10 Things You Need To Know About Knee Arthritis

From femalefirst.co.uk

Knee arthritis accounts for almost half of the recorded cases of osteoarthritis. The Arthritis UK charity estimates it will to rise to 5.4 million in 2020 and reach 6.4 million by 2035.

Here are ten things you probably don’t know, but should, about knee arthritis:

When a joint is affected by arthritis it becomes damaged, painful and stiff. This occurs due to the breakdown of cartilage and its inability to repair and regenerate as efficiently as other structures in the body, such as muscle and skin.  This inability to repair is as a result of its lack of blood supply. As the cartilage wears down, the gap between the bones narrows, causing the bones to begin to rub and form bony spurs (osteophytes).


We used to believe arthritis was all about genetics, but research is now showing other factors have more of an influence; such as nutrition, lifestyle, body alignment and our environment.


Research by Harvard University and comparing skeletons from the 19th century with those from the 20th century showed that incidences of knee arthritis had doubled in the 20th century group. As the big difference between the two centuries has been the rise of chemicals in our environment, foods and our cosmetics, the hypothesis is that these are the culprits.


Statistics show that knee replacements are considerably less successful than hip replacements and they only last an average of nine years.


Walking is a great way to maintain the health of your knees, hips and ankles – but you must wear the right footwear.  And aquatic (water) exercises are also great. The water reduces the pressure on your knees whilst providing the resistance for your muscles to build strength.

Vitamins C and D are known to promote cartilage development and maintain the health of existing cartilage. Vitamin C strengthens cartilage and helps to reduce inflammation, while vitamin D helps prevent cartilage from breaking down.

Omega-3 fatty acids should be an essential part of a diet for a sufferer of knee arthritis as they help to decrease inflammation by suppressing chemicals that break down cartilage.

Ginger, cinnamon and turmeric have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, and can be taken in food or as a supplement to combat knee arthritis.

Antioxidants help to protect the body by destroying free radicals before they cause damage to body tissue such as cartilage in joints. Beta-carotene and bioflavonoids are powerful anti-oxidants.

The majority of x-rays of arthritic knees show only one side of the knee is affected by cartilage wear. This is because poor alignment of the ankles and feet change the angle of the knee, causing an individual to carry their body weight more on to one side of the knee, eventually causing it to wear down. Many studies have shown that wearing supportive shoes and orthotics that keep the foot and ankle in proper alignment can considerably reduce pain and swelling in people suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/health/knee-arthritis-1102012.html

Benefits of fish oil for arthritis

From askdrmandi.com

(WXYZ) – If you have arthritis you may be seeking better joint mobility. Fish oil could be the natural remedy you’re looking for.
Fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and contains high levels of DHA and EPA. It’s these fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation in joints.
When it comes to arthritis, there are two common types, Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis.
I point this out because research supports that fish oil effectively relieves and reduces joint pain and swelling for Rheumatoid arthritis. But with Osteoarthritis, more studies are needed before we can say it helps this type but the research does look promising.
I would recommend you eat fish over supplements because you’ll gain other nutrients like calcium, vitamin D and selenium. But I realize not everyone likes fish so here are my prescriptions:

1. When shopping for fish, choose the smaller types as they contain less mercury. Try mackerel, salmon, sardines, halibut and cod.
2. To reduce inflammation, eat a serving of fish 2 to 4 times a week. One serving is roughly 3 to 6 ounces.
3. If you prefer supplements, you can take up to 2.6 grams twice a day. Check the ingredient list to make sure it contains 30 percent of EPA and DHA.
4. If you take anti-inflammatory drugs you should talk to your doctor first before taking supplements. They may interact with them.
5. Cod liver oil also contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids but it’s different from fish oil.

Fish oil is made from a variety of fish whereas cod liver oil comes from pressed cod livers. It’s very high in Vitamin A and D, so if you take this in large quantities, it can be harmful.
I would stick to eating fish or taking supplements from trustworthy companies.

https://askdrnandi.com/benefits-fish-oil-arthritis/

Green man crossings 'too fast' for people with arthritis

From bbc.co.uk

People with arthritis are unable to cross roads quickly enough because the green man light on pedestrian crossings is too fast, according to researchers.

The problem has been highlighted during preparations for a £1.8m study on the condition and mobility issues led by Glasgow Caledonian University.
Prof Martijn Steultjens said pedestrian crossings were set with an assumed walking speed of 1.2 metres per second.
He said a study found 85% of women aged over 65 were unable to walk this fast.
The lead researcher on the Gait Rehabilitation in Early Arthritis Trial was due to meet the Scottish Parliament's cross party group on chronic pain to update MSPs on the project.
Ahead of the meeting, he said: "People with arthritis can't make the green man, they just don't want to go into town anymore.
"We know from speaking to patients that the issue makes them feel embarrassed and unsafe and is leading to social isolation for many.
"I do not feel this story about the many people suffering because of the green man is well enough known.
"I think it is time that city centres consider whether they are catering for an ageing population and people who experience difficulties in walking."
The five-year project will involve a feasibility study with patients from NHS regions in Scotland and England, followed by a large trial.
Glasgow Caledonian University is working in partnership with Keele University, King's College London, Salford University and the University of Glasgow.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-41496179

Arthritis pill: Daily intake of new treatment halts disabling bone loss and damage

From express.co.uk

A DAILY pill which halts the disabling bone loss caused by osteoarthritis is being hailed as a new dawn in the treatment of the disease.
The new drug has excited scientists after trials showed that after just six months it reduced bone damage around knee joints and also maintained cartilage thickness.
It is the first time a drug has been shown to tackle underlying bone structure changes in diseased joints.
Current treatments have aimed only at helping patients manage pain symptoms.
The pan-European study was carried out over six months with 244 patients aged between 40 and 80 with osteoarthritis in the knee.
Lead investigator Philip Conaghan, Professor of Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Leeds, said: “These results are enormously exciting.

“This drug heralds a new dawn in the treatment of this disease as it is the first evidence we have of a drug which can have a significant benefit on the structure of the bone.”
Professor Conaghan, previously chairman of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence group on the management of osteoarthritis, added: “We now need larger studies to replicate these findings, the results of which we hope will open up a new class of drug.”
The treatment, known as M1V-711, is based on a molecule involved in the turnover of bone and cartilage in the joints. It works by interfering with the process that leads to joint breakdown.
It was tested against patients given a placebo and after six months those receiving the treatment showed a 65 per cent reduction in bone loss.
Those on the dummy pills showed slight increases in bone loss. The drug, which was shown to have relatively few side effects, also halted cartilage loss, with those on low doses experiencing a 70 per cent reduction in cartilage thickness and those on higher doses showing a slight increase in cartilage thickness.
Experts hope over a longer period the results may be greater, and could have an impact on significantly reducing pain from the condition.
The results of the trial are likely to be revealed next month at a conference in San Diego.
The news comes as experts call for an end to the widespread long-term use of painkillers such as paracetamol and antiinflammatories such as ibuprofen for osteo arthritis, following research showing they may be doing more harm than good.
Current guidance from Nice still recommends paracetamol and anti-infl ammatories as treatments for this disabling condition.
However, in one large US study people who regularly took paracetamol over 12 years had a 35 per cent increased risk of a stroke or fatal heart attack.
Other recent studies have linked long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs to an increased risk of stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
One of the UK’s leading experts on arthritis, Dr Rod Hughes, former president of rheumatology at The Royal Society of Medicine, said: “There are numerous side effects linked with anti-infl ammatory drugs and we need to look at safer longterm alternatives for those living with joint pain.”
He also highlighted research which shows a derivative of rosehip can dramatically reduce arthritis joint pain.
Laboratory studies of the treatment, called Gopo, suggests it dampens tissue inflammation.
Patient studies show the food supplement improved joint mobility and reduced pain by up to 80 per cent for those who used it for at least three months.
Former footballer Mark Beard, 42, who played for Millwall and Sheffield United, says using Gopo dramatically reduced the severe and disabling pain he suffered as he came to the end of his career.
Mr Beard, now full-time coach at Brighton FC and who also boxes to raise money for charity, had multiple injuries that led to severe pain in his ankles, knees, wrist, back and other joints that sometimes left him bedridden.
He said: “I had lots of pain. Sometimes I struggled to walk downstairs and could barely grip a pen.”
He says taking Gopo has transformed his life.
“I swear by it and so do many ex-footballers.”

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/860834/Arthritis-pill-disabling-bone-loss-and-damage-osteoarthritis-new-treatment

Ex-rugby players more likely to suffer arthritis, osteoporosis: study

From abc.net.au

The University of Oxford has surveyed hundreds of former elite rugby union players and found that, compared with the general population, they were twice as likely to live with pain and mobility problems.
It also found players over the age of 50 were more likely to have joints replaced at the hip and knee, and to suffer from arthritis and osteoporosis.
A sports exercise expert says players from other football codes are likely to suffer the kinds of injuries that lead to such joint problems.

http://www.abc.net.au/radio/programs/worldtoday/ex-rugby-players-more-likely-to-suffer-arthritis-osteoporosis/9001366

3 Things Everyone Living with Arthritis Should Know

From news-journal.net

Arthritis includes more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints. If you are living with arthritis, here are a few things you should consider.

1. Arthritis can affect people of all ages.Many people think of arthritis as an affliction that only affects adults as they reach old age or athletes who have suffered an injury (known as osteoarthritis). Although the incidence of arthritis does increase with age, younger people can also be affected by the disease. Autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, often strike people by the time they are middle-aged. Overall, it’s estimated that nearly one-fourth of all adults in the United States (22.7 percent, 54.4 million) have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Seven percent of 18-44 year olds and 29 percent of 45-64 year olds report doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

2. You can now track your condition better and get support.

Being diagnosed with a lifelong, chronic disease like arthritis can be overwhelming. Finding support, from friends, family, colleagues and online communities can help. For example, ArthritisPower, accessed online or downloaded as a free mobile app for android and iPhone, allows people with all forms of arthritis to track symptoms and treatments to see how they are doing over time. Users can send their results to doctors in advance of appointments to encourage more personalized and productive discussions. Note that ArthritisPower is a research registry. That means people must sign an informed consent to donate their data to researchers and learn more about other specific research studies announced in the app. The more people who participate in the registry, the more scientists can discover about arthritis. To learn more, visit arthritispower.org.

3. Surgery can help.
In healthy joints, cartilage covers the ends of bones, allowing them to move smoothly and without pain. When arthritis (all forms) wears away or damages the protective cartilage, and other non-surgical treatments have proved unsuccessful, joint replacement (usually of the knee or the hip) is typically recommended, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
When an orthopedic surgeon replaces a joint, it involves removing worn out cartilage from both sides of the joint, followed by resurfacing of the joint with a metal and plastic replacement implant that looks and functions much like a normal joint. Over the past two decades, the safety and effectiveness of surgery, and the variety of hip and knee joint replacement devices has improved, thanks to research driven by surgeons and device makers. What’s missing, say experts, is a better understanding of patient experiences and preferences, particularly regarding what they value when making the decision to undergo surgery, pick a surgeon, and select a device.
“The good news is that this research is underway by patient-led research communities, such as ArthritisPower,” says W. Benjamin Nowell, Ph.D., Director of Patient-Centred Research at CreakyJoints, the online patient support community.
If you need joint surgery, it’s important that your preferences are central to your decision making at every step of the way, from timing of surgery, surgeon, implant device and recovery plan. Make sure to ask questions, get second opinions, and seek support. Surgery and recovery can be hard, but talking about them shouldn’t be.

http://www.news-journal.net/online_features/health_and_wellness/article_b525d588-3dd8-5098-be67-f7b86a77430b.html

5 types of arthritis and how to tell the difference

From foxnews.com

Throughout your life, you’ve probably heard an aging person joke about their stiffening joints. “I’m just getting old,” they'll say. To an extent, there is truth to that remark. Even so, as you age, realize that joint pain is still not a normal part of life.

You should not dismiss it since painful joints may mean the onset of arthritis. In addition, by catching the problem early, you could save yourself a lot of unnecessary pain.

In the United States, over 50 million people suffer from arthritis, according to the CDC. A huge number of these—60 percent—are between the working ages of 18 and 64.

Many sufferers find difficulty in performing essential job tasks, and in some cases, their condition keeps them from working at all. Aside from the economic effects, arthritis can also prevent people from getting adequate exercise and can significantly reduce the quality of life.
Which Type of Arthritis?

To deal with arthritis properly, you should first work with your doctor to find out which type you or your loved one has. While there are over 100 different types possible, most Americans suffer from only a few.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the Arthritis Foundation, over 1 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This condition is actually an autoimmune response, meaning that the immune system is attacking the joints or parts of the body that affect the joints. As the immune system attacks, the joints get damaged and inflamed, causing an array of problems for the sufferer.
Symptoms include pain and stiffness in major joints like the hands or legs, swelling that lasts for hours, fatigue, appetite and weight loss or joints that feel warm to the touch. The pain is usually severe and can last all day for some people.
If you’re experiencing this type of joint pain, you should see a doctor immediately. Because of the immune response, RA can affect other vital organs in the body. 
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly common type of arthritis, so common that most people are referring to OA when they talk about arthritis in general. According to the CDC, nearly 30 million adults are suffering from this condition in the U.S.
How does OA happen? It occurs when a joint in the body begins breaking down because of wear and tear, often due to aging, injuries or obesity. Usually, people get OA in their knees, hips and hands, and the condition happens over time as the cartilage wears down.
Symptoms include stiffness in the morning or after long rests, aching pain, pain when walking, bending or gripping objects, swelling and a joint that is warm to the touch. Because symptoms worsen slowly, you may notice the pain come and go.
Gout
Another common type of arthritis is gout. This type usually affects men and those who are obese and is caused by an increase in uric acid in the body.
Unlike other arthritis types, gout will flare up for a period and then go into remission for months before another flare-up again. If a person gets regular flare-ups, they may eventually find the gout worsening into gouty arthritis.
Symptoms include intense pain, redness, swelling and heat around the joint. Also, it usually affects one joint at a time and occurs in weight-bearing areas like the big toe, ankle or knee.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis (JA) is actually an umbrella term that refers to arthritis in children under 16. JA is usually caused by an autoimmune response, although experts cannot find a clear cause. Different types of JA can affect a child’s entire body or specific areas like the tendons.
Typical symptoms that parents should watch for are stiffness, swelling and tenderness, rash, limping, eye redness and vision problems, irritability and a persistent fever.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Finally, many patients are suffering from psoriatic arthritis. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 30 percent of all those affected by the skin condition will also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. Those affected usually get psoriasis first, a skin condition that causes scaly, raised, red and white patches of inflamed skin around the body.
This condition can then lead to inflammation in the joints, causing arthritis. Symptoms include swollen joints, especially the fingers and toes, discoloured fingernails, swelling and sometimes back pain.
In any of these cases, those suffering with arthritis should follow a few lifestyle steps outlined by the CDC. These steps will help manage the arthritis and keep up healthy motivation.

1. Find support programs.
2. Maintain moderate exercise at least 5 days per week.
3. Manage a healthy weight.
4. Check in with your doctor about symptoms and treatment.

Arthritis affects millions of Americans, hampering movement and quality of life as the condition worsens. By understanding your type of arthritis fully and getting support, you can succeed in managing this often crippling condition. If you are experiencing regular joint pain, talk to your doctor right away.

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/09/26/5-types-arthritis-and-how-to-tell-difference.html

Stay a Step Ahead of Foot and Ankle Pain

From statesmanjournal.com

Our feet support us-and we should support our feet. Since about 75% of people in the United States will experience foot pain of some type in their lives, it makes sense to be aware of some common problems and what you can do to live your life as pain free as possible. Drs. Kelly McCormick and Monica Zilkoski of Hope Orthopedics give some insight into two of the more common foot problems that can be corrected and/or managed through orthopedic treatment-Bunions and Foot and Ankle Arthritis.

Bunions:

Bunions typically happen overtime, and are more than just a bump on the side of the foot-a bunion is actually reflecting a change in foot anatomy. Bunions form when the toe is forced in toward the rest of the toes, causing a rubbing of the bone against the side of the shoe. This creates inflammation in the underlying tissue and forms the bump that grows into a bunion.

Treatment for a bunion:

If non-surgical treatments (like wearing proper fitting shoes or using custom orthotics) do not provide relief, surgical treatment can be used to correct the position of the toe and remove the bunion.

Good candidates for bunion surgery commonly have:

Significant foot pain that limits normal activity including standing for a period of time and walking

Inflammation and swelling that does not go away with rest or over the counter medications-such as ibuprofen

Toe deformity-the big toe moving in and “crowding” the other toes or appearing as if it may “cross over” the other toes

Inability to straighten or bend the big toe

Pain that doesn’t go away even after changing to proper fitting footwear

After bunion surgery, most patients have less foot pain and are better able to participate in everyday activities.

Another very common condition in the foot and ankle, is arthritis. “Arthritis” means "joint inflammation, and is a general term for a group of more than 100 diseases. If you’re feeling pain and stiffness in your feet and ankles, it is likely caused by arthritis. There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatment options to control or slow the progression of the condition. Early detection and treatment are important, so if you think you may have arthritis, it’s best to get treatment as soon as possible.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

• Pain with motion and pain that flares up with activity
• Tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint
• Joint swelling, warmth, and redness, particularly after sitting or resting

You may need surgery if your pain isn’t relieved by non-surgical treatment such as a regimen of ibuprofen, injections (steroids), physical therapy, weight loss, or custom orthotics-like shoe inserts or braces.

Surgical Treatment:

• Arthroscopic surgery (inserting a small instrument through a small opening) can help in early stages of arthritis by removing loose cartilage, inflamed tissue, and bone spurs from around the joint.
• Fusion surgery fuses bones together using rods, pins, screws, or plates to hold the joint in a permanent position-fusing the bone over time and eliminating the joint.
• Total Ankle Replacement surgery involves replacing the ankle joint with artificial implants after your doctor has removed the damaged cartilage and bone.

Total ankle replacement is not as common as total hip or total knee replacement but advances in implant design have made it a great option for many people. Hope Orthopedics doctor Kelly McCormick was the first surgeon to perform a total ankle replacement in the state of Oregon.

“People don’t even know that it exists, but it’s really common,” McCormick said. “The surgery itself takes a few hours to do. In some cases, it can be done on outpatient basis, but typically people spend a night in the hospital afterward.”

Total Ankle Replacement is most often recommended for patients who have:

• Advanced arthritis of the ankle
• Arthritis that has destroyed the ankle joint surfaces
• Ankle pain that interferes with daily activities

Ankle replacement relieves the pain of arthritis and offers patients more mobility and movement than fusion.

Determining the cause of your foot problem, whether it be bunions, or a type of arthritis is critical for finding out what treatment will work for you. Because they are Board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Surgeons (meaning they’ve had extensive medical training plus specialty orthopedic training in foot and ankle from an accredited fellowship program) Orthopedic Foot and Ankle specialists Dr. McCormick and Dr. Zilkoski can quickly determine the cause of your pain and formulate the best treatment plan for your needs.

Support your feet, and they’ll support you.

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/promo/2017/09/25/stay-step-ahead-foot-and-ankle-pain/105995510/

Green thumb feeling blue? How to garden with hand arthritis

From aahs.org

If you love to garden, you’re not alone. Almost 75 percent of all U.S. households work on their lawn and garden, according to a 2016 National Gardening Survey.
While it may seem like a chore to some, working in your garden can actually be good for both your mind and body. Benefits include exposure to Vitamin D and stress relief, to name just a few.
But what if you’re one of the 50 million Americans who have arthritis? According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions that cause joint pain. Two of the most common are degenerative and inflammatory arthritis.
Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) involves degeneration of joint cartilage, causing joint pain, stiffness and loss of mobility in hands and wrists. Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when uncontrolled inflammation leads to joint erosion.
The type of arthritis you have determines how you manage it. But arthritis doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying a day in your garden. Getting your hands dirty without extra pain can be as simple as working smarter, not harder.
Here are some tips for a more enjoyable gardening season:

• Listen to your doctor or therapist’s advice to manage pain.
• Make your garden easier to access. For example, raise your garden beds so they’re easier to reach. Choose low-maintenance plants, such as perennials instead of annuals.
• Choose tools and equipment that encourage good body mechanics and minimize strain. Examples include lightweight tools, tools with ergonomic handles and gloves to protect and cushion joints.
• Modify your activity in the garden as necessary. Switch tasks every half hour, take breaks and ask for help if you need it.
• When possible, use larger, stronger joints and muscles. For instance, use your forearms and shoulders to carry objects instead of your fingers or hands.
• Listen to your body, and stop if you feel pain. Minimize repetitive pinching and gripping, as well as sustained gripping.
• Weed when the soil is moist.

If you have arthritis that is causing wrist or hand pain, talk to a medical professional.  A doctor, physical therapist or occupational therapist can give you a personalized treatment and pain management plan.
Having arthritis doesn’t mean you have to give up growing flowers, fruits and vegetables. Protect your joints, and avoid overuse and fatigue to help keep you in the gardening game.

http://www.aahs.org/living/?p=70071

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Home Remedies for Hip Pain Relief

From everydayhealth.com

Ease RA hip pain with these easy, feel-good moves.

Do your hips hurt? In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), most of the pain and joint destruction happen in the hands and feet. Over time, however, and especially if you also have osteoarthritis, pain can strike your hips as well.
While there’s no magic bullet to stop all hip pain, experts say there are some home remedies you can add to your medication regimen to lessen the agony. Of course, if the pain is severe or comes out of the blue, call your physician. And always get a doctor’s clearance for workouts if you haven’t been exercising regularly.

1. Warm or Ice Hip Joints

People living with rheumatoid arthritis frequently use temperature, or hot and cold therapy, to soothe achy joints. Indeed, this is one of the most widespread coping methods, according to a study published online in the Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy in January 2017. Whether people use heat (via baths, saunas, heating pads) or cold (ice, going outside in winter) is largely a personal preference, the study found, although in general, heat was selected for everyday aches while cold was favoured for acute flares. One study participant marvelled at how he “never walked so many stairs” as he did while visiting a warm, southern location.

2. Stretch and Loosen Hips With Pliés

Stretching and strengthening the quadriceps and gluteus muscles in the legs and buttocks frees up the surrounding joints that may otherwise be constrained, says Miranda Esmonde-White, the author of the book Forever Painless and the longstanding host of the PBS exercise show Classical Stretch.

To do her “Tai Chi plié with hip swing,” (shown above) follow these steps:

1. Stand beside the back of a chair. Spread your legs in a comfortably wide stance, and hold the chair with one hand. (If this challenges your balance too much, stand facing the back of the chair and grasp it with both hands.)
2. Turn out your toes like a ballet dancer. Keeping your spine straight, slowly bend your knees and plié either a small amount or all the way to the level of your knees. Be sure your knees are in line with your feet; if not, adjust the width of your stance.
3. While you are in this position, slowly swing your hips from left to right and back again, as far as you comfortably can. (See photos above.) Swing a total of 8 times before you centre your hips and slowly straighten your knees.
4. Repeat this sequence 2 to 4 times.

3. Lie on Your Stomach to Relax Tight Hip Flexors

People with hip pain typically try not to stand much, since it can be an uncomfortable position. But sitting shortens the hip flexor muscles, which can actually increase pain, says Genie Lieberman, the director of the physical rehabilitation institute at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Boca Raton, Florida.
To promote the full extension of the hips, Lieberman recommends lying facedown for up to 30 minutes, with small pillows placed under your shoulders for comfort. You can do this on your bed; turn your head to either side and rest it on your forearms for comfort. (You should not do this if you have lower-back problems.) In the beginning, it may be too painful to stay this way for more than a few seconds, but as you stretch the muscles it will get easier.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatment/hip-pain-home-remedies/

Understanding arthritis: The benefits of weight management

From msu.edu

Being overweight or obese can negatively affect your health, including putting extra stress and pressure on your joints. Learning to manage your weight can reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis.

Arthritis is a medical condition that most commonly affects tissue lining the joints. Symptoms include pain, aching, swelling and stiffness. Arthritis affects people of all ages and gender. It is estimated that 26 percent of all adults, over 78 million people, will have arthritis by the year 2040.
There are a number of ways to manage this disease including eating a healthy diet and making physical activity a priority. Weight management is another tool that can help treat and reduce the symptoms associated with arthritis.
Nearly 68 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. In 2015, the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRSS) reported that over 30 percent of Michigan adults are considered obese. According to the Arthritis Foundation losing weight, whether it’s 20, 50 or 100 pounds, can significantly improve your health and provide the following benefits:

• Reduce pressure on your joints. Studies have shown that by losing just one pound of weight, you can reduce up to four pounds of pressure on your knees.
• Ease pain and inflammation.
• Lower the risk of other diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancers.
  • Helps make breathing easier and improve sleep. 

If you think your weight may be contributing to your arthritis symptoms, Michigan State University Extension recommends consulting with your healthcare provider. Your physician can assess and confirm your risk factors (age, activity level, health, body mass index and family history of weight-related health problems) and provide you with the help and resources to begin the process of losing weight through diet and exercise.

http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/understanding_arthritis_the_benefits_of_weight_management

How you think about your arthritis makes a difference

From medicalxpress.com

How well you cope with knee arthritis depends a lot on your mental outlook, a new study suggests.  
Despite often-debilitating pain, people who remain confident in their ability to move about end up more active than their less confident peers, researchers found. Studies have shown that physical activity may be one of the best ways to reduce and manage symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The Pennsylvania State University study was based on 135 adults with knee arthritis.
"On days when patients felt more confident in their ability to be active, they indeed took more steps and spent more time in moderate-intensity activity, despite their level of pain that day," said study lead author Ruixue Zhaoyang.
What's more, "this positive effect of patients' confidence on their actual physical activity was found for patients with varying degrees of pain in the morning," added Zhaoyang, a post-doctoral fellow with the university's Centre for Healthy Aging.
The researchers also observed that predicting individual activity levels was best done by focusing on someone's personal confidence, rather than comparing them to someone else.
"It's all about what you think you're able to do," Zhaoyang said.
The findings "suggest that future physical activity interventions for people with osteoarthritis should target patients' confidence in their ability to be active," said Zhaoyang.
But the key, she said, will be to focus on boosting each individual's confidence patterns, and not on some universal benchmark.
Arthritis is a major cause of chronic pain for many adults. The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than one-third of American seniors have osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear form of the disease. Symptoms typically include joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
Such patients are often caught in a catch-22 situation. While research has shown that physical activity is effective for pain and overall function, the ongoing pain makes it hard to meet federal recommendations for at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity a week.
Not exercising leads to greater stiffness and deterioration in muscle strength, the researchers said.
For this study, the investigators wanted to see how someone's "self-efficacy" in the morning affected their day-to-day living with arthritis. This term refers to the degree to which people feel confident in their capacity to do or achieve something.
The researchers used accelerometers to track each participant's total number of steps and the physical intensity of their daily activities over roughly three weeks.
Each morning the patients also noted how confident they felt in their ability to keep active, their pain level, and their overall mood.
The research team found that those who felt more confident in the morning about their ability to get around did actually move more throughout the day. This was so despite shifting levels of pain, mood or support from a spouse.
The study was published recently in the journal Health Psychology.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2017-08-arthritis-difference.html

Certain occupations may put workers at increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

From news-medical.net

New research indicates that certain occupations may put workers at an elevated risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. The findings, which appear in Arthritis Care & Research, suggest that work-related factors, such as noxious airborne agents, may contribute to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
Environmental factors are thought to play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis by triggering autoimmune reactions in susceptible individuals. To examine whether certain occupational hazards and exposures might be involved, Anna Ilar, of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, and her colleagues analysed information from 3522 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and 5580 controls from the Swedish population-based EIRA (Epidemiological Investigation of Rheumatoid Arthritis) study. The study gathered information on environmental, genetic, and immunological factors collected from blood samples and questionnaires between 1996 and 2014.
The team found that male workers in the manufacturing sector had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than workers within the professional, administrative, and technical sectors (the reference group). Within the manufacturing sector, male electrical and electronics workers and material handling operators had a twofold increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis than the reference group. Bricklayers and concrete workers had a threefold increased risk.
Among women, assistant nurses and attendants had a slightly increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Those in the manufacturing sector did not, however. (This finding might be explained by the relatively small number of women who work in this sector compared with men.)
The researchers' analyses took into account participants' smoking habits, alcohol use, educational level, and body mass index, all of which are factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis. "Previous studies have not considered these lifestyle-related risk factors to the same extent.
Our findings, therefore, indicate that work-related factors, such as airborne harmful exposures, may contribute to disease development," said Ilar. "It is important that findings on preventable risk factors are spread to employees, employers, and decision-makers in order to prevent disease by reducing or eliminating known risk factors," she added.
More research is needed to pinpoint the exposures that may be involved. Potential suspects include silica, asbestos, organic solvents, and motor exhaust.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20170810/Certain-occupations-may-put-workers-at-increased-risk-of-developing-rheumatoid-arthritis.aspx

The Major Cause of Arthritis and How to Relieve It

By Norma Holt

The problems associated with arthritis can largely be avoided if people take more notice of prevention rather than seeking a cure. There is no relief if the joints affected are inflamed but what causes that condition is usually a health issue and diet is a big part of it. Women are often major sufferers because they provide the meals for their families. These usually include the very substances they need to avoid.

A healthy joint is one that moves freely with no restrictions. The bones glide over one another because of the articular cartilage that buffers the bony surface. This is lubricated by synovial fluid which is rather thick and is absorbed by the cartilage when the joint is at rest. When flexed into movement the fluid is squeezed out of it to again do its job.
The simplest way of explaining this is to think of a hinge that is oiled. If it rusts up one must replace the oil to free it again. But if it is corroded there is no way of fixing it.
Joints are hinges and when damaged, either by a break or a simple knock, they leak the synovial fluid out and it is replaced by substances that pass through the blood barrier. These include refined foods, such as ground flour, rice, or cornflour. Sugar also plays a part.

The beat way to preserve the joints is to protect them when playing sports and to seek immediate treatment for injuries. After that it is a case of good diet and constant awareness of what brings on arthritis and the food we need to avoid in order to prevent it. As with any medical condition there are always others causes and effects so there can be no guarantees.

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Major-Cause-of-Arthritis-and-How-to-Relieve-It&id=9755064

Specialist gadgets help arthritis sufferers retain independence

From barchester.com

Arthritis affects around ten million people in Britain today and is particularly prevalent in the elderly. As well as causing pain and discomfort, it can have a detrimental impact on the ability to live independently. Luckily, there are a number of gadgets on the market designed to help overcome the difficulties experienced by those living with the condition.

In a recent article for the Daily Mail, Dr Tom Margham, a GP and spokesman for Arthritis Research UK, looked at some of the products available. They can be used by those with osteoarthritis, the most common form of the condition, caused by wear and tear or injury. The less common type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, a result of the body’s own immune system attacking the joints. Many of these items are also useful for those with this form too.

The first of the items is called Sock-Aid and helps those with arthritis get their socks on and off. As well as the tube-like device, it comes with a stick for manoeuvring the equipment into the right position on the floor. The Sock-Aid could overcome the issues of flexibility, strength and range of movement that can be associated with arthritis, making getting dressed alone more achievable.

Simple actions, such as turning on the taps, can also be difficult to carry out for arthritis sufferers, but there’s a gadget to help. Tap turners can be placed over standard fixtures and provide a larger handle and turning circle, making the process so much easier and less painful. A pack of two comes in blue and red to make the different temperature taps distinguishable from each other.

Fancy a cup of tea? Then a two-handled teapot could be a good investment for a relative with arthritis. Developed in collaboration with the University of Stirling, a group of healthcare professionals and people with the condition, it is easier to grip, pour and keep steady. The wide handles help to prevent scalded knuckles and the weight is distributed between both hands.

Nobody should be forced to give up a beloved pastime due to arthritis and an easi-grip trowel could enable keen gardeners to enjoy the activity for longer. The handle is positioned at a right angle to the conventional trowel, which is much more comfortable for the hand and wrist. As light exercise, such as gardening, helps to promote strong muscles that can support joints, it’s a great activity to minimise the impact of the arthritis.

The ability to carry out simple tasks with the aid of a few gadgets, instead of a relative or carer, should not be underestimated. As well as the physical benefits of keeping joints moving, there are the mental implications too. Being able to dress themselves, prepare their own beverages and do other small household activities makes sufferers feel less reliant on other people and can therefore boost their self-esteem.

https://www.barchester.com/news/specialist-gadgets-help-arthritis-sufferers-retain-independence

6 unexpected ways arthritis can affect your eyes

From bt.com

You may not realise but the same inflammation that damages your joints can also harm your eyes. We found out what you need to know.

If you have arthritis, any change in vision should be addressed straight away and you should always have regular eye examinations to monitor your eye health. If you are at all concerned, visit your GP.

We spoke to Vision Direct to find out what to look out for and what to do to protect your vision:

1. Keratitis sicca or dry eye disease

Keratitis sicca, also known as dry eye disease, is any condition that decreases the level of moisture in your eyes.
This is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, women are nine times more likely to suffer from dry eyes than men.
The condition can leave your eyes feeling dry, or like there’s something in them, or with blurred vision.
To get relief from dry eyes you may be prescribed medications for arthritis, which will help with inflammation. Other solutions such as topical salves, artificial tears and also eye drops can help keep eyes moist.

2. Cataracts

A cataract occurs when inflammation of the eyeball causes the lens to become cloudy. The lens should usually be crystal clear.
This can cause cloudy or blurred vision, colours to seem faded and bad vision at night.
Cataracts are usually treated with surgery where the lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.

3. Uveitis

Uveitis is caused by inflammation of the uvea, which is the vascular layer of the eye.
This inflammation can result in blurred vision, pain, sensitivity to light and redness.
If left untreated, it can result in vision loss.
Keeping arthritis inflammation under control with medication can help minimize the risk of this developing. However, if you notice any signs of uveitis, it’s important to speak to your doctor immediately.
Initially, you will probably be given a corticosteroid eye drop. If this isn’t enough then you might be prescribed an oral corticosteroid or the eye injected with a corticosteroid. An antibiotic may also be needed in the case of infection.

4. Scleritis

This is inflammation of the sclera - the white part of your eye.
Any inflammatory arthritis conditions can cause it to thin. Look out for redness that won’t go away even with eye drops, pain, sensitivity to light and reduced vision as these can all be indicators of scleritis.
To treat it, special prescribed eye drops can often be used to control inflammation.
However, the issue may be too deep within the eye to control topically. This is often a sign that levels of arthritis inflammation are out of control within the body and it’s important to visit your doctor and keep it in check with medication.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve, which results in vision loss. Usually this is caused by high pressure within the eye, often caused by inflammation of the valve that regulates this pressure.
In the early stages, glaucoma presents no symptoms.
If you do develop symptoms these can include eye pain, blurred vision, blank spots and rainbow-colored halos near lights.
Going for regular eye tests can help you identify glaucoma early.
Treatment usually involves eye drops to help reduce the level of pressure in the eye. In more serious cases, surgery may be necessary to help lower the level of pressure.

6. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis happens when there is inflammation or an infection of the lining of your eyelids and the white of your eyes.
This is often a symptom of reactive arthritis and about half of people with reactive arthritis develop conjunctivitis according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
If you have redness in the white of the eye or inner lid, increased amount of tears, yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes (especially after sleep) or itchy or burning eyes, it could be conjunctivitis.
It’s typically treated by using chloramphenicol eye drops which are available to buy over the counter – though you should consult a doctor should symptoms persist.
In more severe cases, chloramphenicol and fusidic acid antibiotics may be prescribed.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/health/health-concerns/6-unexpected-ways-arthritis-can-affect-your-eyes-and-what-to-do-about-it-11364193314370

Cooking with arthritis: 8 ways to make preparing a meal easier

From bt.com

Painful hands can make cooking a tricky task for people with arthritis. We found out some useful tips to make things easier.

1. Use a plant stand for heavy pots

Filling a pan with lots of water can make it heavy.
One great tip is to put the empty pan on a plant stand with wheels and fill it with water using a measuring cup.
Then you can wheel it back to the hob to reduce the amount of lifting involved.

2. Use an apple corer

Keep chopping and slicing vegetables to a minimum with an apple corer. Use your forearms to put weight on the corer to slice through any vegetables you need to chop.

3. Make stirring easier

If you have difficulty stirring, switch to an electric handheld blender with a whisk. Try and find one that’s lightweight and easy to use.

4. Separate eggs the easy way

Separating egg whites from the yolk can be fiddly and frustrating. Crack an egg into a funnel over a bowl. This way the whites will run through the funnel into the bowl while the yolk stays put.

5. Hang pots and pans

This way you won’t have to bend down or move things around to get to them in cupboards.

6. Buy jars with easy-open lids

Thankfully, there are a number of brands that are making jars that are easier to open.
Jam-makers Duerr's has introduced the innovative easy-open Orbit lid across its range of jams and marmalades nationwide.

7. Keep an easy to use kettle

The Studio by Dualit Kettle is designed to be lightweight, has an easy-grip handle and gives the easiest of pours thanks to its low pouring angle preventing dangerous spills.

8. Open cans the easy way

Culinare’s nifty OneTouch Can Opener is the gadget you need if you struggle with fiddly tins.
The magnet button lifts and releases the lid easily for disposal and is ideal for those with limited hand mobility.

http://home.bt.com/lifestyle/house-home/home-hacks/cooking-with-arthritis-8-ways-to-make-preparing-a-meal-easier-11364189780934

Arthritis symptoms: Eating THIS twice a week could help painful joints

From express.co.uk

Eating oily fish one to two times a week can prevent or help existing arthritis, according to research.
Examples of oily fish include salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel.
It’s because they’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids which protect both the heart and brain.
White fish, such as cod, are less rich in the nutrient, but do contain some.
Indeed, a 2013 study published in journal Annals of Rheumatic Diseases found that eating at least one portion of oily fish a week could have halve rheumatoid arthritis risk.
It’s though that omega-3’s anti-inflammatory properties helps combat the joint disorder.
Paul Chamberlain, Head of Nutrition at Solgar, said: “Omega-3 family of fats play an important role in controlling inflammatory processes in the body.
“Hence those with any kind of ‘itis’ will often benefit from eating more omega-3 rich foods.

“Research also suggests that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the expression of cartilage-degrading enzymes, cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines that are involved in the progression of joint disorders.”
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis, alongside osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
The researchers from the 2013 study suggest that fish oil supplements may also be beneficial.
Chamberlain said: “Many people do not eat the recommended one to two portions of oily fish per week meaning they may lack omega-3 in their diet.”
This means that taking supplements may be an easy way to get the protective joint benefits.
The Arthritis Foundation recommend choosing fish oil capsules with at least 30 per cent EPA and DHA - the active ingredients - for arthritis-related conditions.
If you’re vegetarian, there are other dietary sources.
“Chamberlain added: “As well as oily fish, omega-3s are derived from some nuts and seeds such as walnuts and flax.”

http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/812261/arthritis-rheumatoid-osteoarthritis-symptoms-pain-joints

Excessive Texting May Lead to 'Smartphone Thumb' or Thumb Arthritis

From ndtv.com

The times we live in, a smartphone is of utmost importance. Sure, it helps us stay connected with a large network of people, but too much of it could also start showing negative implications of one's health and well-being. Ever heard of 'Smartphone Thumb'? Well, it is real, and it is one of the consequences of excessive texting. Doctors have warned that people who spend too much time texting may be at increased risk of having "smartphone thumb", a painful condition caused by repetitive movements of typing that may lead to arthritis in the thumb.

Formally known as tendinitis, the condition was earlier only seen in factory workers. It causes the tendon that bends and flexes the thumb to become inflamed. But with increased use of smartphone for our daily activities, this type of pain has become more common over the years in the US, according to a CBSNews.com report.

"One of the hypotheses is that, you know, the joints get loose and lax, and because of that the bones kind of move differently than they would in a normal situation," Kristin Zhao, a biomedical engineer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester was quoted as saying by CBS Minnesota.

"The movements we require our thumbs to make as we hold our phones are awkward. It's also a movement that requires some force through the thumbs. It's not just free movement in space," she explained. "Our hypothesis is that abnormal motion of bones in the thumb could be causing pain onset and eventual osteoarthritis."

The ways to prevent the problem include giving your thumbs a break, using your forefinger sometimes, and doing daily stretching exercises to keep your tendons limber, among others.

Inputs from IANS

http://food.ndtv.com/health/excessive-texting-may-lead-to-smartphone-thumb-or-thumb-arthritis-1705749

Older adults might be able to stave off arthritis knee pain with fibre

From reuters.com

Older people who eat the most fibre are at lower risk of developing knee pain and stiffness due to osteoarthritis (OA), new research shows.

Diets rich in fibre from plant-based foods have clear health benefits, such as lower cholesterol, better-controlled blood sugar, and a healthier weight, but most people in the U.S. don’t eat enough fibre, lead author Dr. Zhaoli Dai of Tufts University in Boston told Reuters Health.

The current average fibre intake among U.S. adults is about 15 grams, she noted. “This is far below the recommended level, which is 22.4 grams for women and 28 grams per day for men 51 years and above,” Dai said.



OA, which occurs when wear and tear on the joints degrades cartilage and leads to bone abnormalities, is extremely common in people 60 and older. It can be painful, and is also a leading cause of disability. There is no treatment for OA, aside from joint replacement, and therapies to address symptoms, such as anti-inflammatories for pain and swelling.

Given that dietary fibre is known to help prevent obesity and reduce inflammation, both of which are associated with arthritis, Dai’s team looked at diet and arthritis risk over time in two study groups. In the Osteoarthritis Initiative, which included 4,796 men and women with OA or at risk for OA, people who consumed the most dietary fibre at the start of the study were 30 percent less likely than those who ate the least fibre to develop knee pain, stiffness or swelling due to OA, or to worsening of OA, during four years of follow-up.

In the Framingham Offspring Study, which included 1,268 adults in their early 50s, on average, the top quarter of fibre consumers had a 61 percent lower risk of knee OA symptoms nine years later than the bottom quarter.

There are many mechanisms through which increased fibre intake could help ease knee arthritis symptoms, Dai said, for example by reducing inflammation and helping people to maintain a healthy weight. Fibre can also act as a pre-biotic, she added, meaning that it can help fuel the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut, which in turn also reduces inflammation.

In the Framingham Offspring Study, which included 1,268 adults in their early 50s, on average, the top quarter of fibre consumers had a 61 percent lower risk of knee OA symptoms nine years later than the bottom quarter.

There are many mechanisms through which increased fibre intake could help ease knee arthritis symptoms, Dai said, for example by reducing inflammation and helping people to maintain a healthy weight. Fibre can also act as a pre-biotic, she added, meaning that it can help fuel the growth of beneficial microbes in the gut, which in turn also reduces inflammation.

http://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-arthritis-fiber-idUSKBN18M1VQ

Aching joints CAN predict weather

From zehrcenter.com

Aching joints can really put a dent in your activities, especially in cold weather. We don’t often use “cold” and “Florida” in the same sentence, but temperatures do drop over the winter months. The factor that may be responsible for your aching joints is not snow, cold or rain, but actually, a change in barometric pressure. Barometric pressure is the force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the atmosphere at any given point. As cold weather moves in, the barometric pressure begins to drop.
Cold weather does not affect everyone with arthritis, but if you experience aching joints as the mercury drops, try the remedies below.
Layer your clothing. Layers trap body heat and help you avoid rapid temperature transitions between indoors and out. Pay special attention to the head, hands and feet, as majority of heat is lost from the body’s extremities. Make good use of hats, scarves, and mittens or gloves.

Stay active with low-impact indoor activities like mall-walking, yoga or dancing.
Stretch at least 10 minutes every morning to relax stiff muscles.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine as these products have a drying effect on cartilage. They also cause dehydration. Even mild dehydration can make you more sensitive to the pain of your aching joints.
Alternate heat therapy, such as warm baths and heating pads, which help to ease pain, with cold therapy, such as ice packs, to reduce swelling.
Get a massage. Research in the June 2015 issue of The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that getting an hour-long massage once a week for at least eight weeks reduces pain. This is most likely due to that fact that muscles surround your aching joints, which may be the source of some of the pain.

https://www.zehrcenter.com/aching-joints-can-predict-weather/

Cracking, popping joints may foretell arthritis

From whtc.com

(Reuters Health) - Grating, cracking or popping sounds around joints may predict future arthritis, especially in the knees, according to a recent U.S. study.
Among thousands of people with no knee pain who were followed for three years, one quarter had noisy knees yet they made up three quarters of the cases of symptomatic knee arthritis that emerged by the end of the study period, researchers found.
“Many people who have signs of osteoarthritis on X-rays do not necessarily complain about pain. Presently, there are no known strategies for preventing the development of pain in this group,” said lead study author Grace Lo of Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas.
Especially when people have joint space loss or other arthritis-related changes visible on X-rays, their also having noisy knees can be considered a sign of higher risk for developing pain within the next year, she said.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 30 million adults in the United States, Lo and colleagues write in Arthritis Care and Research. Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, which means X-ray evidence of arthritis plus pain or stiffness, affects about 16 percent of adults older than 60, they note.
Lo and colleagues analysed data from 3,495 participants ranging in age from about 50 to 70 in a long-term study conducted in hospitals in Rhode Island, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Maryland. None had symptomatic knee arthritis at the start.
The researchers looked at how often people experienced knee pain, stiffness and “crepitus,” or noises and scraping feelings in their knees.
During clinic visits, people were asked questions like, “Do you feel grinding, hear clicking or any other type of noise when your right knee moves?” and “During the past 12 months, have you had pain, aching or stiffness in or around your right knee on most days for at least one month?” The patients were evaluated at the beginning of the study and again at 12, 24 and 36 months. X-rays were also taken once a year.
At the start, 65 percent of participants said they had no crepitus, 11 percent experienced it “rarely,” 15 percent had it “sometimes” and 9 percent had it “often” or “always.”
Overall, 635 participants, 18 percent, developed symptomatic arthritis of the knee during the study period.
Even after adjusting for weight and other factors, researchers found that odds of developing symptomatic arthritis rose along with the frequency of crepitus. Those who reported it “rarely” had 50 percent higher risk than those who never had it, and those with crepitus “sometimes” or “often” had about double the odds.
People with crepitus “always” were three times more likely to develop arthritis over four years than those who never had it.
Older age and having crepitus also increased the likelihood of developing arthritis, and men with crepitus were more likely than women with noisy knees to go on to develop arthritis.
“Differences across genders is interesting and unexplained. This may tell us about differences in symptom reporting or the biology of osteoarthritis,” said Daniel Solomon, the chair of arthritis and population health at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
“Knowing how to predict who will develop symptomatic osteoarthritis may give patients and providers clues to who should receive earlier treatment or even prevention,” Solomon, who wasn’t involved in the study, told Reuters Health by email.
“It would be helpful to look at the MRIs of the people who had X-ray evidence, no pain and always had crepitus to understand what is happening in their knees,” Lo said. “This could help identify ways to decrease the risk for developing knee pain.”
Since MRI scans are more sensitive than X-rays, Lo added, researchers for future studies may be able to see osteophyte formations or other symptoms around the knee that they can’t usually see.
“Not all noises coming from a knee are a bad sign,” she said. “It might be helpful to ask your doctor for an X-ray to see if you have evidence of osteoarthritis and then take precautions from there.”

http://whtc.com/news/articles/2017/may/11/cracking-popping-joints-may-foretell-arthritis/

The best exercises for people with painful arthritis

From dianeatwood.com

Arthritis. The word means inflamed joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. It’s usually caused by wear and tear on the cartilage‚ the part of the joint that provides a cushion between the ends of the bones. When you lose that cushion you’ve got bone rubbing against bone. If you’ve got arthritis, no wonder you feel stiff and your joints hurt and you can’t move like you used to.
We humans aren’t the only ones prone to arthritis. Our pets and other animals fall victim. Apparently, so did creatures that roamed the earth with dinosaurs.
According to several news reports from 2012, “Scientists found signs of a degenerative condition similar to human arthritis in the jaw of a pliosaur — an ancient sea reptile that lived 150 million years ago. The discovery marks the first time arthritis-like diseases have been found in fossilized Jurassic reptiles.”
Osteoarthritis may be common and it may be ancient, but we still don’t completely understand what causes it or the best treatment. Here are some common risk factors and treatments, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation.

Common arthritis risk factors

• Age  The older you are, the more wear and tear on your joints. Although age is an important risk factor, it doesn’t mean that osteoarthritis is inevitable.

• Obesity  For every pound you gain, you add four pounds of pressure on your knees and six times the pressure on your hips. Research suggests that excess body fat produces chemicals that travel throughout the body and cause joint damage, which would mean that obesity plays a systemic, not just a mechanical, role in osteoarthritis onset.

• Injury or Overuse Athletes and people who have jobs that require doing repetitive motion, such as landscaping, typing or machine operating, are at increased risk because of injuries or stress on certain joints.

• Genetics or Heredity Genetics can play a role, especially in the hands.

• Muscle Weakness Weak muscles surrounding the knee can put you at risk. Strengthening exercises for thigh muscles may help reduce the risk.

Common arthritis treatments 

• Exercise
• Weight control
• Joint protection
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Medications
• Surgery

Osteoarthritis and exercise

Because their joints feel stiff and they hurt, many people with osteoarthritis stop being active, when regular exercise might help them feel better. Julia Dunfey is a physical therapist at Coastal Rehab, a private practice based in Southern Maine that provides occupational, physical, and speech therapy services to the geriatric community. She says the biggest misconception about osteoarthritis is that people think if it hurts to move, you shouldn’t. In fact, movement is a good thing. “It helps to lubricate the joints,” says Julia. “Movement produces more synovial fluid, which lubricates joints and helps them move more smoothly. It also brings nutrients to all the structures inside the joints. Not using a joint is going to make it deteriorate even more.”

Julia says low resistance, low impact, non-weight-bearing exercises are best for people with arthritis. A combination of strengthening and stretching exercises should keep your joints strong and flexible. Research shows that lifting weights or using resistance bands not only improves muscle strength and function but can also reduce pain. Exercises that move your joints through their entire range of motion can help ease stiffness.

Good choices for exercise

• Swimming
• Water aerobics
• Bicycling
• Stationary bike (a recumbent bike is a good alternative)
• Elliptical machine
• Tai Chi
• Resistance bands
• Chair exercises
• Gym that is “senior-friendly”

http://dianeatwood.com/exercise-arthritis/

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HEALTH LINES: Arthritis common condition, but not easily understood by all

From djournal.com

Arthritis is a condition that is very common, but not well understood by most. It is not a single disease. There are actually more than 100 types of arthritis.

More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis. It is more common in women and is the leading cause of disability in America. Common arthritis complaints are joint pain, swelling and stiffness.

Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, lupus) is an overreaction of the body’s immune system. The body attacks the cartilage and destroys it. Metabolic joint disease (gout) occurs when crystals are deposited in the joints and cause acute pain. These are best treated by a primary care physician, nurse practitioner or specialist (rheumatologist) with medications and changes in diet. Blood tests are often used in the diagnosis.

Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) is the most common type. Cartilage is the thick cushioning surface on the ends of bones. With time this cartilage can wear down (thinning/mild arthritis) and progress to the point where bone rubs on bone (severe arthritis).

Orthopaedic Sports Medicine has significantly advanced the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis. As a physician at NEO Sports Medicine, I am often asked when someone should seek medical treatment. Anyone in their teenage years or younger with a joint that stays swollen for more than a few days should be seen urgently to rule out cartilage damage or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Mild non-traumatic joint pain in someone 30 or older can start initial treatment with weight loss, anti-inflammatory medication (Aleve, Advil, Tylenol), and reasonable exercise that does not cause pain. Primary care physicians can prescribe stronger anti-inflammatories.

If this does not provide relief, a referral to an orthopaedist is the next step. Patients should not assume an appointment means imminent surgery. X-rays will give the doctor a good idea of the condition of the joint. At NEO Sports Medicine, physicians look at the whole person not just a joint. Many times a course of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles (the “shock absorbers” of a joint) will help. A steroid injection into the joint can also provide relief. Braces can also be used on a short-term basis to give the joint a rest.

Joint pain is not always arthritis. Torn cartilage can often be repaired with an outpatient arthroscopic surgery using a small camera that is quite minor. An MRI can be helpful to get a better picture of the joint. For major joint damage that has failed conservative treatment, a joint replacement can provide life-changing relief. Replacements are available for the knee, hip, shoulder and even finger joints.

Modern joint replacements are now meant to last longer than 15 years and can allow patients to get back to a more active lifestyle. My partners and I provide accurate diagnoses and seek to exhaust all forms of conservative treatment. If surgery is indicated, we provide minimally invasive joint surgery to get patients back to the lifestyle they desire.

http://djournal.com/lifestyle/health-lines-arthritis-common-condition-not-easily-understood/

Spotting chronic conditions: 6 ways to manage arthritis pain

From sunriseseniorliving.com

While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways for individuals to treat their condition and lead otherwise healthy lives.
Arthritis is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that impact the joints, which can lead to pain, inflammation and other symptoms, the Arthritis Foundation detailed. Although there are many forms of arthritis - over 100, in fact - the term is widely used to discuss the two most common forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Read on to learn more about this common health problem and some of the best ways to help manage it:
Strategies for managing arthritis
In terms of medical treatment, there are a range of options for arthritis patients, including medication and surgery. Treatments will vary, contingent on the patient and the kind of arthritis he or she is experiencing. Patients may find that just one form of treatment works, while others will need to try multiple approaches. Surgery can be used to insert new joint or help repair damaged ones. This strategy is typically only employed as a last resort. Most commonly patients are prescribed pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs, many of which can be procured over the counter. There are also medication options for those exclusively experiencing rheumatoid arthritis: Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, as they are known, work to disrupt the immune system while it attacks joints, relieving symptoms.
In addition to medical treatments, there are a number of strategies that arthritis patients can try in their daily lives to try and manage pain and reduce swelling. They include:
1. Exercise
While this strategy may seem counterintuitive given that arthritis is a disease that impacts the joints, exercise can actually help relieve arthritis pain, Healthline explained. The best forms of exercise for arthritis patients are those that are low-impact - so essentially any water-based activity, such as swimming. Certain forms of high-impact activity, such as running, should be avoided, however, as they can exacerbate symptoms. This is because such exercises put additional stress on joints, increasing the risk of further damage and pain.
2. Weight management
Being overweight or obese can place stress on inflamed and painful joints. As such, an effective strategy for managing arthritis pain is weight management, Everyday Health explained. For those already overweight, making an effort to lose extra pounds will likely result in less severe arthritis symptoms.

3. Consumption of fatty acids According to Healthline, omega-3 fatty acids can be effective at helping to manage pain in the joints. Found primarily in oily fish, eating fatty acids at least a couple of times a week will likely be beneficial for those experiencing arthritis. Incorporating fatty acids into one's diet also carries an array of other health benefits. For those who do not like sea food, omega-3 fatty acids can be taken as supplements. 4. Acupuncture therapy
As detailed by the Mayo Clinic, acupuncture is an ancient technique used to treat a wide range of conditions, including arthritis symptoms. The process works using needles on the skin, across the body. A number of studies have indicated that the therapy can be effective for relieving pain in some patients.
5. Sleep and rest
Arthritis pain and inflammation increases with fatigue, according to Very Well magazine, so arthritis patients are encouraged to get the recommended amount of sleep each night - around eight hours - and to take regular breaks when pain and inflammation increase.
6. Stress management
According to Everyday Health, feeling stressed on a routine basis can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Arthritis patients, therefore, are encouraged to find ways to manage daily stress and anxieties, whether that's physical activities such as yoga or meditation or meeting with a therapist. There are also now a number of smartphone apps available designed to make stress management efforts easier.

https://www.sunriseseniorliving.com/blog/april-2017/spotting-chronic-conditions-6-ways-to-manage-arthritis-pain.aspx

Lady Gaga Suffers From Chronic Pain From Rheumatoid Arthritis

From inquisitr.com

Lady Gaga always brings awareness whether it’s for her health or for the advocacy of others. The singer is gracing the cover of Arthritis magazine, which hit newsstands on Wednesday, March 28. Inside the new issue, Lady Gaga talks about her struggle with rheumatoid arthritis and how she doesn’t let it stop her from performing.

On the magazine, she’s quoted saying, “Hip pain can’t stop me!” and “I fought RA pain with my passion.” It doesn’t look like Gaga posed for a photo shoot for the unconventional magazine. While it’s certainly not a pop culture or fashion magazine, Gaga’s fans will appreciate that she’s continuing to speak out about her health issues.
The “Million Reasons” singer has always been open about her health issues. It may be unusual to see Lady Gaga on the cover of Arthritis magazine, but it’s for all for good reason. The entertainer wants people to know that anyone can get arthritis at any age. Back in 2013, she had to cancel the remaining dates of her “Born This Way Ball” in order to undergo surgery for a broken hip.
“My injury was actually a lot worse than just a labral tear,” she previously revealed to Women’s Wear Daily. “I had broken my hip. Nobody knew, and I haven’t even told the fans yet.”

“But when we got all the MRIs finished before I went to surgery there were giant craters, a hole in my hip the size of a quarter, and the cartilage was just hanging out the other side of my hip. I had a tear on the inside of my joint and a huge breakage. The surgeon told me that if I had done another show I might have needed a full hip replacement.”

Gaga has documented her battle with chronic pain on Instagram. According to Self Magazine, the 30-year-old singer documented her health in a series of Instagram posts and even talked about her natural remedies for dealing with the pain.
“Having a frustrating day with chronic pain, but I find myself feeling so blessed to have such strong, intelligent female doctors,” she captioned one photo. “I think about Joanne too and her strength and the day it gets a little easier. Plus I got @wanaynay by my side. ‘Hey Girl, we can make it easy if we lift each other.'”
According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic pain is a long-time battle. Over one in 10 Americans or 25.3 million adults suffer every day from chronic pain, according to NIH data released in 2015.
Chronic pain is hard to diagnose as it could come from anything. Some of the factors that cause pain include stress, injury, or health issues. Gaga revealed that if her body spasms, she will use an infrared sauna. She will wrap herself up in silver emergency blankets inside a hot room. Gaga then follows up her treatment with an ice bath and places cold packs on her body where she experiences the pain.
“Hope this helps some of you, it helps me to keep doing my passion, my job and the things I love even on days when I feel like I can’t get out of bed,” she said.

http://www.inquisitr.com/4102683/lady-gaga-suffers-from-chronic-pain-from-rheumatoid-arthritis/

7 Surprising Arthritis Symptoms Every Woman Needs To Know

From prevention.com

You know sore, achy joints are arthritis's hallmark. But pain isn't the only symptom an arthritis sufferer may have to contend with.
"In a lot of cases, people notice other things showing up before they ever have pain," says Kevin Shea, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Luke's Health System in Boise.
There are more than a dozen different types of arthritis, and Shea says each type is associated with its own set of symptoms. Also, every individual arthritis sufferer may experience the disease in her own way, he adds.
Why keep an eye out for these symptoms? "Depending on the type of arthritis, if you catch it early your doctor may be able to help you slow its progression," Shea says. Early detection could also give your doc the chance to administer anti-inflammation drugs, or recommend lifestyle changes that will keep you on your feet and active.

So what are those non-pain symptoms you need to watch out for? Keep reading.

Stiffness

For a lot of people, arthritis begins as feelings of joint stiffness. "You try to bend or straighten the joint, and it feels tight or full," Shea says. "It also may be hard to move to one side." This stiffness could strike any time (or all the time), but tends to be worse early in the day—before you've had time to "warm up" your joints, he adds. These 7 stretches can help ease your arthritis pain.

Swelling

Compare your left wrist or knee to your right. If one looks bigger or puffier than the other—and assuming you didn't recently sprain or injure the joint in question—that swelling could indicate arthritis. "Sometimes people notice the swelling more towards the end of the day," Shea says. You may also find that the swelling accompanies feelings of joint stiffness.

Catching Or Grinding

If your knee or wrist ever feels like its tendons are somehow tied up or "catching" on one another, that's another early symptom, Shea says. "Sometimes a patient will notice the catching or grinding, and then the pain will come later," he explains.

Fatigue

Unlike degenerative arthritis, which is basically "wear and tear" that slowly breaks down the padding of your joints, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which your body's immune system attacks your joints, Shea says. This could lead to inflammation, both acute (in or around your joint) and systemic (throughout your body). Systemic inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis could leave you feeling unusually wiped out or fatigued.

Fever Or Loss Of Appetite

These are two more symptoms associated with the kind of systemic inflammation that stems from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because RA sufferers tend to experience "flare-ups," or periodic increases in inflammation, these symptoms may be strong at times and absent at others, says the Arthritis Foundation.

Redness Or Skin Rashes

In some cases, arthritis sufferers may notice their joints look red or irritated—even if they aren't hurting, Shea says. Also, a form of the disease called "psoriatic arthritis" can cause red, flaky, scaly skin issues.

Poor Range Of Motion

Your wrist or ankle seems less mobile than it used to be. Or maybe you reach for a high shelf, and your shoulder doesn't want to lift your arm above your head. These and other range-of-motion issues—especially if accompanied by pain—are often associated with arthritis, Shea says.

http://www.prevention.com/health/7-surprising-arthritis-symptoms/slide/7