Health Tip: Ease Arthritis Pain With Warm Water

By Diana Kohnle

(HealthDay News) -- When joints are stiff and sore, warm water can be just what the doctor ordered.

Here's how to reap the benefits of warm water, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation:

• Make the water between 92 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use a warm tub (or pool) to do some stretching. Place a tennis ball beneath the small of your back in the bathtub and roll it gently along the bottom of the tub.
• Soak in a bath with Epsom salts. But people with diabetes should avoid too much salt, which could trigger insulin production.

http://health.usnews.com/health-care/articles/2016-07-27/health-tip-ease-arthritis-pain-with-warm-water

Juvenile Arthritis: Or Why It May Not Just Be Growing Pains

From ohiovalleyhospital.org

When a young child complains about aching body parts, we say it could be growing pains. While often times this is the case, sometimes the pain is caused by an underlying problem…one like juvenile arthritis.
You may be asking yourself, “Isn’t arthritis something that affects older people?” The short answer: no! According to the Arthritis Foundation, juvenile arthritis affects about 295,000 adolescents in the United States each year.
What is Juvenile Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease in which there is inflammation, or swelling, of the synovium, or tissue lining the inside of your joints. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,
“Most forms of juvenile arthritis are autoimmune disorders,  which means the body’s immune system—which normally helps to fight off bacteria or viruses—mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells and tissues…Doctors do not know why the immune system attacks healthy tissues in children who develop juvenile arthritis. Scientists suspect that it is a two-step process. First, something in a child’s genetic makeup gives him or her tendency to develop juvenile arthritis; then an environmental factor, such as a virus, triggers the development of the disease.”
The bottom line is arthritis has no minimum age requirement. You may get arthritis as a small child; it may affect you during your middle age years, or you may not feel it until you’re 80.
What’s the Difference Between Growing Pains and Juvenile Arthritis?
According to everydayhealth.com, the biggest difference between growing pains and juvenile arthritis is that when growing pains occur, there should be no pain or inflammation of the joint (two of the main symptoms of juvenile arthritis). The time during which symptoms occur may also be a factor; growing pains usually occur during the evening hours after an especially active day.
Potential Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis
Pain symptoms from juvenile arthritis, on the other hand, can occur after a child wakes up in the morning or after a nap; your child may be limping or favoring one arm or leg. It can be tough to notice because as the day goes on, the condition will improve. A child complaining about their joints feeling “hot” could be showing signs of inflammation. Another indication of possible juvenile arthritis would be the swelling of the joints. Juvenile arthritis episodes commonly occur in two joints at once, for example in knees or feet.
If you are wondering if you’re child could be affected by juvenile arthritis, here are some of the other symptoms to watch out for:
-Pain
-Stiffness
-Swelling
-Fevers
-Rashes
-Weight loss
– Eye problems
Almost 300,000 children are affected in the United States each year by juvenile arthritis. If you are worried your child’s aches and pains could be something more serious, please make an appointment to visit your pediatrician right away!

https://ohiovalleyhospital.org/juvenile-arthritis-may-not-just-growing-pains/

Arthritis from texting: Doctors say 'textitis' on the rise

From bodyandsoul.com.au

You’ve heard of selfie elbow and text neck, but did you know all that aggressive WhatsApping could cause 'textitis'?
Textitis is a new term that’s surfaced to describe a new kind of osteoarthritis – the degenerative strain of the disease – that comes from excessive smart phone usage. (That’s where you’re reading this article, right?)
Yes, iMessaging, swiping right and refreshing your Facebook feed is now occurring at such a rate that it could actually cause cartilage damage.
While there is no study on the condition (yet), Dr Mark Ciaglia, a prominent orthopaedic hand surgeon from Texas, recently said on TV in the US that he’s seeing younger patients who are dealing with pain, inflammation and stiffness in their joints, which he thinks are side effects of too much time with technology.
“With the advent of texting and video games and excessive use of computers and typing you're wearing the joints out sooner so we're actually seeing a shift in the demographics of patients that get the arthritis because they're just wearing their joints out so much sooner,” said Dr Ciaglia.

“At the end of the day it's a wear and tear how many times are you moving a joint back and forth where the cartilage that covers the bone within the joint. The more things you do and the more aggressive you are with it the sooner you will develop this,” said Ciaglia.
So, if you’re experiencing pain, swelling or soreness at the base of your thumb, little finger or wrist, err on the side of caution, get it checked out, and maybe enlist the help of Siri. For now, anyway.

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/health/health-news/arthritis-from-texting-doctors-say-textitis-on-the-rise/news-story/0e19a4ca9ec8c157cb8f1dd21f18565b

Man cures arthritis by cycling

From thisislancashire.co.uk

A MAN who cured his arthritis with cycling has completed his 27th Manchester to Blackpool bike ride.
John Thorpe, 64, from Bury took part in his first ride back in 1989 when he was 37.
At the time he had been to see his doctor with a painful right knee and was told he had arthritis.
He explained: "I liked cycling and my doctor was a keen cyclist and I was reading all sorts of things that said that if you kept it moving that it could make the arthritis better.
"It just so happened that it coincided with the Manchester to Blackpool bike ride so I thought I would give it ago.
"My thought was that it would either kill it or cure it and thankfully it cured it."
Since his original flare up of arthritis 27 years ago Mr Thorpe hasn't suffered from it since.
The route for the ride covers 60 miles from Manchester, along the scenic country lanes of Lancashire, and then finishes on the South Promenade in Blackpool.
This year's event took place on Sunday July 10.
Mr Thorpe enjoyed it so much that he decided to do it another 26 times, cycling a total of 1,620 miles, the equivalent of cycling from Bury to Moscow.
The Haslam Street resident said: "I was hooked after the first one. It’s become a habit now every year I sign up to it and I look forward to taking part.
"I'm not sure whether it’s stupidity or doggedness that make me keep doing it but I know that my efforts are appreciated by the charity.
"It's a great atmosphere and some of the scenery is beautiful. It's not a race so I'm in no rush to finish it and I make sure that I stop for some lunch and a drink.
"It's a long way, so you’ve just got to make sure you ride to your limitations and as I've got older my times have got slower.
"One of the reasons I keep doing it is because it’s a sobering thought to think that there are other people who psychically can’t to do. So while I'm still able and want to continue. I'm hoping to hit the 30 mark."
Mr Thorpe contacted Bike Events who put on the event each year to see if anyone else had done as many rides as he had.
He said: "Unfortunately their records don’t go back that far so I wasn't able to find that out, which is a great shame."
In addition to the personal achievement of completing the 27 rides Mr Thorpe has also raised thousands of pounds for charity.
His chosen charity is Three Owls Bird Sanctuary and Reserve charity, based in Rochdale.
He said: "It's a charity that's close to my heart because I have always been interested in animals and I used to volunteer there when I was younger.
"It's a fantastic charity and they do amazing work."
Mr Thorpe is now planning for his 28th ride.
He said: “If I survive long enough then I plan to 30, I reckon that will probably be a record that won’t be broken.”

http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/14635784.Man_cures_arthritis_by_cycling/

‘Text Neck’ Causing Arthritis

From myfoxzone.com

Heads down, people hunched over, their thumbs flying, working to type a message. But believe it or not, our thumbs aren’t hurting as much as our necks.
Doctors in North Carolina say they are seeing cases of “text neck” — which is a neck pain linked to too much texting.
Fox’s Natalie Wilson explains why millennials are really keeping those doctors busy.
Millennials love their phones. Texting these days is like a full-item job.
“I text every second I get.”
“I would say at least eight hours out the day.”
“I’m pretty much on my phone until I’m out for sleeping, so I’d have to say about 12 hours a day.” What? “Yeah. Like, I’m always on my phone.”
All those hours of texting are catching up with some millennials.
“We see them several times a week here in the clinic. Technology has played a large role in muscular, skeletal complaints.”
Doctors are seeing a number of “text neck” cases.
“We don’t see it as much with hand and thumb complains and things like that, but folks complain of neck pain pretty frequently.”
Angel Hernandez didn’t know there was an actual name for it, but can recall a time or two when he felt a strain.
“Usually I’m always texting, sometimes I get that pain right here in my neck. It kind-of hurt sometimes, so I just have to lift up my phone and look up,” Hernandez said.
“Most of the time, our generation, we’re looking at our phone all the time, so of course that’s going to put a lot of pain and pressure on our necks.”
A big health concern is that the posture associated with text neck puts pressure on the spine — possibly causing premature damage over time.
“For it to become a chronic injury, that has to occur several hours thought the day. We’re not seeing it in people who are doing it kind-of casually.”
“Definitely now, I’d try to modify. I don't want to get text neck.”
“If they can make a brace or something like a selfie stick where I can text like this way and keep my neck straight up, maybe I’ll avoid it. I don’t know.”

http://www.myfoxzone.com/story/32456541/text-neck-causing-arthritis

Doctors test implant for treating rheumatoid arthritis

From Interim Healthcare

Arthritis is a common ailment for elderly patients and while there are medications and exercises to treat most types of the condition, rheumatoid arthritis in particular can be challenging to manage. A new technology may provide a better solution for those living with RA.

RA is an immune system disorder that causes painful inflammation and decreased mobility in the joints. Traditional treatment includes medications to reduce pain and swelling, and in extreme cases, even surgery.

A new clinical trial for a bioelectronic implant has shown promise for treating RA without major joint reconstruction. The device targets the Vagus nerve, a major nerve that connects to several key systems in the body. The implant pulsates and stimulates the nerve, which doctors from the University of Amsterdam have found reduces inflammation that leads to RA flare ups. With further testing, these devices may soon be on the market for RA patients.

http://www.interimhealthcare.com/news/news-desk/doctors-test-implant-for-treating-rheumatoid-arthr

Tart cherry juice can alleviate arthritis

From The Seattle Times

Q: Four ounces of tart cherry juice in the morning has alleviated the arthritis pain that I used to have in my hands. I’ve been doing this for the past two years. I’ve recommended it to many people. Some don’t experience relief from it, but many do. One friend uses cherry juice at bedtime to help her fall asleep.
A: There is growing evidence that ingredients in tart cherries may ease both inflammation and insomnia. The latest research involved a placebo-controlled trial of powdered Montmorency cherries (Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition online, May 26, 2016). Athletes who consumed the powder outperformed the group on placebo. They also experienced less muscle soreness and had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their bloodstream.

http://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/cranberry-juice-for-urinary-tract-infections/

Dr Spock has the remedy for arthritis

From timeslive.co.za

A simple electronic implant into "the Spock nerve" could reverse the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, clinical trials in The Netherlands have shown.
The vagus nerve has been called the "captain" of all nerves because it would be impossible to breathe if it stopped functioning.
It is also inspired Spock's Vulcan "nerve pinch" in Star Trek, because compressing the nerve in the neck can cause fainting or even death.
But it also plays an important role in controlling inflammation, which is at the heart of rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the immune system mistakenly perceives the joints as "other" and attacks them, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
However, stimulating the vagus nerve can help to bring the immune system back in line.
The technique involves fitting a small electric device, like a pacemaker, under the skin of the chest, above the nerve.
A study by the University of Amsterdam and the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research showed that sending electrical pulses into the vagus from the implant over four months caused the number of damaging immune cells to drop by up to 38%.
The 17 patients involved in the trial also reported a reduction in swollen and tender joints by one third. All had previously failed to respond to medication.
"This is a real breakthrough in our ability to help people suffering from inflammatory diseases," said the co-author of the report on the study, Kevin Tracey.
Until now we had no proof that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can inhibit immune cell production.
The trial's results might benefit patients suffering from other inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2016/07/08/Dr-Spock-has-the-remedy-for-arthritis

Got arthritis of the hands? 5 ways to ease the pain

By Sam Wylie-Harris

There’s no ‘hands free’ option when it comes to everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, daily beauty routines or simply getting dressed in the morning.
So pain and swelling in the joints can make the simplest thing like opening a can of soup or buttoning a blouse a slow and painful process; not to mention the frustration of not being able to force a favourite ring over a swollen finger.
Around 10 million Brits suffer from arthritis and it affects people of all ages, while the two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint and makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. The most commonly affected joints are in the hands and it tends to develop in adults (mainly women with a family history of the condition) in their late 40s or older.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people and usually starts when someone is aged between 40 and 50, and women are three times more likely to be affected than men. It occurs when the body’s immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling.

“Nearly 20% of over 50s in the UK live with osteoarthritis in the thumb, making everyday tasks such as cooking and dressing extremely difficult,” says Natalie Carter, head of research liaison and evaluation, Arthritis Research UK.
“The condition causes daily stiffness and pain, and after time, firm knobbly swellings form on the finger joints.”
Recent studies by researchers at the Arthritis Research UK Primary Care Centre at Keele have tested the effectiveness of joint protection and exercises, as well as thumb splinting for those living with the painful and debilitating condition.
Whilst there are various self-help options available, Carter says it’s important to note that everyone experiences pain in different ways, and recommends people speak to a health care professional to discuss the most appropriate option for them.

Here are 5 movements to help you get to grips with the condition…
1. If you do a lot of repetitive tasks like typing on a keyboard, sewing or gripping utensils, the pain can get worse, so take a break and get into the habit of stretching your hands out wide and holding your fingers straight to the very tips.
2. Making a fist can reduce the stiffness. Hold your hand up straight and slowly bend it into a fist and place your thumb on the outside of your hand. Open your hand back up and straighten the fingers. Repeat a few times in both hands.
3. Finger exercises are good to do while sitting down. Hold your hand up straight and bend you index finger down toward the palm. Hold the position for a couple of seconds and then straighten it. Repeat with each finger and then do the same with the other hand.
4. Try not to take your thumb for granted. Bending it inward toward your palm and stretching it toward the bottom of your pinky can really help. Hold the position for a second or two and repeat 10 times before doing the exercise on the other hand.
5. Sitting at a table can be handy(!). Rest your forearm on a flat surface with your palm down. Keep your little finger on the table and turn your hand so the palm faces up. Repeat a few times on each hand.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/got-arthritis-of-the-hands-5-ways-to-ease-the-pain-11364070781122