8 Arthritis Myths Busted

From versionweekly.com

“There are more than 100 different types of arthritis known to exist, each having a different cause and different treatment”

Causes And Types Of Arthritis

A combination of genetic and external environmental factors are the cause of arthritis, which is the inflammation of the joints. Mostly characterized by joint pain and stiffness, arthritis can affect either one joint or multiple joints. Environmental factors include repetitive injury to a joint, smoking, high consumption of alcohol and sugary drinks, sedentary lifestyle and obesity increases the risk of arthritis. Also, sometimes an infection or an allergic reaction can give rise to short-lived arthritis.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In OA, it is often the weight bearing joints that get swollen and stiff. These include the knees, spine and hips. In RA, the fingers, hands and wrist joints are the most affected. There are also more than 100 different types of arthritis known to exist, each having a different cause and different treatment. Also, there are several misconceptions and myths that revolve around this ailment. Here are some of these myths along with the facts.

Myth 1

Arthritis Is An Inevitable Part Of Getting Older
Yes, arthritis is more likely to strike when you are older. But it can also strike the working age group. And while there’s no cure, early treatment can delay the symptoms from appearing. Or you could stop your arthritis from getting worse, if you already have the symptoms.

Myth 2

Warm And Dry Climate Is Better For Arthritis
You may experience a temporary improvement in symptoms, it you move to a warm and dry climate, But medical research shows that your joints adapt and your symptoms tend to go back to what they were in the long run.

Myth 3

Cracking Knuckle Joints Causes Arthritis
Studies show that cracking your knuckles don’t increase your risk of developing arthritis. The cracking sound is simply believed to be pressure changes in your joint’s lubricant (synovial) fluid, causing the collapse of gas bubbles in the fluid. It doesn’t damage the joints.

Myth 4

X-Rays Reveal The Truth About Arthritis
X-rays may often be an unreliable guide for arthritis symptoms. For example, you may have a perfectly normal x-ray, but experience a lot of pain – or have severe osteoarthritic changes on your X-ray, but not necessarily feel a lot of pain.
The most effective way to diagnose arthritis is based on whether you have symptoms (pain, stillness, weakness and negative impact on your ability to do things), as well as other tests, such as a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis or for gout and finding uric acid crystals in fluid taken from your joints.

Myth 5

Drinking Vinegar Reduces Arthritis Pain And Disease Progression By Altering The pH Of Your Blood
While this sounds appealing, the truth of the matter is that neither of these claims are valid. First, the things that we ingest do not alter the pH of our blood, because not only do our bodies adjust their pH before they are absorbed into the bloodstream, but the gastrointestinal tract is designed to absorb nutrients we need and eliminate the ones we do not, through waste.

Myth 6

There Is Just One Type Of Arthritis
There are over a 100 types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and fibromyalgia. There are many forms of arthritis resulting in joint stiffness, joint inflammation and pain that makes getting out of bed in the morning agonizing, rising from your chair torture, or even a once easy task, of getting in and out of your car a monumental achievement!

Myth 7

The Only Treatment For Arthritis Pain Is Pills Or Surgery
In order to make an informed decision, you need to be armed with the latest in arthritis treatment choices. Sometimes surgery is necessary, but before surgery the alternate options should always be explored first. Medicines are sometimes a necessary evil. Evil, because over time they can cause liver toxicity and can also increase your susceptibility to life-threatening infections. However, on the other hand, they are necessary at times because they help alleviate pain.

Functional exercise treatment through regular exercises (physiotherapy) also increases people’s functional independence and daily movement, enabling one to get through daily routines with lesser pain. But these tend to be successful only at early stages. The surgeon will evaluate the exact stage of arthritis and advise if surgery is needed. Surgery today, in the form of total knee replacement, is one of the most successful procedures.

Myth 8

Pre-Operative Or Post Operative Exercise Makes Arthritis Patients Experience More Pain
The goal of arthritis exercise treatment, before or after surgery is to reduce inflammation, minimize pain and to improve ability to function. Exercise can accomplish all o? these goals safely. While increasing blood flow and providing important nutrients to your body, functional fitness keeps the muscles that surround your joints strong and hence diminishes joint pain.

Functional exercise includes practicing full range of motion exercises, which makes your body supply the much needed lubrication to your stiff joints (in non-surgical cases) and to the operated knee joints with implants (in operated cases). With continued practice of a functional exercise program, your body will reward you with an increased ability to perform meaningful activities of daily living, without pain.

https://versionweekly.com/injuries/8-arthritis-myths-busted/

Arthritis: what’s the weather got to do with it?

From theweek.co.uk

New study finds that damp and windy days are worse for joint pain sufferers

Scientists have discovered an unusual link between the severity of arthritis-related pain and weather.

For years, health experts have suspected that weather may play a key role in the severity of arthritic symptoms.

The BBC says that “hearing someone say their knee is playing up because of the weather is pretty common - usually because of the cold”, adding that “some say they can even predict the weather based on how their joints feel”. However, there has been no scientific consensus on the subject.
But this week, the University of Manchester published a study of around 2,500 people suffering from arthritis in all 124 postcode areas of the UK, which “asked them to record their levels of distress on a daily basis using their smartphone”, The Telegraph says.

To their surprise, the researchers found that sufferers were 20% more likely to be in pain on days that were humid and windy with low atmospheric pressure than they were on days with average weather.

                                                                    Getty Images

The BBC reports that “if someone’s chances of a painful day with average weather were five in 100, they would increase to six in 100 on a damp and windy day”.
However, the researchers were also keen to stress that they found no link between temperature and pain, or rain and pain, but that a mixture of factors such as wind, humidity and low atmospheric pressure did have an effect.

The study, called Cloudy with a Chance of Pain, was funded by the charity Versus Arthritis and ran from January 2016 to April 2017. There were more than five million pieces of data submitted.
Professor Will Dixon, who led the study, said that weather “has been thought to affect symptoms in patients with arthritis since Hippocrates” and added that “around three quarters of people living with arthritis believe their pain is affected by the weather”.

“The analysis showed that on damp and windy days with low pressure the chances of experiencing more pain, compared to an average day, was around 20%.”
He also suggested that the findings might “allow people who suffer from chronic pain to plan their activities, completing harder tasks on days predicted to have lower levels of pain”.

Dr Stephen Simpson, director of research at Versus Arthritis, said: “We know that of the 10 million people in the UK with arthritis, over half experience life-altering pain every day.

“Supporting effective ways of self-managing pain can make all the difference for people with arthritis, helping them to get and stay in work, to be full members of the community and simply to belong.

“This research will help us understand the bigger picture of the complexity of pain caused by arthritis and how people with the condition can take control of it.”

https://www.theweek.co.uk/103958/arthritis-what-s-the-weather-got-to-do-with-it

Everything you need to know about psoriatic arthritis

From deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle

Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation in and around the joints. It usually affects people who already have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes a red, silver crusted scaly rash, especially on the elbows, knees, back, buttocks, groins and scalp. In women, it can occur underneath the surface of the breasts.

However, some people develop the arthritis symptoms before psoriasis; while others will never develop the skin condition. In most people diagnosis of Psoriatic arthritis is delayed as they are focussing more on the cosmetic aspect and lack of awareness regarding the association of skin and joints.

             Some people develop the arthritis symptoms before psoriasis; while others will never develop                                          the skin condition. (Photo: Representational/Pixabay)

What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can include:
• A red, scaly rash (psoriasis)
• Swollen, stiff and painful joints
• Sausage-like swelling of fingers ortoes (dactylitis)
• Thickening, discoloration and pitting of the nails
• Pain and swelling at the back of the heel
• Fatigue.

How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine you and ask if there’s a family history of psoriasis. The skin rash can be very subtle and does not correlate with the severity of the joint disease. There are no specific blood tests available for confirming the diagnosis - it is a clinical diagnosis, blood tests help to exclude other causes like gout which can affect the toes. You may also have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, ultrasound scans, and X-rays which can help to confirm the diagnosis.

What causes Psoriatic arthritis?
The arthritis and skin condition are both caused by inflammation. The processes of inflammation are very similar in the skin and the joints. We don’t yet know exactly what triggers the inflammation in psoriatic arthritis but is a combination of genetic and environmental factors that lead to the rapid turnover of skin cells resulting in patches of psoriasis.

Does psoriatic arthritis affect other organs?
Psoriatic arthritis doesn’t usually affect major organs such as the liver or lungs.
However, you may be more likely to develop a painful red eye. If this affects you, it’s important not to ignore it. These symptoms may be caused by a condition called uveitis, also known as iritis, which is inflammation at the front of the eye.

Treatment of psoriatic arthritis
The treatment ideally should be jointly managed by a skin specialist and rheumatologist. In most cases treatment given for the skin works for joints and vice versa. The skin specialist will initially manage the skin with topical treatment which continues with the systemic treatment, light therapy, and vitamin A. Pain killers help relieve symptoms of mild joint pains while awaiting confirmation of diagnosis. Steroids could be used as an initial treatment either orally or injecting either intramuscular into joint areas affected.
There are disease modifying drugs which treat both the skin and joints. For severe cases biologic drugs are now available which work effectively.
Likewise, in damaged joints due to long-standing untreated arthritis, surgery may be recommended after disease control.

Role of exercise and diet
It is very important to include exercise as part of the routine in daily life especially when suffering from joint problems as it can help the joints to remain flexible and functional. Furthermore, it is advisable to eat a healthy diet including lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, oily fish and avoid junk food.

Take-away message: Patients with psoriatic arthritis are at more risk for cardiovascular problems including obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. It is advisable for regular screening by your doctor for the above conditions and early treatment for the same.

https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/181019/everything-you-need-to-know-about-psoriatic-arthritis.html

A Look At Exercises That Relieve Joint Pain

From docwirenews.com

To patients with joint pain, exercise may sound counterintuitive, but the truth is it’s beneficial. Exercise, in conjunction with an approved treatment plan, can help relieve pain symptoms caused by conditions such as arthritis. Exercise can strengthen your muscles and bones, help with weight management, and improve your balance, to name a few benefits.

To approach an exercise regimen in the presence of arthritis pain, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends following “S.M.A.R.T.” tips:

• Start low, go slow
• Modify activity when arthritis symptoms increase, try to stay active
• Activities should be “joint friendly”
• Recognize safe places and ways to be active
• Talk to a health professional or certified exercise specialist

Start low, go slow
It’s important to gradually introduce exercise into your routine and listen to how the body responds/tolerates it. The CDC suggests beginning with a small amount of time and then gradually increasing it—for instance, starting out with three to five minutes a day, twice a day, and adding on ten minutes a day over time.

Modify activity when arthritis symptoms increase, try to stay active
Symptoms may come and go, and some days will be better than others. On more challenging days, modify your activity as needed, but try to include as much activity as possible without aggravating your symptoms.
Activities should be “joint friendly”
Stick to low-impact exercises like walking, bicycling, water aerobics, or dancing to avoid putting undue stress on your joints.

Recognize safe places and ways to be active
If you’re new to being active and not sure how to begin a program, an exercise class may be a safe way to start. If exercising alone, choose safe areas; for instance, if you’re walking, do so in an area that is well-lit, not heavily obstructed, and away from traffic.

Talk to a health professional or certified exercise specialist
Your doctor or an expert in exercise are both great resources to answer any of your questions about activity, such as how much is the right amount for you and what to do based on your individual goals.

Types of Exercise

The CDC guidelines suggest incorporating four different activity types into your routine, all of which have different benefits: low-impact aerobic activities, muscle-strengthening exercises, flexibility exercises, and balance exercises.

Low-impact aerobic activities do not place any undue stress on the joint. Examples include brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, light gardening, group exercise classes, and dancing.
Muscle-strengthening exercises can be done at home, in a group class, or at a fitness centre. Such exercises include lifting weights, working with resistance bands, and yoga.
Flexibility exercises can help with range of motion, which will help make daily tasks and hobbies easier. Stretching and yoga are good examples of flexibility exercises.
Balance exercises are beneficial for patients with difficulty walking or who are have a high risk for falls. These should be done at least three times per week. Walking backwards, standing on one foot, and tai chi are all examples of balance exercises; many group exercise classes, like yoga, also include balance exercises

Last year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released its updated Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans for the first time in a decade. HHS recommends the same exercise guidelines for adults, older adults, and adults with disabilities/chronic diseases, if possible. In adults, any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity provides more health benefits than being sedentary; the HHS notes, “Some physical activity is better than none.” Each week, adults should aim for at least 2.5 to five hours of moderate-intensity, 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous-intensity, or “an equivalent combination” of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise. Exceeding the recommended times is advantageous. In addition, adults should participate in moderately intense or greater muscle-strengthening activities at least twice a week.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends these 14 exercises for arthritis patients:

• Water walking
• Water aerobics
• Swimming
• Bocce ball
• Golf
• Shuffleboard
• Treadmill walking
• Walking outdoors
• Cycling
• Cross-country skiing
• Elliptical machine
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Tai chi

Exercise-induced Pain

To a certain degree, pain is a common side effect when starting a new exercise regimen. It could take as long as two months for your body and joints to adjust. In the long-term, following through with your suggested exercise program will reduce your chronic pain.
The CDC gives several recommendations for pain management during and after exercise:

Make modifications in the beginning, such as exercising fewer days per week or fewer minutes per session

Switch to exercises that put less pressure on the joints (e.g., from walking to water aerobics)

Be sure to include a proper warm-up and cool-down routine in your exercise plan

Keep your pace comfortable while exercising

Wear comfortable shoes      

Sources: Arthritis Foundation, Mayo Clinic, CDC

https://www.docwirenews.com/docwire-pick/rheumatology-picks/a-look-at-exercises-that-relieve-joint-pain/

Suffering from Arthritis? THESE are the food items you should avoid right away

From pinkvilla.com/lifestyle

If you are someone or know someone suffering from Arthritis, then you must avoid eating these food items right away. These food items can cause inflammation and worsen the pains.

What we eat makes a huge difference in our body. Food items like green leafy vegetables, brown rice, root vegetables like carrot, beetroot can do wonders to our body, while fried foods, sugar syrups can harm our body in multiple ways. When it comes to our body, we should try and consume anti-inflammatory foods and avoid inflammatory food. 

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When it comes to avoiding food for the well-being, there are certain items that one should avoid for Arthritis. Arthritis is a condition which causes inflammation in joints. There are different types of arthritis which can be treated with medications. Apart from taking medications, people suffering from arthritis also need to take care of the food that they are eating, since inflammatory foods trigger joint pain. When it comes to Arthritis, patients need to be extra careful with what they eat and how much they eat. 

Read below to find out food items that you avoid or limit the consumption of if you are suffering from Arthritis. 

Dairy products:

The consumption of dairy products should be avoided by people suffering from arthritis. The protein content in dairy products can irritate tissues around joints. Instead of consuming dairy products that are rich in protein with protein-rich veggies like spinach, nuts kinds of butter, tofu and beans.

Less salt:

It's difficult to eat food without salt, but Arthritis patients should make sure that they limit the consumption of salt in their diet. Not only salt but foods with extra preservatives should be avoided too. They may also result in inflammation in joints.

Avoid red meat:

Red meat is rich in omega-6 fatty acids and can trigger joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis patients should limit the in consumption to once a week. 

Refined carbs:

Products such as white bread, white pasta, crackers fall in the category of refined carbs. Refined carbohydrates, also called refined grains, cause a spike in blood glucose, which has been shown to increase inflammation in the body.

Fried food items:

Fried foods are inflammatory and are made with oils high in omega-6 fatty acids. It is okay to consume it in moderation, but the excess of fried food items disrupt the balance of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids in your body, which can increase inflammation and therefore worsen arthritis.

Credits :HEALTH LINE

https://www.pinkvilla.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/suffering-arthritis-these-are-food-items-you-should-avoid-right-away-479899

Poundland's £1 Freeze Gel hailed a 'miracle' by arthritis and sciatica sufferers

From manchestereveningnews.co.uk

"If you have sciatica like me, arthritis or just plain muscle aches, this stuff is brilliant."

A £1 gel from Poundland has gone viral after one sciatica sufferer shared her experience of using it on social media. Posting on a popular Facebook group , the woman, who would prefer not to be named, revealed how Masterplast Freeze Gel, which is currently being sold for a quid, helps her pains caused by sciatica 'better than medication'.

Under a picture of the gel, she wrote: "You need to try this! if you have sciatica like me, arthritis or just plain muscle aches, this stuff is brilliant. I've had medication from the doctors and still in pain, pop this on and it does the job only £1 in Poundland."
The woman then made an edit to her post to state that you can't use the gel while pregnant.
The post has since spread like wildfire, racking up over 9,000 comments and over 6,000 likes.

                              £1 gel hailed a 'miracle' by arthritis sufferers (Image: Supplied)

Speaking to Manchester Evening News, the woman behind the post explained how both she and her mum have found the gel effective for sciatica and arthritis.

She told us: "I've only been using it for two months with my pain but my mother who is really ill with arthritis and other problems has been using it for years.
"As soon as I applied it within 10 minutes the pain eased. I've tried all the Deep Heats and doctor's creams and for me it does the job. I just need to stock up on it now."

And she's not the only one who rates the gel highly.

Responding to the original post, another social media user posted a picture of the same gel, writing: "To whomever posted about the Poundland Freezegel —- thank you so much!
"My husband has been suffering with sciatica and related back pain for over four months. He’s been on various pain killers, rubs, creams, exercises, private physiotherapy but with very little relief. Bought a tub this afternoon and it has been fabulous.
"Not completely pain free but it certainly has made him a lot more comfortable after one application! He’s hopeful for a full night’s sleep!"

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/shopping/poundland-arthritis-sciatica-gel-cure-17083234

Can Cracking Your Knuckles Lead to Arthritis?

From parade.com

                                                                           (iStock)

Can cracking your knuckles lead to arthritis in your fingers?

—Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin

No. Studies have shown that the rate of arthritis in the hands of habitual knuckle crackers does not exceed that of those who do not crack their knuckles. One intrepid young doctor even popped the knuckles of his left hand at least twice a day for 50 years and only rarely popped the knuckles of his right hand as a study. He developed no arthritis in either hand. However—and this is an important point—cracking your knuckles is associated with decreased grip strength as you age. This affects everything from opening a jar to turning a doorknob and picking up a carton of milk.

https://parade.com/935825/marilynvossavant/can-cracking-your-knuckles-lead-to-arthritis/

Our 'inner salamander' could help treat arthritis, study finds

From theguardian.com

                                Research links human ability to regrow cartilage to molecules that help                                                                                   amphibians sprout new limbs

Contrary to popular opinion, humans can regrow cartilage in their joints, researchers have found. Experts hope the research could lead to new treatments for a common type of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis, in which joints become painful and stiff, is the most common form of arthritis and is thought to cause pain in about 8.5 million people in the UK alone. It is caused by a breakdown in the cartilage that protects the ends of the bones, as well as the growth of new bone around the joint as the body tries to repair the damage.

It has long been thought that adult humans are unable to produce new cartilage, unlike a number of animals, including salamanders, which can not only repair damage to joints but grow whole new limbs.

Now researchers say they have found fresh evidence that adults can produce new cartilage. They say the process is more common in joints less prone to osteoarthritis, and appears to be linked to small molecules that control the regrowth of limbs in animals such as the salamander.

          Researchers say they have found fresh evidence that adults can produce new cartilage.                                                                  Photograph: BSIP/UIG via Getty Images

“We like to call it our inner salamander,” said Prof Virginia Kraus, the co-author of the research from Duke University, in North Carolina.
Writing in the journal Science Advances, Kraus and colleagues describe how, as proteins age, their amino acid building blocks undergo a particular chemical modification. If the rate of this chemical change is known, it is possible to work out the ratio of young to old proteins in tissue by looking at the degree to which these changes have built up.

Using samples of cartilage proteins from 18 individuals, the team found this rate of change was different for different proteins. However, cartilage proteins in the ankle typically accumulated fewer of these changes than those in the knee, and even fewer than those in hips, suggesting proteins in the ankle are younger and that the joint has a greater capacity for repair.
“We suddenly started noticing that the ankle proteins tended by and large to be much younger than the same proteins in the knee and the same proteins in the hip,” said Kraus.

          Salamanders can not only repair damage to joints, but grow whole new limbs.                                                              Photograph: Paul Starosta/Getty Images

Kraus said that might be an evolutionary hangover, noting that it was easier for animals such as salamanders to regenerate a part of a limb that is further away from their core – like a digit. Kraus said that might be because these distant body parts were more likely to be damaged in an attack that leaves the animal able to escape.

Further work revealed the ankle contained higher levels of small molecules called microRNAs that play a key role in limb regeneration in animals such as salamanders.

“There is much more of these [particular microRNAs] in the ankle than in the knee and more in the knee than in the hip,” said Kraus, adding that they appeared to be involved in turning off genes that repress the production of cartilage proteins. These microRNAs also appear to show a stronger link to the turnover rate of cartilage protein levels in people with osteoarthritis than those without. Kraus says this suggests the cartilage is increasing its capacity to repair, but remains inadequate in afflicted joints.

Various microRNAs have previously been linked to the development of osteoarthritis, while work in animals has suggested injections of certain microRNAs might slow osteoarthritis progression.
While the latest study has limitations – including that it only looks at a subset of cartilage proteins – it adds weight to the idea that injecting human joints with microRNAs, shown by the team to be linked to cartilage protein production, might aid their repair.

The team even suggests that if the other substances involved in limb regeneration in creatures such as salamanders were unpicked, it might be possible to use these in humans to trigger the regrowth of limbs. “That would be extremely exciting,” said Kraus.

The findings support recent work from researchers in the Netherlands, which showed cartilage in adult humans becomes thicker when knee joints are pulled apart.

Dr Fiona Watt, of the Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, at the University of Oxford, said the study highlighted a possible mechanism by which cartilage repairs itself, and why some joints are more prone to osteoarthritis. She stressed it was important to carry out long-term studies looking at how such processes might change in individuals as they develop osteoarthritis, and explore when might be best to intervene.

She was cautious about injecting microRNAs into joints. “Clearly they are enhancing these proteins, but they may have off-target effects and have some sort of effect on things that you don’t want to target,” she said, adding that it was also important to investigate whether they would persist long enough if injected into a joint to produce an effect – and how long that effect would last.
The idea of limb regeneration would be even more complex. “It is probably quite optimistic,” said Watt. “But I think if we could improve growth of at least a single tissue like cartilage that would be a really great start.”

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/09/our-inner-salamander-could-help-treat-arthritis-study-finds

The 6 things you're doing that could make arthritis worse

From news4jax.com/health

Certain habits could be making arthritis symptoms more painful

If you have arthritis, you know all about the pain, swelling, and stiffness that the disease brings on. 
According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 54 million people in the U.S. suffer from some type of arthritis. It’s the leading cause of disability.
                                
“We’re seeing arthritis at an earlier age, not only in the knees but shoulders, really everywhere. It’s becoming an epidemic of sorts," said Dr. Mathew Pombo, of Emory Orthopedics & Spine Center.

There are lots of medicines to make arthritis symptoms better, but there are also things you do that can make it worse.

Staying still is the first mistake that can intensify your pain. Regular physical activity makes your joints more flexible.

But too much exercise can also be a bad thing.
“We also have a lot of younger people participating in sports, and we know that prior injury leads to post-traumatic arthritis,” Pombo said.
Try swimming, biking or walking for about 30 minutes a day.

Ignoring your dental health may also lead to worse problems. One study found the bacterium that causes periodontal disease increases the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

The wrong foods can also cause inflammation in the body and trigger symptoms. Some ingredients to avoid: sugar, saturated fats, refined carbs, Omega-6 fatty acids, MSG, gluten, aspartame and alcohol.

Stress could make your symptoms worse. A traumatic or stressful situation can actually trigger the development of certain types of arthritis.
Yoga, meditation, and getting enough sleep can help you manage your stress levels. 

Smoking is another bad move. Recent research shows both current and past smokers with arthritis had worse symptoms and more joint damage than those who never smoked. 

https://www.news4jax.com/health/the-6-things-youre-doing-that-could-make-arthritis-worse

Arthritis flare-ups can be managed

From oklahoman.com

For many rheumatoid arthritis patients, the changing seasons can affect the signs and symptoms of the disease, but arthritis flare-ups can be managed.
“While some patients clearly do have weather or seasonal triggers, this is not a given, and for many patients the seemingly random nature of their flares can be frustrating,” said Dr. Arthur M. Mandelin II, associate professor of medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. “Most patients learn quite quickly whether they personally have a weather/seasonal trigger or not.”

Colder temperatures and changes in barometric pressure may trigger worsening joint symptoms, said Dr. Elena Myasoedova, a rheumatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Usually these episodes are self-limiting, Myasoedova said, meaning they will resolve themselves without treatment.

                                                      [FREEPIK.COM PHOTOS]

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis and affects about 1.5 million Americans. This common chronic condition can significantly impact a person’s well-being and quality of life.

Ups and downs
Rheumatoid arthritis can be unpredictable, with good days when joints are feeling pretty pain-free to bad days when it’s hard to get out of bed. Symptoms differ from person to person, Mandelin said.
“In general, flares involve increased pain and swelling in the same joints that the patient finds are usually the most troublesome anyway,” he said. “A more serious flare can also involve joints that had previously improved during the course of treatment.”
In addition to swelling and joint pain, a flare-up also may include feelings of fatigue, fever and loss of appetite.

For some people the weather can cause a flare-up, for others stress can be a trigger, Mandelin said.
“Not taking medication as prescribed can cause a flare of your rheumatoid arthritis,” Myasoedova said. “A major stress physical or mental — such as surgery, infection or loss of a loved one — can trigger a flare-up."

Sometimes, rheumatoid arthritis can become more active without any apparent trigger, requiring change in medications, Myasoedova said. Generally, the flare is less likely if a patient is taking appropriate treatments.

Finding relief
Work with your primary care provider or rheumatologist to create a plan of action to keep your symptoms in check, Myasoedova said. Be open about your symptoms, especially any changes.
“Keeping a diary of your flares and discussing them with your provider can be helpful. If you think you are in a flare of your rheumatoid arthritis and it is not responding to your usual treatment, contact your rheumatologist’s office to discuss your symptoms,” she said.

If possible, bank a few sick days so you can take time off from work to get relief when most needed.
“Frequent flare-ups can be a warning sign that the overall control of your disease isn’t what it should be,” Mandelin said. “Uncontrolled disease can cause more trouble than just flare-ups, so if your arthritis gets out of control often you should be asking your rheumatologist about stronger medication.”

Dietary triggers are more rare.
“The frustrating thing with diet triggers is that they are personal to each patient if they happen at all, so there is no one single diet recommendation that works for everyone,” Mandelin said.

https://oklahoman.com/article/5643363/arthritis-flare-ups-can-be-managed

Ask a Doctor: Vitamin D's effect on rheumatoid arthritis

From timesfreepress.com

Q: I have heard that vitamin D can be helpful in dealing with arthritis. Is it something that I would need to take in a pill form, or do we get enough vitamin D being outside?

A: Vitamin D helps your bones absorb calcium, which is vital to bone health. It's also crucial for muscle movement, communication between nerves and fighting inflammation. People who take oral steroids have a vitamin D deficiency twice as often as people who don't take them. Oral steroids are used sometimes in treatment for people with arthritis.

Vitamin D deficiency has been found to be common in people with rheumatoid arthritis and may be linked to musculoskeletal pain. Not having enough vitamin D can lead to other issues, such as impacting your immune system, reducing calcium and phosphorus levels, and increasing your risk for rheumatoid, if you're a woman. But the biggest concern for vitamin D deficiency is osteoporosis, or brittle bones. This condition increases your risk for bone fractures and bone pain.

Your doctor can order a blood test to determine your level of vitamin D. If it is very low, you may be prescribed a supplement. Including calcium and vitamin D rich foods in your diet will also help. These include dairy, dark greens and oily fish such as salmon or tuna. Sunshine helps with vitamin D, but remember to always wear sunscreen to prevent skin damage.

While there's still more testing and studying to be done to fully determine vitamin D's impact on arthritis, we know that vitamin D is important to many of our body's functions so we know it is important to make sure we get enough.

— Melinda Garcia-Rosell, M.D., rheumatologist with CHI Memorial Arthritis and Rheumatology Associates; Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society member

https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/life/entertainment/story/2019/oct/07/ask-doctor-vitamds-effect-rheumatoid-arthriti/505264/

Arthritis: Here are the foods and activities to avoid that make it worse

From abc7.com/health

More than 54 million people in the United States suffer from some type of arthritis.

It's the leading cause of disability.

There are lots of medicines to make arthritis symptoms better, but there are also things you do that can make it worse.

If you have arthritis, you know all about the pain, swelling and stiffness that the disease brings on.

Dr. Mathew Pombo with the Emory Orthopaedics & Spine Centre said, "We're seeing arthritis at an earlier age, not only in the knees, but shoulders, really everywhere. It's becoming an epidemic of sorts."

But did you know certain habits can make your symptoms worse?

Staying still is the first mistake that can intensify your pain.

Regular physical activity makes your joints more flexible. But too much exercise can also be a bad thing.

"We also have a lot of younger people participating in sports and we know that prior injury leads to post-traumatic arthritis," said Pombo.

Try swimming, biking or walking for about 30 minutes a day.

Ignoring your dental health may also lead to worse problems. One study found the bacterium that causes periodontal disease increases the severity of rheumatoid arthritis.

The wrong foods can also cause inflammation in the body and trigger symptoms.

Some ingredients to avoid: sugar, saturated fats, refined carbs, omega-six fatty acids, MSG, gluten, aspartame and alcohol.

Lastly, stress could make your symptoms worse.

A trauma or stressful situation can actually trigger the development of certain types of arthritis.

Yoga, meditation and getting enough sleep can help you manage your stress levels.

Smoking is another bad move. Recent research shows both current and past smokers with arthritis had worse symptoms and more joint damage than those who never smoked.

https://abc7.com/health/the-top-things-you-do-that-make-arthritis-worse/5593111/