‘Shock absorber’ implant boosts mobility in people with arthritis

From accessandmobilityprofessional.com

A special implant that is surgically fitted into patients’ knees has been found to increase mobility in people with arthritis and is now being trialled by NHS hospitals.
The device acts as a shock absorber and is designed to grant people suffering with arthritis better mobility without requiring major surgery to replace the joint.
Currently in the development phase, the device – called Atlas – is being used by a handful of NHS hospitals in Harrogate, Aintree, Rotherham, Warrington and Glasgow.
The implant works by acting like a car suspension and claims to remove the equivalent of two stones of pressure of strained knees.
Private treatment costs about £13,500 and its developers hope it will be used on younger, highly active, sporty people who place a lot of strain on their knees.
Around 60,000 people have their knees replaced in the UK each year but artificial joints often need to be replaced in active people every 10 years.
The Atlas device is attached to the femur with surgical screws and then another metal plate is attached to the tibia. A spring between the two metal plates made from compressible resin absorbs impact.  
Mike McNicholas, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Aintree University Hospital, told a national newspaper that one of the patients to receive the implant has since completed a number of Ironman triathlons.

https://www.accessandmobilityprofessional.com/shock-absorber-implant-boosts-mobility-in-people-with-arthritis/

Best Exercises To Ease Wrist Arthritis Pain

From bitneni.com/health

The hand is a common place in our body that can be affected by arthritis. As the condition tears away the cartilages of our joints, it makes the patient to feel pain, soreness and stiff. Simple activities such as gripping a pen, opening a jar or typing on your computer can become difficult and painful. Medical treatments for arthritis are available. Your physician may recommend pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to help stop the symptoms from appearing. In severe cases, injection of steroids can be performed. There are also surgical procedures for wrist arthritis that can be performed if your condition cannot be stopped by simple treatment.
However, before you decide to undergo complex surgeries, you may want to consider doing several exercises to alleviate the swelling, stiffness and discomfort. Try the following exercises alongside the wrist paint medications recommended by your physician. The following exercises will aid with the flexion of the joints found in your wrists and hands and can be practiced anywhere at any time.

Make A Fist

Begin by holding the affected hand up in a straight position as if you are about to do a handshake but you don’t need to reach out your arm. Gradually curl your hand into a fist wherein your thumb must be seen outside of the fist. It is critical to do this as gently as you can so that squeezing the hand is unneeded. Once the fist has been completed, slowly open your hand and go back to its original position. Repeat these routine 10 times then switch to other arm if it is also affected.

Bending The Fingers

This exercise starts the same way as the previous exercise. Then bend your thumb down slowly until it reaches your palm. While you are doing this, keep the other fingers from moving. Hold the position for a few seconds then slowly bring your thumb back up. Repeat the exercise for each finger. Also do this on the other hand.

Stretching The Thumb

This exercise starts the same as the bending the fingers exercise but, rather than bending your thumb to reach the palm, your aim is to reach the base of your pinky finger. It is not required to touch the base of the pinky finger. However, you should stretch your thumb as far as it can reach. Hold the position for 10 seconds then slowly release the pressure. Repeat it 10 times and then switch to the other hand.

“O” Exercise

Also called the “claw” exercise, it begins with your affected hand held up in the sky as if you are about to give someone a high-five. Spread all your fingers apart then gently curve all your fingers until they touch each other. Remember that you don’t need to let them touch all at once. This exercise is best done when you feel your hands are getting painful and stiff.

Table Bend

Begin the exercise by doing the handshake position but rest the side of your hand on a table or any flat surface so that your thumb is point to the ceiling. Keep your thumb in that position while slowly folding your fingers inward. By the end of the exercise, you should be in a “thumbs up” pose. Keep this position for 10 seconds and then back to the starting position. Repeat 5 to 10 times then switch to the other hand.

Finger Lifting

Place one hand on a table with the palm facing down and fingers are wide spread. Gradually raise your thumb as high as possible while keeping your other fingers flat on the table. Hold the thumb in that position for 10 seconds then lower it to original position. Repeat the exercise for each of your fingers.

Wrist Stretching

When arthritis of the hand strikes, it does not just affect your fingers but your wrists as well. Start by stretching out one arm with your wrist loose and the palm of your hand hanging down facing inwards. Reach around using the other hand and press against the back of the loose hand. Slowly push the loose hand towards your body. Push until you feel the pressure from your wrists and arms then hold the position for 10 seconds before going back to original position. Repeat the exercise 10 times and then switch to the other hand.

https://bitneni.com/health/best-exercises-to-ease-wrist-arthritis-pain/

Manage your arthritis with exercise

From monitor.co.ug

Resty Nakimbugwe had battled painful knees for quite a while before she was diagnosed with arthritis. Due to the pain, movement became cumbersome with time. “Although I had lived an active life, I started slowing down because sometimes the pain would become intense,” Nakimbugwe says. With time, she even stopped bothering to take a simple walk. “That came with weight gain, which made the pain worse,” she shares.

Arthritis is when there is wear and tear of joints and cartilages. It affects people in various ways. However, Norbert Bwana, a physiotherapist at Physique Physiotherapy Services, says when one gets arthritis in the knees and ankles, weight loss is very important. “Excess weight would make the pain excruciating,” he says. However, since arthritis comes with pain, there are some exercises that these persons may not indulge in. Bwana says these include running where one has to wholly bear their weight.
Robert Ddamulira of Robbie Fitness, suggests some exercises that these persons can do in order to either reduce weight or keep the weight at bay.

As you consider starting an arthritis exercise program, understand what’s within your limits and what level of exercise is likely to give you results.  

Step-ups
Find a raised platform such as a step or board and slowly step on it as you raise the other leg. It is important that one does the exercise slowly so as not to make the knees or ankles hurt more.

Squats
These can be single leg squats or both legs. However, depending on the level of arthritis, the squats could be painful. Therefore, modifying them would be great to help in building strength and balance.
Start while seated; say on a chair, then stand, keeping your weight on your heels. That stops your knees from shifting forward. Then sit again and repeat. If that is not working, you could stand with a fitness ball between your back and a wall. Then press on the ball as you slowly lower yourself toward the floor.

Muscle strengthening
Bwana adds that apart from weight reduction, there is need to strengthen the muscles that support your knees and keep them flexible. Hence the need for muscle strengthening exercises. One of such exercises is one that strengthens the quadriceps (upper thigh muscles). However, these must be done without putting a lot of weight on your knees.
For example, lie on your back on the floor or any flat surface. Then bend one knee, placing your foot flat on the floor while keeping the other leg straight. Raise the straight leg to the height of the opposite knee. Repeat the work out for about 10-15 times in a slow manner.

Apart from strengthening the quadriceps, you also need to work on the hamstring curls - muscles along the back of your thigh. To do that, lie flat on your stomach and slowly bring your heels as close to your bottom as possible and maintain that position. Just like with the upper thigh muscles, do these for 15 minutes.
Apart from lying down, you can do the exercise while standing as you hold on to a chair or table and lift one leg at a time. With time, it will get easier making it possible to add ankle weights during the exercise. Gradually increase the weights to make the exercise more effective. However, Bwana advises against straining a lot as that will intensify the pain.

Knee braces
Should pain set in, Bwana suggests the use of knee braces. “There are various types, such as the elastic ones. Get the one that suits your level of arthritis to reduce the pain and the impact of the weight,” he advises.
One can also use a cold compress for 10 minutes, tops to relieve the pain. “Beyond 10 minutes may cause a cold burn,” Bwana cautions.

How will I know if I have overdone it?
If an hour after you have finished exercising, you are still aching or feel more sore than when you started, you may have overdone it. You should feel as if your muscles have done some work and have stretched a little after exercise, but you should not be exhausted or in more discomfort. Have a rest for the following day and start again the day after, but halve the amount of exercise. Then gradually increase it by a few minutes each day. If you have overdone it, particularly if a joint is hot or swollen, cover the joint with an ice pack wrapped in a damp towel for 10–15 minutes.

https://www.monitor.co.ug/Magazines/HealthLiving/Manage-your-arthritis-with-exercise/689846-4943488-15hlby2z/index.html

Arthritis: Four exercises to help relieve shoulder pain

From express.co.uk

Arthritis causes pain, stiffness and inflammation of certain joints. The most commonly affected joints are the hands, spine, knees and hips, but the shoulders can also be affected.
Shoulder pain can be caused by both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which are the two most common types of arthritis in the UK.
While there is no cure for arthritis, exercising the affected joints can help relieve pain and symptoms.

Shoulder pain that is not linked with arthritis will usually disappear after a couple of weeks, but exercise can help speed up the process.

Here are four exercises, recommended by Versus Arthritis, to help relieve shoulder pain and strengthen the shoulder muscles.

Shoulder stretch
Standing in an upright position, squeeze your shoulder blades back and together, holding the pose for five seconds.
Pull your shoulder blades downwards and hold this position for another five seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.

Door press version A
Stand in a doorway with your right elbow bent at a right angle and the back of your wrist against the right side of the door frame.

Try to push your arm outwards against the door frame and hold for five seconds. Do three sets of 10 repetitions with each arm.

Door press version B
Stand in a doorway with your left elbow bent at a right angle and the palm of your hand against the right side of the door frame.
Try to push the palm of your hand towards the door frame and hold for five seconds. Do three sets of 10 repetitions with each arm.

Shoulder circle
Stand with one hand resting on the back of a chair. Let the other arm hang down and try to swing it gently backwards and forwards in a circular motion.

Repeat about five times and try to do this two to three times a day.
“Although you should aim for a balance between rest and exercise, it’s best to remain generally active and try to exercise every day,” said Versus Arthritis.
Taking painkillers can help ease pain, while taking them before exercise can help you to stay active without causing extra pain.
If pain increases when exercising, stop doing it and seek medical advice, warns Versus Arthritis.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1068335/arthritis-rheumatoid-arthritis-osteoarthritis-symptoms-shoulder-pain-exercise

Rheumatoid arthritis warning - the feeling in your chest you should never ignore

From express.co.uk

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. But the condition, which affects about 400,000 people in the UK, could also cause this feeling in the chest - are you at risk?

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis to be diagnosed in the UK.
It’s an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.
It can leave the joints feeling sore and inflamed, and could even damage the surrounding cartilage or tendons.
You could be at risk of the condition if you have a severe pain in your chest, it’s been revealed.

People with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of some symptoms in other parts of their body, including in their mouth.
They’re more at risk of an autoimmune condition, known as Sjogren’s syndrome.
The condition’s main symptoms include dry mouth and dry eyes, said the Arthritis Foundation.
“Everyone has a dry mouth now and then – from nerves, stress, too much exercise or too little water,” it said.
“But if your dry mouth doesn’t go away – no matter how much H2O you drink – the problem may lie with your salivary glands.
“If you have rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, you’re also at increased risk of Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder whose main symptoms are dry mouth and eyes.

“Dry mouth is uncomfortable and can present daily challenges, including the inability to taste or enjoy food.
“More important, it affects your oral health and digestion. Saliva contains antibacterial compounds that prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.”
Sjogen’s syndrome is a long term condition that affects part son the body that produce fluid, said the NHS.
As well as dry mouth and eyes, it can lead to tiredness, joint pain, vaginal dryness and dry skin.
Speak to a GP if you’re worried about the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome, it said.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Common symptoms include joint pain and restricted movement                                                                     (Image: GETTY Images)

Rheumatoid arthritis patients are also at risk of long-term other medical conditions.
Widespread inflammation is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis, and is likely to affect the lungs, heart, eyes, and blood vessels.
Spotting the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis early is crucial, as early treatment could limit the risk of complications.
People most at risk of rheumatoid arthritis include women and smokers.
Those with a family history of the condition could also have a higher chance of developing the arthritis.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1039617/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-joint-pain-signs-dry-mouth

Do You Have Arthritis? Stay Away From These Five Foods

From 360nobs.com

Arthritis has been a common disorder and it is usually characterized by inflammation and pain in the joint. While there are different types of arthritis including psoriatic, rheumatoid, and osteoarthritis – the treatment for all kinds usually focuses on reducing inflammation.
Researchers have however found that certain foods commonly trigger painful swelling, and your doctor may recommend that you try an elimination diet to determine which ones bother you the most. While no diet can cure arthritis, you can have reduced inflammation when you pay attention to your diet.
Here are a few foods that trouble people with arthritis.

Dairy Products
Dairy products contain a type of protein that scientists believe irritate the tissue surrounding your joints. It doesn’t bother everyone, but adults don’t really need much dairy in their diets anyway.
You can try eliminating dairy to see if your bad arthritis days decrease. It’s easy to replace the protein in dairy with foods like quinoa, lentils, nut butters, tofu, beans, and spinach.

Tobacco
Tobacco is not technically a food, but is something that is quite harmful to put into your body. Studies reveal that smokers are at a higher risk for rheumatoid arthritis, and it is damaging to joints, bones, and connective tissue. If you don’t have arthritis already, you may be able to prevent it by quitting smoking now.
If you have been diagnosed, definitely quit smoking! Not only does it cause painful symptoms, it makes arthritis treatment less effective and causes additional complications if you ever need surgery.

Alcohol
Drinking alcohol frequently makes you more likely to develop gout, a disease that can cause arthritis particularly in the feet. When you have gout, uric acid is not metabolized correctly, creating tiny crystals that irritate your joints and results in inflammation. Too much alcohol also forces your liver to work overtime, weakening it and causing yet more inflammation.

Added Sugars
A high daily intake of sugar can worsen your inflammation and that is exactly what you are trying to avoid. That’s because of a spike in advanced glycation end products (or AGEs), which occur when protein or fat in the body interacts with sugar.
AGEs are responsible for accelerated aging, increased risk factors for heart disease and diabetes, and of course, inflammation. Processed sugars can also cause the release of cytokines, the body’s inflammatory messengers.

MSG
Food additives such as monosodium glutamate are notably troublesome for people with arthritis. It is a salt-based powder added to many Asian foods like soy sauce, but not just Asian foods.
You are likely to find MSG in many salad dressings, soup mixes, fast foods, and deli meats. The main issue with it is probably the sodium content, which can cause water retention and swelling.

https://www.360nobs.com/2019/01/do-you-have-arthritis-stay-away-from-these-five-foods/

Home Remedy of the Week: 6 Natural Remedies to Reduce Gout Inflammation

From latestly.com

Arthritis is a wide term for more than 100 types of bone or joint pains. The pain related to arthritis can be mild to severe, with further symptoms such as swelling, stiffness and reduced motion range depending on the type of arthritis you are having. Gout is a type of arthritis that becoming increasingly common these days among people of old age. While the causes of Gout is similar to osteoarthritis, Gout is caused by high uric acid build-up in the blood. The problem increases when the Uric acid gets stored in joints and cause inflammation, pain and discomfort.

While you are always advised meet a professional and get on the expert treatment, a few natural remedies can also help relieve the symptoms of gout. Here are a few natural remedies that have known to help people having gout.

Foods Rich in Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral that your body needs. A deficiency in magnesium is known to be a significant cause behind the chronic inflammation in the body. Moreover, studies have proven that an appropriate amount of magnesium can also help lower the levels of uric acid to a healthy level.

Celery

Celery seeds or celery is known to have anti-inflammatory effects on the body and is also known to be a popular home remedy for gout. Including celery in the diet in form of sticks, extracts, supplements, juice etc. may be of good help.

Ginger

Ginger is anyway known to be a great food to help decrease any kind of inflammation in the body, and this culinary food and herb are also known for its ability to help relieve gout. Studies conclude that topically applying ginger can help reduce pain related to uric acid in gout cases. Moreover, Ginger is also known to reduce high levels of uric acid (hyperuricemia) and their serum uric acid level.

Hibiscus

The beautiful Hibiscus is known to have excellent health benefits as well. Consumed in forms of food and tea as well this garden flower serves as a great herbal remedy to help treat gout. Hibiscus has also been known to maintain lower uric acid levels.

Cold or hot packs

Treating the inflamed area with hot and cold packs or simply immersing your feet in hot or cold water can also help relieve gout. Sometimes an alternate hot and cold application may also help.

Epsom salt baths

Epsom salt baths have gained immense popularity in recent times. While Epsom salt baths have been known to have many health benefits, it can also help relieve gout and prevent gout attacks. Magnesium from Epsom salt can can’t be absorbed through the skin via an Epsom salt bath, and in turn, help ease inflammation.
Home remedies may not provide you with the "cure" for any health issues, but they do act as therapies that can help you heal apart from the primary treatment.

https://www.latestly.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/home-remedy-of-the-week-6-natural-remedies-to-reduce-gout-inflammation-570525.html

Knee pain at night, causes and home remedies

From belmarrahealth.com

Knee pain at night is a common problem, as by the time the night falls and you finally lay to rest, the day’s activities finally catch up to you, causing worsened knee pain. Nightly knee pain can keep you awake, disturbing your sleep and thus causing even greater health problems.
The likelihood of experiencing knee pain at night grows with age. Night-time pain is also commonly seen in overweight or obese individuals, or those put an added stress on the knee through strenuous activities.
To better understand knee pain at night, we will outline the common causes and share how you can treat knee pain at night from the comfort of your own home.

Knee pain at night causes

Common causes of knee pain at night include sprains and strains, anterior knee pain, menisci or cartilage damage, osteoarthritis tendonitis, bursitis, torn ligaments or tendons, bleeding into the joint, Osgood Shatler’s disease, gout, septic arthritis, overuse, and obesity.
Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of knee pain at night because when you lay down the muscles surrounding the knee begin to relax. When cartilage between the bones is thin, as seen in osteoarthritis, the bones end up rubbing against each other, causing pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and a form of arthritis. It can contribute to knee pain at night as the immune system wrongfully attacks the joints, thus causing pain and deformity.
Gout: Another type of arthritis, gout is caused by excess uric acid, which forms crystals in the joints, causing pain and swelling. Gout flare-ups are quite common at night.
Trauma or obesity: Injuring the knee or being overweight can cause knee pain at night. Carrying extra weight puts added stress on the knees, so pain can emerge at night when you relax.
Certain medications: Certain medications like statins for cholesterol have been found to lead to night-time knee pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis: Another autoimmune disease, which typically involves the spine, but may also affects the knees, too. Pain in ankylosing spondylitis worsens when a person is lying down.
Bursitis: This is caused by repetitive movements that cause build-up of fluid over the knee joint. Pain worsens when the knee is bent. The condition is seen in professions like carpet layers and football players.
Septic arthritis: This is a serious painful condition, which is also followed by feelings of unwell and a fever. The knee becomes infected and built-up fluid must be drained for proper treatment.
Tendonitis: Overuse of the knee or injury to the connective tissue is often caused by jumping activities. Tendonitis can cause redness, swelling, and knee pain at night. Ice packs, pain relievers, and rest can often help heal tendonitis.

How to prevent knee pain at night

There are means to help you reduce knee pain at night, such as resting the knee and applying heat or ice to the area before heading to bed. You may also consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation prior to going to sleep.
During the day, take the time to exercise the leg muscles in order to strengthen the surrounding muscles of the knee for greater support.
If knee pain at night persists, you will then want to speak to your doctor to uncover exactly what the underlying issue is and get into any treatment plan they may put you on.

Home remedies for knee pain at night

Here are some further prevention tips and home remedies to help you better manage your knee pain at night.

• Avoid carrying heavy objects
• Wear knee guards when engaging in sports and other activities
• Stretch prior to any physical activity
• Use correct techniques when lifting, exercising, or performing any physical activity
• Use appropriate equipment for your size, strength, and ability
• Avoid overuse of the knees and make modifications to prevent it
• Ensure you exercise your legs and perform stretches whenever possible
• Avoid activities that put excess stress on the knees
• Wear proper footwear – avoid heels
• Replace shoes every 300 to 500 miles (480 to 800 kilometres) – this is roughly three months
• Rest your knee
• Apply ice or a heat pack
• Use compression wraps
• Keep the knee elevated
• Use an assistive device like a cane or crutches to avoid added stress on the knee until it begins to feel better
• Get a massage
• Don’t smoke – smoking delays healing as it limits blood circulation
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications

By following these tips, you can help promote relief to your aching knees. If the cause of your knee pain at night is more serious, ensure you follow your doctor’s orders and treatment plan.

https://www.belmarrahealth.com/knee-pain-at-night-causes-and-home-remedies/