took part in the survey represented a wide range of the psoriatic arthritis patient population. Their ages ranged from 27 years to 71 years, and the time since the onset of their illness ranged from 4 months to 29 years. Still, 4 core themes — each related to a cluster of illness beliefs — emerged: resentment, resignation, perceived restrictions and a problems dealing with others.

“People with psoriatic arthritis experience significant disease-related distress, including suicidal ideation,” the study authors wrote in Rheumatology. “Misperceptions, ineffective coping styles (eg, avoidance/blocking) and negative emotions should be actively identified and addressed with people with psoriatic arthritis.”

Many patients spoke of severe misperceptions they formed after speaking to doctors and reading about the disease after their initial diagnosis. It was common, for example, to believe the disease could be cured or that it would go away on its own.

Patients also spoke of their current beliefs about disease progression, many of which were almost as inaccurate, though often pessimistically inaccurate. They feared exponential degeneration of their condition.
Another common theme was the perceived effect psoriatic arthritis had on relationships with other people. Patients told of their condition being either dismissed or belittled by others. They also reported that the condition made them feel less confident in dealing with others and therefore blamed the disease for failed romantic relationships and dashed career prospects.

Many participants admitted to thoughts of suicide. Others spoke of excessive drinking.

“People in our study were often diagnosed but then left with little or no support for the emotional side of their conditions,” said study co-author Christine Bundy, PhD, who studies Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology at the University of Manchester.
“The problems that came to light in this study are all treatable. With the right help and information, people can gain more confidence and recover quality of life. The prevalence of suicidal thoughts among this group is not yet known, but where it exists, effective and timely help could make a difference.”

The study authors noted the extensive research that has already been done to develop both immediate and long-term support services for patients with conditions such as diabetes and cancer. They wrote that no comparable research had been done in patients with rheumatic diseases and argued in support of such research.

They also argued that some practices that have been shown to help patients with better-researched diseases should be tried on psoriatic arthritis patients. For example, newly diagnosed patients might automatically receive contact information for psychologists who have some experience with rheumatic diseases and their emotional impact.
Brochures and websites aimed at psoriatic arthritis patients should also be improved, not only to provide information about weathering the serious emotional impact of psoriatic arthritis but also to reduce misconceptions about physical progression of the disease.

http://www.hcplive.com/medical-news/the-psychological-impact-of-psoriatic-arthritis/P-2

To Your Health: Oh, my aching bones — dealing with arthritis

By Ellie Hammond

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. It can affect anyone regardless of age, sex or race, but is most commonly seen in women and is more prevalent as people get older. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America.

The most common symptoms of arthritis are swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion in joints. Chronic pain can lead to the inability to live a normal active life. Pain restricts movement, so walking can be difficult or even doing simple tasks like preparing meals or getting dressed can be almost impossible.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Cartilage wears away, causing bone to rub against bone creating pain, swelling and stiffness. This can be caused by excessive use, injury or both to a joint. Morning stiffness is a common complaint, lasting about 30 minutes after waking up in the morning or after a period of rest. Heat or cold therapy, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, using assistive devices or taking anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve the pain and stiffness.

If symptoms are severe and affecting the quality of life, a joint replacement may be necessary after all other treatments are exhausted.         

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the immune system attacking the lining of the joint. This causes inflammation of those cells which later release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, causing joint erosion. Swelling, warmth and stiffness can last for hours and can lead to deformity of the joint itself.

Early diagnosis of this type of arthritis is critical in delaying the disease process and can minimize or prevent permanent joint damage. Medications known as Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are used to reduce pain, improve function and prevent further joint damage. Avoid environmental triggers such as smoking to reduce risk of autoimmunity disorders leading to rheumatoid arthritis.

Gout is a metabolic arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid. The body breaks down purines, which is found in human cells and in many foods and turns it into uric acid. The uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joint, causing sudden and extreme pain in that joint. Warmth, redness, swelling and pain in a very specific, localized area are the common symptoms associated with gout. To avoid flare-ups of gout, eat a healthy diet low in sugar, alcohol, meat, fish and lentils, which are high in purines.

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, be organized in recording what helps or hinders symptoms. Use this information to manage pain and fatigue. Stay active even though the pain may be limiting; exercise is good for overall health. Rest when you need to rest. Over-exertion can be detrimental. Ask for help when needed and pace yourself throughout the day. Eat a well balanced diet and get a good night’s rest. All of this will help you to continue leading a happy, productive life.

http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/senior_news/to-your-health-oh-my-aching-bones-dealing-with-arthritis/article_aa631000-2c69-5961-8982-a04e3e371de1.html

15 causes of joint pains, other than arthritis

By Dr Anitha Anchan

A joint is a site at which bones connect. The connection between bones provides support and movement to the body. A joint comprises of bones separated by the cushioning cartilage. Ligaments, the fibrous tissue in and around the joint, connect the bones. Tendons attach muscles to bones. A bursa is a small fluid-filled sac which acts as lubricated cushion between a bone and its surrounding soft tissues at the joints. It helps reduce friction. Joint pain or arthralgia can affect you at any age but become increasingly more common as you age. It can affect one or more joints from your head to toe. It can be mild to severe and may last for few days to few weeks to several months. The causes of pain in the joints are several and arthritis i.e. inflammation of joint is just one of them. An injury or disease of the joint or its adjacent tissues can cause joint pain. Here is a list of some of the causes:
1. Sprains and strains A sprain is an injury to the ligaments and a strain refers to muscle injury. Your ankle joints are most commonly prone to sprain whereas the hamstring muscle is most commonly strained. Sprains and strains can be very painful and are the most common causes of pain in a single joint.
2. Inflammation of tendons (tendinitis/tendonitis) Excessive use of the tendons can cause their inflammation or irritation and lead to tendinitis which causes pain just outside the joint. The tendons in the shoulders, elbows, wrists and heels are most commonly affected. Tennis elbow, swimmer’s shoulder, golfer’s elbow, etc. are some of the common names for various types of tendinitis.
3. Bursitis Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa of the joint most often caused by frequent repetitive motions. It is associated with pain especially when movement occurs and can be disabling causing immobility of the joint.
4. Traumatic injury The primary symptom of an injury to the joint is the pain. The injury may be in the form of bone dislocation or fracture. A physical injury to the joint may come back years later to haunt you as post-traumatic osteoarthritis which is characterized by severe pain, discomfort and swelling and may even cause a restriction in joint movements.
5. Infections Infections cause one or more of classic symptoms like fatigue, fever, rashes, loss of appetite, chills or body aches. But some bacterial or viral infections may also cause joint pains. Gonorrhea, staphylococcus infection, strep throat, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc. are some of the bacterial infections which can get into the joints and cause swelling and significant pain. Viral infections like hepatitis, rubella, chikungunya, HIV, etc. cause inflammation and pain in the joints along with symptoms of a fever. Chikungunya, characterized by an abrupt onset of fever, is frequently accompanied by severe muscle and joint pains.
6. Hypothyroidism Thyroid hormones affect proliferation and differentiation of bone and cartilage at the cellular level. Hence decreased thyroid function or hypothyroidism can induce abnormalities in these tissues and cause muscle and joint aches.
7. Lupus Lupus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with the most distinct feature of a facial rash on the cheek that appears as unfolding of the wings of the butterfly. The condition can affect different body systems including the joints causing severe pain.
8. Fibromyalgia Chronic pain in the joints, muscles and tendons and extreme fatigue are the two key characteristic features of fibromyalgia. The pain, usually not associated with any other cause, may be accompanied by other symptoms like sleep, memory and mood issues.
9. Bone cancer Bone cancer, most commonly seen in the long bones of the arms and legs, attacks within the first 20 years of life when maximum musculoskeletal growth takes place. Painful bones and joints are the first sign of bone cancer in children but it can easily be mistaken for minor sporting injury or growth spurt pain.
10. Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is the inflammation of tissues of the body commonly affecting the lungs and skin (lymph nodes). In some people, it can cause muscle pain, joint pain and joint inflammation which may lead to the diagnosis of the disease.
11. Osteonecrosis (Avascular necrosis) Loss of blood to the bone can cause the bone to die. The condition, termed avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis, initially is asymptomatic. But as it progresses, the affected bone and surrounding joint surface collapse which causes pain severe enough to interfere with the movement of the joint.
12. Polymyalgia rheumatic Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory condition of the muscles and joints. It is characterized by sudden onset of widespread pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints mostly in the neck, shoulders and hips.
13. Scleroderma In scleroderma, an autoimmune disorder, there is an overproduction of collagen (a structural protein found in the bones, muscles, skin and tendons). It mostly affects the skin on the hands and face causing hardening of the skin. In systemic sclerosis, the sclerosis (hardening) occurs in the internal organs of the body like gastrointestinal tract, lungs, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, muscles and even the joints. The involvement of joint tissues causes it to become fibrous and hard which makes them stiff and less functional.
14. Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy is a condition characterized by deformity of the nails (clubbing), painful, inflammation of the connective tissue surrounding the bone (periostitis), increased bone deposition on long bones, excessive proliferation of skin and painful, swollen joints. Joint pain may range from mild to severe.
15. Side effects of medications Some medications can cause joint pain as a side effect. Pain in the joints is a common and debilitating side effect experienced by breast cancer patients taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs). Mirtazapine, an antidepressant, has arthralgia (joint pain) as a possible adverse drug reaction. Anticholesterol drug statin may cause tingling sensation in the fingers or toes, muscle ache and sometimes joint pain too. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis, commonly affecting the femoral bone, may cause pain in the joint.

http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/causes-of-joint-pains-other-than-arthritis-f0516/

Rheumatoid arthritis: What can you do to make it better?

By Dr. Mitch Shulman

When someone develops rheumatoid arthritis (RA), their immune system attacks the lining of the joints, the synovium, causing pain; swelling; and eventually, the deformity of those joints. The resulting inflammation can also damage the heart, eyes and many other organs.
Genetics plays a role. For example, women are at an increased risk. Furthermore, smoking and obesity make it worse. On the positive side, we have many more medications to choose from. Physiotherapy and work aids can also help.
Can your diet play a role? Warning: before making any radical changes please talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Diet and supplements can trigger unexpected side effects; can interact with medications that you might be taking; or, worsen underlying health conditions.

The best approach is to eat healthy, mainly fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Low-fat dairy products and lean sources of protein should make up about a third of the diet. Include cold-water fish (herring, mackerel, trout, salmon and tuna), which are relatively high in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation. Similarly, some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce RA pain and stiffness but side effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste.
Increasing fibre (by eating more fruits, vegetables and whole grains) may also help reduce inflammation. Extra-virgin olive oil contains a compound called oleocanthal that blocks enzymes triggering inflammation. However, it would take 3½ tablespoons of olive oil (which is about 400 calories) to equal the anti-inflammatory properties of a single, regular-strength tablet of ibuprofen (trade names include Motrin, Advil among others).
So, rather than using it alone, perhaps it would make more calorie-sense to use it as an alternative to other oils and butter.
Research has shown that people with RA have low levels of selenium, a mineral found in whole-grain wheat products and shellfish such as oysters and crab, which may help control inflammation. However selenium supplements may also increase the risk of developing diabetes, so talk to your doctor first.
Vitamin D (found in eggs, fortified breads, cereals and low-fat milk) may lower the risk of RA especially in older women by helping regulate the immune system.
There are some interesting small studies that indicate that drinking mangosteen (which is not related to the mango by the way) may reduce inflammation but no studies showing any benefit in RA so the jury is still out. Certain plant oils may also help but there is a real risk of serious liver damage and interference with other meds.
There are foods that you may want to reduce or eliminate from your diet to see if that helps. Meat that has been grilled or fried at high temperatures can contain compounds associated with worsening inflammation. Similarly, consuming more omega-6 fatty acids (found in corn, sunflower, safflower and soybean oils, and many snack and fried foods) than omega-3s may raise your risk of joint inflammation.
Other interventions that may help: a scientific review by the respected Cochrane group suggested that low level laser therapy might help improve pain and morning stiffness with few side effects.
Yoga and Tai Chi are worth looking into. There are many different styles of yoga. Some are safer than others for RA patients. Performing tai chi has been found to improve balance and function, increase strength, and reduce stress and pain.
As with so many other diseases people turn to alternative treatments falsely assuming that they are safer or better. Unfortunately there is no strong scientific backing for most of them. The key to managing RA will depend on how your disease has evolved and the help of your entire medical team. In some cases you might want to consider being part of a clinical trial to get the most cutting edge treatment.

http://www.thesuburban.com/columnists/dr_mitch_shulman_public_health/rheumatoid-arthritis-what-can-you-do-to-make-it-better/article_f5d89cd4-e79e-5f70-b839-823dd7b581f3.html

When running wears out the knees

By Dr Bernard Lee

Ms Lee, 45, an avid jogger, had been jogging almost every day for the past five years. Recently, her knees started to hurt.
Gradually, walking up and down the stairs became a problem too, so much so that she had to stop her exercise routine.
She went to her general practitioner and was given anti-inflammatory painkillers.
That helped a little but it was still painful getting up from the chair or going down the stairs. She was also given a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement and tried knee braces and infrared lamps, with little success.
After three months and little improvement, she had a specialist examination and X-ray investigation of both knees.

The diagnosis was osteoarthritis of both knees - a chronic disorder in which the cartilage lining of the joint gradually breaks down, forming cracks and holes, and eventually, exposing the underlying bone.
Physiotherapy was prescribed for knee strengthening exercises.
However, progress was slow and the knee pain was interfering with the activities of daily living.
She felt a great deal of pain and found it difficult to walk down the stairs, get out of a car, get from a sitting to standing position, and even when she was lying in bed with knees straightened.
Finally, she was told she needed knee replacement surgery.
Reluctant to go ahead with surgery, she wanted to know her chances of recovery without it and whether she could jog again.
Generally, it is quite common for joggers to suffer from knee pain.
They are likely to suffer from knee injuries such as menisceal tears and anterior cruciate ligament strain, as well as osteoarthritis of the knee.
For jogging to cause wear and tear of the knee cartilage, resulting in osteoarthritis, takes many years of abuse and extreme conditions.
The most common cause of knee pain in a young, avid jogger would be menisceal injuries.
The meniscus is a cup that holds the two moving knee parts in the knee joint together. It gives stability so that the movement of the knee does not result in it giving way.
Depending on the severity of the menisceal injury, different types of treatment - ranging from rest and rehabilitation to injections of anti-inflammatory medication and surgery - would be recommended.
Those with severe menisceal injury may need a total knee replacement. Cartilage loss and subsequent arthritis of the knee also cause knee pain.
Generally, serious, competitive joggers tend to wear out their knee joints earlier.
A 30-year-old jogger may have the knees of a 60-year-old non-jogger. This usually occurs over many years.
The increased loss of cartilage can result in severe late-stage arthritis that would require a total knee replacement.
Treatment with the injection of an artificial gel or visco-supplement into the affected knee, to lubricate and reduce arthritic inflammation, can give up to five years of pain relief.
It can also potentially give complete pain relief, especially when combined with knee-strengthening exercises.
Supplements such as glucosamine may have a role in reversing early to moderate knee arthritis.
Studies show that about 35 per cent of patients taking a regular dose of 1,500mg glucosamine sulphate daily can increase cartilage regeneration.
However, 60 per cent of the general population may not have any response to glucosamine.
In late-stage arthritis, there is full thickness loss of cartilage, ulceration of bone and cyst formation in the opposing bone surfaces, together with deformity of the knee joint.
It makes walking difficult due to pain, instability and stiffness of the affected knee joints. Once a person is diagnosed with moderately severe or late-stage arthritis or loss of cartilage of the knee joint, it would be best to stop jogging or standing for prolonged periods of time (over an hour).
But the knee joints still need movement regularly to circulate the knee fluid within, otherwise another set of problems could complicate the condition.
Hence, swimming would be the best exercise option. Walking in water or hydrotherapy (aqua aerobics) and cycling are also good alternatives.
Ms Lee, who had moderately severe arthritis and a medial menisceal tear, opted to inject artificial gel and platelet-rich plasma into the meniscus tear in her knee joint.
It was an outpatient, bedside procedure, done under local anaesthesia.
Her pain improved dramatically within minutes of the injection. There was no downtime and she was able to get up and go home.
Three days later, she was able to do some brisk walking as well as swimming. She was also able to sleep better without needing a pillow support for her knee.
However, she was advised to stop competitive jogging and running. She was told it was best for her do low-impact sports in future and that she should avoid jumps and squats.
Remember that once there is knee cartilage loss and degeneration, it may be irreversible beyond moderate and late-stage arthritis.
We can stop the inflammation and pain but the process of degeneration and wear-and-tear may continue. Then an artificial replacement of the knee joint may eventually be needed.

http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/when-running-wears-out-the-knees

Joint pain isn't just for old age; rheumatoid arthritis affects young adults, juveniles

By Take Care Staff

The immune system generally keeps you healthy, but there are times when these biological processes can actually harm you. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease -- which arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own bodily tissues.
Dr. Robert Shmerling explains the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Shmerling is clinical chief of the rheumatology division of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a senior editor of internet publishing at Harvard Health Publications.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can occur at nearly any age, in adults as young as 20 or 30. Children can also develop juvenile RA. In the case of RA, the immune system primarily attacks joint tissue, primarily, causing painful swelling. But it also can cause inflammation body-wide -- in the skin, eyes, lungs and other body parts.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that, typically, does not go away.
“We don’t have cures for it. We have some very good treatments, but it tends to be chronic,” Shmerling explains.
If left untreated, RA can be crippling. The disease can damage joints in just a number of months (typically years) to the point where function is very difficult and quality of life is severely impaired.
RA also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, although the details about why aren’t completely understood.
“In general, conditions that cause a lot of inflammation throughout the body are associated or linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke,” Shmerling says.
It’s not the arthritis that causes issues with the heart, but the fact that it’s a systemic condition affecting the entire body that makes a sufferer of RA more prone to cardiovascular disease.
Diagnosis
“Most people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, who develop rheumatoid arthritis do not attribute it necessarily to age, because they’re too young to make that connection,” Shmerling says. “It’s also often somewhat of an explosive onset. It’s so many joints and they’re so swollen that it’s really out of the realm of what you’d expect with age-related osteoarthritis.”
Most patients with RA don’t have a family history of the condition. But there are some cases where multiple members of a family will have RA or other autoimmune diseases. Shmerling says some families probably have a genetic tendency to develop autoimmune diseases.
Treatment
Taking a thorough history of the symptoms is usually the first step, according to Shmerling. A first visit may include reviewing what makes the pain worse or better and what time of day the symptoms develop. There is then, usually, a thorough examination of the joints. There is also frequently a blood test ordered that can indicate if the immune system is attacking itself, to rule out other diseases or conditions and to establish the diagnosis.
There are some very effective treatments or therapies for RA.
“It’s relatively rare now that we see a patient with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis who winds up with crippling arthritis because the treatments are so good,” Shmerling says.
Anti-inflammatory medications are often used in initial treatments. For patients with severe pain who are limited in function or quality of life, corticosteroids in low doses can be very effective. The most important medication is one that can protect the joints: immunosuppressive medication and injectable medications. There are also some non-invasive activities that can help.
Enough sleep, supervised physical therapy or exercise can help someone suffering from RA. As can loss of excess weight. Although joint pain makes it very difficult to exercise, “moving joints is better than not moving joints,” Shmerling says.
There’s also been a fair amount of recent research into diets and supplements that are anti-inflammatory but none of them have found consistent scientific proof that these dietary changes are significantly helpful.

http://wrvo.org/post/joint-pain-isnt-just-old-age-rheumatoid-arthritis-affects-young-adults-juveniles#stream/0

Woman's tormented life with juvenile arthritis inspires new foundation to help children

By Brett Williamson

Arthritis is usually a condition that is associated with people in the later stages of life, but juvenile arthritis affects one in 1,000 Australian children.

Adelaide Hills woman Sarah Hammond has lived with the condition all her life.
Now 22, she has created her own organisation to ensure future generations are helped.

What life is like with juvenile arthritis

Ms Hammond was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis at 18 months of age.
Her parents noticed she had regressed to "bum-shuffling" after a short period of walking.
After visiting four different specialists, it was found juvenile arthritis had caused the regression.
Ms Hammond was simply finding the best way to move around while avoiding pain.
The diagnosis explained to her parents why she had also spent hours screaming for no obvious reason.
It was the beginning of a life of hospital visits in search for answers and cures.

A life of doctors and painkillers

Adapting and pushing through pain became a big part of her life.
The mixture of pain medication to ease the pain in her joints soon began to ulcerate and destroy Ms Hammond's stomach lining.

Twice at around the age of seven she almost drowned in her own blood after uncontrollably vomiting during treatments.
By the age of nine she had seen more specialists than most would see in a lifetime.
"I'd had over 400 days of school missed and 300 doctor appointments," Ms Hammond said.
The age would also bring a new twist to her condition.
The arthritis spread to her eyes, resulting in a condition called uveitis.
"Twelve per cent of children with arthritis can go blind," Ms Hammond said.

Losing sight at 11

At 11 years of age, a cataract formed in her right eye.
"That was the first time I knew what it was like to not see out of my right eye," Ms Hammond said.
Doctors hoped an operation to remove the cataract would result in returned vision.
It did, but only temporarily.
"Every four weeks I would go in and they would inject steroids into my eye," Ms Hammond said.
She soon discovered there was no cure for the uveitis and her vision in her right eye slowly degraded.

Osteoporosis at 12

At 12, Ms Hammond was treading water in a pool when she began to feel intense pain.
The repetitive movement caused inflammation in her right hip.
The inflammation developed into joint arthritis, osteoporosis and bone spurs.
Her condition resulted in her being placed in a wheelchair for three years.
A reaction to medication resulted in her weight ballooning to 90 kilograms.
"I was losing my hair; I had horrible skin," she said.

The trials of being a teen

It was also during her teenage years that Ms Hammond was diagnosed with what is believed to be medicine-induced lupus.
She spent the majority of her teenage years isolated from peers.
"No-one wants to be friends with that girl in a wheelchair," she said.
"Going to school wasn't fun because people didn't understand why I was like that."
To help ease the immobility of her arthritis, Ms Hammond began weight training.

Fighting against employment discrimination

Photo: Sarah Hammond stood for a little while at 17 months before reverting to "bum crawling", alerting her parents to her condition.

For the past six years Ms Hammond has studied and worked as a personal trainer at a local gym.
Her attempts to get into the workforce were plagued with rejection and misunderstandings.
After facing discrimination and fear of her condition, staff at her local gym witnessed her determination during daily training sessions and decided to accept her application for a position.
It was one of the many hurdles Ms Hammond has faced and one she wished people with a disability would never have to experience.

The spread of arthritis-induced blindness

Now 22, Ms Hammond recently learned the uveitis in her right eye had spread to her left eye.
"The fact I will become totally blind is now so much closer, and I have so much more life to live," Ms Hammond said.
Ms Hammond has one dream and the recent news has made her even more determined to achieve it.
Her hope is to make sure that not one more child needs to take the journey she has.
She is about to launch Australia's first recognised organisation for juvenile arthritis — Kids Arthritis Australia — with a goal to educate doctors and parents about the condition and aid in its early detection.
"The shortest time that I have come across so far of a child being diagnosed is one year," Ms Hammond said.

Creating juvenile arthritis warriors

While many may see her challenges as too much to cope with, Ms Hammond sees them as her driving force to help others.
She now regularly visits schools to give presentations to allow other children to understand the condition.
She refers to children with the condition as KA (Kids Arthritis) warriors to empower them and allow family and friends to acknowledge their courage.
"I have been given this to then help other children who live with arthritis," Ms Hammond said.
The only person she could find with juvenile arthritis to the extent she is living with, Ms Hammond decided to become her own inspiration.
"I don't have anyone to look up to, so I am my own hero," she said.
"I have to look back at the situations I have been through and think I don't want to have to go back there, so let's push on with this situation and let's help these [other] children who live with arthritis.
"I've dedicated my life to children living with juvenile arthritis because they really need help.
"I want to be able to support more of the children in the world so that they don't have to live the life that I have lived."
Ms Hammond will officially launch Kids Arthritis Australia on May 28.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-05-19/adelaide-womans-life-with-juvenile-arthritis-inspires-foundation/7429062

Boost your bones: 14 foods that are good for arthritis

By Ella Walker

A musculoskeletal condition, arthritis affects joints, connective tissues and soft tissues - causing pain and aching joints for those who have it.
No cure has been discovered as yet, but symptoms – particularly inflammation – can be eased, and one of the ways to lessen the pain is to eat the right foods.
Here’s what you should be picking up from the supermarket if you suffer from arthritis:
1. Garlic – as well as other members of the ‘allium’ family (onions, leeks, shallots), garlic contains the anti-inflammatory antioxidant quercetin and the compound diallyl disulfide which limits enzyme damage to cartilage.
2. Fish – stock up on omega-3 fatty acids to boost joint suppleness. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring are ideal choices.
3. Dairy – cheese and milk are still a great source of calcium, which will help joints and bones.
4. Broccoli – this super green veggie ticks all the boxes. It’s packed with vitamins C and K, calcium and a compound called sulforaphane, which may prevent osteoarthritis.
5. Soybeans – as well as tofu. Both are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, and are ideal replacements if you’re not big on fish.
6. Extra virgin olive oil – and olives themselves, have similar properties to anti-inflammatory drugs.
7. Peppers – red, yellow, orange or green, peppers are rich in vitamin C, which preserves bone and cartilage.
8. Red berries – cherries, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries all contain anthocyanins which have an anti-inflammatory effect.
9. Watermelon – this juicy fruit is high in carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which can reduce your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
10. Citrus fruits – boost your vitamin C intake with oranges, grapefruits, limes and lemons to manage inflammation.
11. Brown rice and oatmeal – being sources of whole grains, these foods can lower C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood, which is a marker of inflammation, often related to rheumatoid arthritis.
12. Beans – try red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans for their great folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium levels and protein, which is needed for strong muscles.
13. Nuts – snack on walnuts, almonds and pistachios. They’re full of protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin E.
14. Avocado – avocado can help ease stiffness and inflammation, and has been shown to help repair joints.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/boost-your-bones-14-foods-that-are-good-for-arthritis-11364061416296

10 Herbs for Arthritis

By Jerry Shaw

Arthritis sufferers sometimes turn to herbs for relief of symptoms. Some herbs may help reduce inflammation in the joints that can cause the pain and swelling they experience, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Dr. Paul F. Howard, director of Arthritis Health in Scottsdale, Arizona, uses herbs along with traditional medicine for patients.

“Certainly there is a long history of observational medicine that attests to the anti-inflammatory benefits of certain herbal products,” he told the Arthritis Foundation.

Here are 10 herbs that may reduce the pain and inflammation from arthritis:


1. Curcumin, an ingredient found in turmeric, may help combat inflammation of the joints, WebMD reported. Research suggests turmeric may prevent the onset of inflammation.

2. Green tea, used as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, may reduce inflammation to help patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

3. Boswellia may block substances that attack healthy joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been shown in animal studies, but more research is needed on humans. The herb can be found in tablets or used as a topical cream.

4. Aloe vera may also be applied topically to ease joint pain and inflammation.

5. Eucalyptus can be taken orally or used as a topical oil for arthritis relief. The tannins in eucalyptus may relieve pain and reduce swelling.
6. Willow bark has long been used to treat inflammation. The University of Maryland Medical Center said studies have shown that willow bark may reduce pain from osteoarthritis in the neck, lower back, knees and hip joints.

7. Ginger was found to reduce the ability of certain immune cells from contributing to inflammation, Everyday Health reported, citing the July 2015 issue of Phytotherapy Research.

8. Garlic has anti-inflammatory effects to inhibit substances in the body that cause inflammation. It may ease pain from rheumatoid arthritis, according to Healthline. Garlic also adds flavor to many dishes.

9. Capsaicin is a component in chili peppers that has been used in topical creams and gels to reduce pain. Research suggests it reduces the pain from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

10. Cat’s claw has anti-inflammatory properties and is among the herbs that have been shown to be effective against arthritis symptoms. A 2002 study revealed that it reduced joint swelling and pain by more than 50 percent when compared with a placebo in 40 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation reported.

http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/arthritis-herbs/2016/05/16/id/729075/



 

Essential Oils for Arthritis

By Jerry Shaw

Essential oils may help relieve arthritis symptoms because of their anti-inflammatory properties. When applied through topical means, they absorb quickly through the skin to effectively reach areas of inflammation.
Here are a few essential oils that may help provide relief for arthritis pain:

1. Essential oils from ginger provide relief through sensory nerve endings to reduce pain. The oils have a slight burning sensation that mimics spicy pepper, but after a few seconds relieves arthritis inflammation and pain, says Dr. Josh Axe, a doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist. He also says curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, helps to relieve rheumatoid arthritis.

2. The anti-inflammatory properties in orange oil also may help combat arthritis pain. Axe recommends diluting a few drops of the citrus essential oil with a teaspoon of avocado or almond oil and applying to the arthritic pain area.

3. Frankincense and myrrh oils have been shown to reduce inflammation and pain. Frankincense has long been used as an herbal remedy and may relieve knee pain caused by arthritis, according to Everyday Health. Myrrh has been used for centuries to ease the pain in arthritic joints.
4. Like ginger oils, cayenne pepper oil has a burning sensation that lessens over time to relieve pain and throbbing in the joints and muscles, according to New Health Advisor.

5. Eucalyptus essential oil is said to improve circulation to help the body with a natural healing process. Menthol oil can help reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles. It is sometimes mixed with eucalyptus and other essential oils for arthritis treatment, New Health Advisor notes. Chamomile oil may provide circulation and detoxification of the blood when applied to affected areas of arthritis. Rosemary oil promotes circulation and has anti-inflammatory benefits as well.

In addition to topical application, the smell of essential oils may also have benefits to help with arthritis relief. The scents work effectively on pain relief by bringing positive results to the brain’s emotional center, celebrity physician Dr. Mehmet Oz tells The Arthritis Foundation. Essential oils such as peppermint, jasmine, and citrus may provide pain relief, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
http://www.newsmax.com/FastFeatures/essential-oils-for-arthritis/2016/05/09/id/727932/

 

Throbbing pain in your joints? FIVE top tips to ease arthritis

By Olivia Lerche

CONSTANT and unrelenting pain in joints is sometimes dismissed as an every day occurrence for people suffering with arthritis.
More than ten million Brits suffer with arthritis -  a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.
It also causes tenderness and stiffness, restricted movements of the joins, warm red skin over the joins and sometimes weakness and muscle wasting.
Experts have given tips on how to ease the swelling and pain of the condition as part of Arthritis Care Awareness Week which runs from May 14.

1. Make sure Vitamin D levels are high
Cassandra Barns, nutritionist, said: “Vitamin D makes sure we absorb enough calcium from our foods.
“It’s also important for regulating the way our immune system works.
“This is relevant to joint health because some types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis are autoimmune conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissue.
“Having adequate vitamin D stores may help to prevent this happening.”
Experts advise those suffering with arthritis to check their vitamin D levels as it can be prescribed.

2.Increase your Vitamin C intake“Vitamin C is one of the most important nutrients for joint health, as it helps your body to make the cartilage that lines your joints and keeps them cushioned,” said Cassandra.
“Getting enough Vitamin C may help manage your joint pain. If you are thinking about supplementing, choose a vitamin C supplement that also contains rutin or bioflavonoids, which may work together with vitamin C to provide additional support.”

3.Reduce sugar intake
High blood sugar levels - often caused by eating too many sugary foods and drinks and white carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries and pasta - can damage joints though a process called glycation, where sugar bonds to proteins. 

Cassandra said: “These foods can also cause weight gain, which then puts more strain on your joints. Aim to replace refined grains with whole grain carbohydrates such as brown rice, oats and quinoa.”

4.Limit red meat and processed meats
Nutritionists say red meat, such as pork, beef and lamb contains high levels of a pro-inflammatory omega-6 fat called arachidonic acid.

“For those who have joint problems, it may be best to limit red meat intake to two or three servings a week,” said Cassandra.

“Processed meats of any kind including bacon, sausages, salami and so on are best avoided too. Good-quality white meat such as organic chicken and turkey and, of course fish, are good alternatives.”

5. Align your joints

Pilates has become increasingly popular over the years due to its many health benefits, which include flexibility and strength – elements that may help relieve pain for people with arthritis.

It is also a form of exercises which is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Lynne Robinson, founder of Body Control Pilates: said: “Pilates can provide a safe and effective way of exercising for anyone who has osteoarthritis, as it will help to improve the alignment of the joint or joints affected by strengthening the supporting muscles, and by maintaining and even improving ranges of movement.”

The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
NHS Choices said: “Osteoarthritis most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older.
“It's also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition. However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.”
It most commonly affects the hands, spine, knees and hips.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints.
The hands, feet and wrists are commonly affected, but it can also cause problems in other parts of the body.

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/668432/five-tips-ease-arthritis-pain

Hundreds participate in ‘Walk to Cure Arthritis’

By Evan Dean

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Some 600 people laced up their sneakers in Grand Rapids Saturday to ‘Walk to Cure Arthritis.’
Participants had the opportunity to walk a one or three mile route for this year’s event at John Ball Park. The event collected around $91,000. That money will go to support the local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation and their research efforts to find a cure.
“We have some that are as young as 18 months that are diagnosed with juvenile arthritis,” Sue Arend of the Arthritis Foundation of West Michigan said. “They’re our arthritis heroes and they are the hero to their family and friends.”
Participants who donated $25 received free admission to the John Ball Zoo for the day. Those who donated $100 or more received an official ‘Walk’ t-shirt.

http://woodtv.com/2016/05/07/hundreds-participate-in-walk-to-cure-arthritis/

How to Reduce Arthritis Pain in Four Everyday Activities

By WLUK

As an adult, there are several activities we all have to do on a daily basis like cooking, cleaning and going to work. An arthritis diagnosis, and the increasing joint pain and swelling that comes with it, can significantly impact your ability to do these activities.
The good news is that joint pain and swelling can be reduced - and sometimes even prevented - by simply modifying the way you complete certain tasks.
Here are tips for easing and preventing arthritis pain in four common daily activities.

1. Walking
At work, at home, at the store, no matter where we are, walking is our natural way of getting from point A to point B. It is also one of the best forms of exercise for people living with arthritis. However, the symptoms of arthritis can make it painful, a burden, and unenjoyable. To reduce these feelings:

• Wear shoes that have flexible soles, good support, adequate cushioning and a proper fit.
• Use an assistive device such as a cane when walking on uneven ground challenges your balance.
• Don't walk too fast. This could put extra stress on joints.
• If walking for exercise, don't go too far or walk for too long. Pace yourself and build up to longer distances.

2. Cooking
When arthritis affects your hands, chopping up vegetables for dinner or hand mixing cookie dough with your grandkids can easily result in pain, stiffness and swelling. Knee or hip arthritis can make standing over the sink to clean up dinner dishes unbearable.
To prevent pain and relieve pressure on the finger joints use electric mixers and other small appliances. Additionally, foils, nonstick sprays and disposable pans can simplify cleanup.
Other tips:

• Sit on a high stool while cooking or doing dishes.
• Use kitchen tools that have larger handles and soft grips.
• Try soft-handled pliers to help open tabs and seals on jars or cans.

3. Cleaning
From laundry to sweeping, mopping and dusting, most household chores require the movement of multiple joints. Therefore, it's a good idea to plan for one major task a day, and use these tips to manage any arthritis pain:

• On laundry day, sit down while sorting, folding and ironing.
• When cleaning the bathroom, use a kneeling pad while working close to the ground and avoid unnecessary bending and stooping.
• For sweeping, mopping and dusting use long-handled tools.
• Store cleaning supplies in the rooms they are most often used in.

4. Personal Care
The bathroom is a room we all visit multiple times a day, so don't let arthritis make it a painful place.

• Install bars near the tub and toilet to help you stand up and balance.
• Put non-slip mats in the tub and/or shower.
• Add a bath stool to the shower.
• Make sure faucets are easy to use and don't require a tight grip to operate.

http://fox11online.com/sponsored/osmsgb/how-to-reduce-arthritis-pain-in-four-everyday-activities

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Worth Another Look

From Celgene.com

New therapies make it a prime time for psoriasis patients to re-evaluate their treatment options.

For more than two decades, Robert Kane refused to treat his psoriatic arthritis or the accompanying psoriasis. He had been diagnosed with the immune-inflammatory diseases when he was 12 and had since tried the gamut of medications to calm his itchy, scaly skin and achy joints. But the therapies either didn’t work or came with a host of side effects.
In 1990, Kane quit trying. “I was very frustrated by my doctors, so I just stopped seeing them,” he said. Even when his hands started to lock up, he just assumed that treatment wouldn’t be worth it.
Last May, some skin spots he suspected could be cancerous finally sent him back. While giving Kane the good news that he was cancer-free, his physician recommended Kane try a new therapy for his skin and joint woes. “I was very hesitant,” Kane recalled. “I had given up on treatments.”
Luckily, his doctor convinced him to give it a shot. Today, Kane is glad he did—his skin has cleared up, and his joints no longer bother him during the winter. “I’m so in shock that I’m clear for the first time in 38 years,” he said.
While psoriasis is a skin disorder, almost a third of people affected also develop psoriatic arthritis—sore and swollen joints caused by the same underlying immune-inflammatory disorder that leads to the skin symptoms. Since May is Arthritis Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time for psoriatic arthritis patients to re-evaluate their treatment.
Historically, psoriatic arthritis has been treated with steroids or other systemic anti-inflammatories. More recently, biologics—drugs derived from living cells that are given by injection or IV—have been introduced. But these treatments can have serious side effects and don’t work for everyone—as Kane learned first-hand. As a result, many patients go untreated; one recent study found that 59 percent of psoriatic arthritis patients are not taking a systemic therapy, and 45 percent of psoriasis patients had not seen a doctor in at least a year.
“When people hear the list of side effects, some say they just don’t want to go there,” Jason Faller, assistant clinical professor of Medicine and Rheumatology at Mount Sinai Hospital, said.
Over the past decade, though, a handful of new treatment options have hit the shelves, offering new choices with different safety and efficacy profiles.
Staying with a new therapy for at least 16 weeks should give patients a fair sense of whether it will be effective for them, according to Dr. Faller. In the best case, patients can find a new treatment that eliminates all their symptoms, like Kane did.
“I took a chance, and I’d encourage other people to talk to their physicians as well,” Kane said. “At one point, as a kid, 85 percent of my body was covered by psoriasis. Now I don’t have a spot on me.”

https://www.celgene.com/psoriatic-arthritis-treatment-worth-another-look/

One in five rheumatoid arthritis patients missing recommended flu jab

From Science Daily

Research from The University of Manchester has found a shortfall in the uptake of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations among those diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), potentially increasing their infection risk.

The team from the Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology looked at data from over 15,000 patients diagnosed with the disease who were being treated with certain types of immunosuppressive drugs, and found that one in five patients received no influenza vaccinations and one in two patients received no pneumonia vaccine over a five year follow-up period.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have double the normal risk of infection, due to a range of factors, compared to the rest of the population. Guidelines recommend that vaccinations should be used to protect against certain infections, such as influenza and pneumonia.
Dr Will Dixon, who led the study, said: "There is no national data on vaccination uptake broken down in a way that allows us to pull out those with RA. Only one study in the US has looked at whether patients with rheumatic diseases are being vaccinated prior to starting immunosuppressive therapy."
This large study used information from electronic patient records to assess the take-up of the two vaccines. It looked at 15,724 patients diagnosed with RA between 2000 and 2013.
The group found that those who were younger, who did not meet another clinical risk category, and who visited their GP less often were least likely to be vaccinated.

Dr Ben Brown, a GP who was also part of the study team, added: "Guidance on influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for RA patients is unclear, and payment to carry it out in primary care is variable.
"In future it may be beneficial for rheumatologists to provide GPs with specific advice about appropriate vaccination for individual patients, or to consider administering the vaccinations themselves in their own clinics -- either way, both approaches should be adequately funded."
Richard Francis, head of research liaison and evaluation at Arthritis Research UK, said: "Around 400,000 people in the UK live with the excruciating pain of rheumatoid arthritis. The impact of rheumatoid arthritis and the drugs used to treat the condition on the ability to fight infection is significant, and this study underscores the importance of vaccination in helping prevent the impact of influenza and other infections."

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/05/160503072601.htm

Understanding Arthritis

By WLUK

Despite how common it is, arthritis is also one of the most misunderstood conditions. One reason for this is that the word "arthritis" is often used to describe one disease that causes achy joints, swelling and pain. When in fact, there are over 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions that fall into one of four categories:

1. Degenerative/structural arthritis
2. Inflammatory/autoimmune arthritis
3. Metabolic arthritis
4. Infectious arthritis

Four Common Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
You may have heard the phrase "bone on bone arthritis." That describes osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of degenerative arthritis. OA is the result of a break down in cartilage - the tissue that acts as a cushion between bones in a joint. When the cartilage deteriorates, the bones within the joints start to rub together, causing pain, inflammation and stiffness.
Other symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint swelling
• Cracking or grinding in the joint during movement
• Decreased joint function and mobility

"The joint pain and stiffness osteoarthritis causes can make everyday tasks like making a bed, tying your shoes and walking seem impossible," says Michael Tressler, MD and orthopedic surgeon at Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists of Green Bay (OSMS). "Without treatment, OA can eventually prevent a person from working or enjoying the activities that they love."
OA is most commonly diagnosed in people 40 and older, and the average risk of developing OA in the knee is about 46 percent.
OA risk factors:

• Being overweight, which puts extra stress on knee and hip joints
• Family history of OA
• Previous traumatic injury (ACL tear) or overuse of joint

There are many medical options for treating osteoarthritis. However, if or when medical management fails to alleviate symptoms, your physician can discuss routine surgical treatment options that are also available.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common type of inflammatory arthritis. This form of arthritis is caused by an autoimmune condition that develops when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the healthy tissue in the joints. The result: significant inflammation, pain and stiffness. Overtime, this increased inflammation can lead to erosion and damage of the joint.
RA typically affects the smaller joints in the wrist and hands, but can affect virtually any joint. In addition to swelling and pain, other RA symptoms include:

• Prolonged stiffness in the morning
• Decreased energy
• Low fevers
• Lumps called rheumatoid nodes

"Symptoms of RA can flare up, lasting for several days or months, and then completely disappear for some, or result in mild chronic inflammation," says Debbie Lim, MD and rheumatologist at OSMS. "Chronic inflammation can eventually cause joint damage resulting in secondary osteoarthritis."
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a second type of inflammatory arthritis. While it is related to psoriasis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy skin cells, it can be diagnosed in people who do not present symptoms of the skin condition.
To diagnosis psoriatic arthritis, a rheumatologist - a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of arthritis - must rule out other forms like OA or RA through blood tests and imaging scans.
Gout
If you asked several people what gout is, many would likely say "pain in the big toe." This is because gout typically presents itself as an attack of extreme joint pain, most commonly felt in the big toe.
Gout is a form of metabolic arthritis caused by the buildup and crystallization of uric acid (a waste product created as the body breaks down a substance found in human cells and certain foods.) The crystals that form attract white blood cells, which results in severe inflammation and pain.

http://fox11online.com/sponsored/osmsgb/understanding-arthritis

"My arthritis feels like a burning volcano in my joints": nine-year-old Alec inspires the biggest bike ride in the country

By Pete Hughes

A WANTAGE GP is undertaking the biggest bike ride in the UK inspired by a very different nine-year-old boy.
In most ways, Alec Perry is like any other boy his age – he likes riding his bike, drawing and playing with friends.
The biggest difference is that two years ago he was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA).
His arthritis, normally associated with people in their 60s and 70s, can turn the smallest everyday tasks into a nightmare.
The pain, he says, is like "a burning volcano in his joints", but he refuses to let it stop him riding his bike at home in Northamptonshire.
Now, Alec's determination has caught the imagination of Wantage GP Vineet Joshi who knows that pain all too well.
Dr Joshi, 32, who works at Church Street Practice in Wantage, also has arthritis years ahead of his time. He, too, has refused to let the condition stop him riding his bike.
Not only is he still cycling, he is now planning to undertake the biggest bike ride in the UK to raise money for Alec and other children like him.
On Monday, July 4, Dr Joshi and his friend Rob Paterson will set off from John O'Groats, Scotland, on a nine-day, 920-mile cycle to Land's End in Cornwall.
They are hoping to raise £5,000 for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) which gives advice and support to adults and children with the condition.
Dr Joshi, who lives in Cumnor with his fiancé, was inspired to take on the challenge after he saw a drawing Alec entered in an art competition run by the NRAS last year.
Alec, who receives treatment at the Nuffield Orthopedic centre in Oxford, drew a picture of a cyclist riding through a volcano, his arthritis represented by the burning lava erupting all around him.
Dr Joshi said: "Alec is an incredible young boy and his drawing was moving and inspirational.
"His slogan: 'JIA cannot stop me going on my bike' immediately made me want to meet him and his family and use his artwork as my fundraising logo as well as his inspirational slogan.
"I finally got to meet him with his mum Leah and this really personalised the mission for me and made me even more determined to see this through."
Alec is one of more than 12,000 children who suffer with juvenile arthritis, many of whom get advice and support from the NRAS.
Dr Joshi said: "This is our motivation, to help Alec and other children who suffer with arthritis and their families by raising funds to aid the important work by NRAS.
"My suffering became insignificant when I compared my troubles to those children suffering right now with arthritis.
"I hope this story will inspire others to act positively on issues that they feel strongly about, to raise awareness that kids get arthritis too and to motivate people to use their bodies and not take their health for granted."
But, he added: "Our target is £5,000 and so we need massive support and help."
Sponsor the cycle online at justgiving.com/gp-on-a-bike

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/14464730._quot_My_arthritis_feels_like_a_burning_volcano_in_my_joints_quot___nine_year_old_inspires_charity_challenge/

Arthritis: What is it and what can you do about it?

By Dr Andrew Brooks

More than 21 million Americans have arthritis. It is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care and advice. As baby boomers continue to age, we expect to see more patients who have the debilitating effects of arthritis.
But, what exactly is arthritis and what can people do to treat it?
Arthritis is quite simply the loss of the smooth cushion or cartilage lining our joints. There are two forms; the most common is osteoarthritis. This is classically referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It usually develops in adulthood and can be the result of a prior major injury or multiple minor injuries. This form of arthritis has a genetic component as well and can be passed on from generation to generation.
Many of my patients will have had a parent who struggled with arthritis as well. There is no blood test available to diagnose this form of arthritis. The diagnosis is made by your doctor after taking a history, performing an exam and reviewing X-rays.
There is a blood test to diagnose the second most common type of arthritis, called inflammatory or rheumatoid arthritis. It can strike in childhood or adulthood. It can be crippling and affect many different joints in the same patient.
Regardless of the type of arthritis, the result is loss or damage to the cartilage, which leaves the surface of our joints (most commonly affecting hands, knees, spine and hips) rough and irregular – similar to a street badly in need of resurfacing. Weight-bearing activities can put additional stress across these damaged surfaces, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling and deformity.
Treatment depends on the severity of the disease.
For mild arthritis with mild limitations, physicians recommend low-impact exercises such as biking, yoga, swimming or water aerobics along with occasional acetaminophen (Tylenol) and possibly ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). Occasionally, topical creams such as Ben Gay, Icy Hot or Capsaicin may be helpful.
For moderate arthritis, all of the aforementioned treatments may be used, plus physical therapy and prescription-strength arthritis medication. If unsuccessful, injections may be considered.
Some patients try acupuncture or chiropractic treatments. Weight loss can be important in overweight patients as this may alleviate some of the damaging forces across the joint, resulting not only in less pain but slower progression of the disease.
For severe arthritis, once other treatments have failed, it may be time to consider surgery such as joint replacement with metal and plastic implants. These are common and highly successful procedures, and recent innovations have made this a popular option for many people. But there are risks.
There are approximately 7 million Americans walking around with artificial hips and/or knees. You do not know if this is a reasonable option unless you have met with an orthopedic surgeon who has examined you and reviewed your X-rays.
Patients often ask me if stem cell injections or other procedures to grow new cartilage are available. At this time these procedures are considered experimental and there is limited scientific evidence to support their use. Insurance will not pay for these, but a lot of research is being done in this field and one day they may be a reasonable option.
If you have painful, swollen and stiff joints, consult a physician for an evaluation. Your physician should be able to direct you to appropriate treatment options for your level and type of arthritis.

http://www.dailyrepublic.com/news/locallifestylecolumns/arthritis-what-is-it-and-what-can-you-do-about-it/