How I Manage My Mental Health as Someone With Chronic Illnesses

From yahoo.com/lifestyle

In 2013 I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Along with that, my anxiety and depression have appeared more than they used to; they come and go. My anxiety was the worst and it still creeps up on me from time to time. I sometimes have panic attacks from heartburn / indigestion / arthritis in the sternum.

These conditions have made me depressed, angry and frustrated, especially when my body won’t allow me to do something or won’t stop hurting even when I have done everything to try and stop it — pain killers, heat packs, massages. Sometimes while I am out, I will pick up a virus or a bug due to my low immune system.

I am only 33 and these conditions have really taken over my life. I worry that when I am out and about my hip will go out or I will fall over and seriously hurt my back. That gives me anxiety sometimes, so I normally grab a trolley when I can, even though I might be getting a few things it still helps me feel a little more stable and in control.

When I was dealing with everything at the start, a few of my GPs suggested I go see a counsellor. They did actually help by letting me get my frustrations out and talk about what is going on inside my head and my body without the judgment or the “I feel sorry for you” face.

I have found a few things that work for me, like laying down and listening to music, and going out for a walk (I usually try to do 5,000-10,000 steps a day depending on what my body allows). That has been helping to clear the hornets in my head, as well as doing Warm Water Movement Therapy class, which has definitely made a great change in not only my mental state but also my flexibility and weight loss. I have lost around 30 kgs since I started going to the pool at the end of January this year. My trainer Martin has helped me; I have put in the work, but he really has changed me in so many ways.

I also like to write down things or write blog posts. I will post most of them on my blog but there are some things I just write down and just to get things off my chest. I will also try doing some adult colouring books or a jigsaw puzzle (depending on if my hands allow me to do so).

The best thing I have found for me is to have rest days, as stress makes my condition worse, so I get rid of as much stress as possible from my life.

If I am having a moment of sadness or anger, I usually allow myself to feel it for a little while and then do something about it. I try to remember there are people in this world worse off than I am, and my condition is what it is. Nothing is going to change that and there is no cure. So I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep going to the next hurdle. I believe the key is to get yourself back up no matter what, because you always have a choice in life. You can wallow in self-pity or keep fighting and keep going. I believe no matter how hard things seem at that moment in time, it will get better.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/manage-mental-health-someone-chronic-060015331.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAD3fTa84uN5WCf0qZ2KnfASsMlcb5PM3i-W8XdRUdyDjuYwNX-E6hADrUeQ-wMXdcjwl5FSdlLpAApfoa5XOIp3NrvdiSQS9pXFzjWRtllssQLc0XtNWnRLQRwRULP_J4x2JNc73e_4rhtEwFhbDDLPhmNmu4z6ZU9-3gp7i5mnq

Lifestyle Tips for Those Suffering From Rheumatoid Arthritis

From docwirenews.com

For patients living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), every day can sometimes feel like a challenge. In some cases, it starts before the morning comes, as pain and stiffness associated with the disease could make sleeping difficult or near impossible. While there is currently no cure for RA, a combination of the right medication regimen and lifestyle modifications can help make the symptoms more manageable.

Turn Up the Heat

Heat may help relief joint pain and stiffness, especially first thing in the morning after a long night of inactivity.
“Heat helps improve your pain tolerance and relaxes muscles, both of which can reduce the pain of rheumatoid arthritis,” according to Harvard Health. “Heat treatment remains a standard part of the physical therapist’s practice.”

There are also ways to warm up right at home. Starting the day with a long, hot shower may be helpful, as could a heating pad. Harvard Health notes that moist heat may be more effective than dry heat, so using a microwave to heat a damp towel could be especially effective. On the more difficult days, one patient suggests breaking out the heavy artillery: heated blankets.
“I actually have two and I make myself into a kind of hot sandwich between them,” Angela K. shared with CreakyJoints. “I turn them on high and just soak in the warmth for 15 or so minutes before I get out of bed.”

Another patient speaking with CreakyJoints, Stephanie M., said she sleeps with a heated mattress cover to make the mornings easier.

Get Moving

While the pain and stiffness that come with RA could make stretching and physical activity sound like a bad idea, patients and experts agree that the opposite is in fact true. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network (RASN) recommends light activities such as walking and yoga in order to fix range of motion issues and increase flexibility. Other low-impact activities include swimming and the use of the treadmill or elliptical. RA patients can also practice strength training to help increase muscle strength.

As is the case with any patient, physical activity prevents RA patients from engaging in a sedentary lifestyle, which could exacerbate stiffness as well as lead to weight gain. Weight management is important for RA, too, as being overweight puts additional pressure on the joints, the RASN notes. The Arthritis Foundation suggests additional arthritis-friendly exercises, including golf, Pilates, and tai chi.

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; and Talk to a health professional or certified exercise specialist.

The CDC also 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

Follow These Diet Dos and Don’ts

Although no magic food will cure RA, eating certain foods while eliminating or minimizing others may help ease its symptoms. Experts recommend sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding foods that cause inflammation.

Inflammation is the body’s response to foreign objects that may cause it harm. On the outside, inflammation often manifests through redness and swelling, but inflammation can happen inside the body, too. Diet may contribute to inflammation.

Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties and can be helpful to reduce inflammation. Some of these foods include:

• Leafy greens like spinach and kale
• Fruits including strawberries and blueberries
• Foods with healthy fats, such as salmon
• Nuts like walnuts
• Olive oil
• Tomatoes

On the other hand, certain foods may trigger an inflammatory response in the body. The bottom line? Use common sense. Generally speaking, “junk food” items should only be consumed infrequently if avoiding or limiting inflammation is the goal. Unsurprisingly, it’s a lot of the “fun” stuff. Here are some foods to limit or avoid to reduce inflammation:

• Soda, “fruit” juices with added sugar, and other sugar-sweetened beverages
• Pastries
• Desserts
• Fast food/fried foods
• Sugary breakfast cereals
• Candy
• Red meat
• Processed meats

Get Enough Shut-eye

Sleep is crucial for a variety of health reasons—two of which include diet and exercise. Catching those zzz’s every night increases the chances of sticking to a healthy diet and exercise plan.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, “Research shows that all mammals need sleep, and that sleep regulates mood and is related to learning and memory functions. Not only will getting your zzzs help you perform on a test, learn a new skill or help you stay on task, but it may also be a critical factor in your health, weight and energy level.”

Sleep may also affect diet. Maintaining a proper sleep schedule will lead to less daytime sleepiness—and lessen the chance of reaching for an unhealthy, sugar-bomb option for that afternoon pick-me-up.

https://www.docwirenews.com/blog/blog-lifestyle-tips-for-those-suffering-from-rheumatoid-arthritis/

General Arthritis vs. Lupus Arthritis

From health.usnews.com

For anyone with creaky joints or painful, swollen fingers, you likely know the pain of arthritis. This very common condition typically afflicts older adults, but there are actually many different types of arthritis that can impact people at various stages of life.

In total, the Arthritis Foundation reports there are more than 100 distinct types of arthritis, and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 54 million U.S. adults – that's about 1 in 4 – have some type of arthritis.

                                                                       (Getty Images)

General Arthritis

Generally speaking, "arthritis is inflammation of a joint," says Dr. Travis Scudday, an orthopaedic surgeon with Hoag Orthopaedic Institute in Irvine, California. The most common type of arthritis is a condition called osteoarthritis. This is the form of arthritis that's associated with aging.

Dr. David Pugliese, a rheumatologist at Geisinger in Danville, Pennsylvania, says that "osteoarthritis is essentially a wear-and-tear phenomenon" that gets worse over time. As you age, the cartilage that sits between the bones that meet in the joints and acts as a cushion to those bones starts to wear thin.

Eventually, this cartilage becomes so thin that the bones rub against each other. This can create pain from the direct contact of bone on bone, and the more you use the joint, the more painful it becomes.

Virtually everyone will eventually develop osteoarthritis if you live long enough, it's just a simple matter of the body's protection systems breaking down with use. Osteoarthritis is "a disease of old age, basically," says Dr. Esther Lipstein-Kresch, chief of rheumatology at ProHEALTH Care in New York. "Unless you've had some kind of trauma to a joint," or there's another abnormality in the structure of the joint, "you wouldn't expect someone who is 30 or 40 to develop osteoarthritis," she says.

Osteoarthritis affects "nearly half of all people over age 65," Scudday adds. It's typically diagnosed with a clinical exam, and "there is often radiographic evidence in simple X-rays" of damage to the cartilage.

Osteoarthritis can usually be treated non-operatively with physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications, such as over-the-counter pain killers. Some people may find relief with steroid injections into the painful joint to ease the inflammation there. "If all non-operative treatments have failed, often a joint replacement is necessary," Scudday says.

Lupus Arthritis

By comparison, another type of arthritis is related to an autoimmune disease called lupus. About 1.5 million Americans are estimated to have lupus, according to the CDC, and the disease causes a variety of symptoms including:

• Chronic pain.
• A signature, red butterfly rash across the face and the bridge of the nose.
• Other rashes and skin problems.
• Joint pain and swelling.
• Chest pain.
• An overall feeling of malaise.
• Mouth sores.
• Inflammation of blood vessels.
• Fever.
• Strokes.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Hair loss.
• Weight loss.
• Arthritis.

Although there are a few different types of lupus, systemic lupus is the most common, accounting for about 70% of all cases of lupus, the Lupus Foundation of America reports. When someone says "lupus," they're usually referring to this systemic type, which is also called lupus erythematosus.

Why exactly lupus happens to some people and not others isn't entirely clear, but may be related to:

• Genetics. The LFA reports that about 20% of people with lupus have a close relative (parent or sibling) who has or will develop lupus.
• Hormones. About 90% of people with lupus are women, but men and children can develop it too.
• Environmental triggers. Infection with certain viruses, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, or exposure to chemicals, such as silica dust, could play a role in the development of lupus by some individuals. Other stressors on the body are also believed to be potential triggers for the disease.
• Medications. Certain medications, including some antibiotics or sulfa drugs that increase sun sensitivity, are thought to be potential triggers of lupus.

Lupus occurs when the immune system goes haywire and begins attacking your own cells erroneously. This causes widespread inflammation, and when this occurs in the joints, it causes a type of arthritis called lupus arthritis.

Lupus arthritis is caused by inflammation in the joints that develops because of the immune system processes that cause the disease. People with lupus may experience "flares" or periods when their joints are more inflamed, followed by periods where there's less pain, swelling and redness.

Lupus can be very challenging to diagnose, but joint pain is often one of the first signs of the disease. "We usually see swelling of the hands and wrists but can also see knee and hip involvement," Scudday says. Unlike with osteoarthritis, lupus arthritis doesn't usually show obvious signs on X-rays.

Because it might not be clear straight away what's causing the problem, lupus is sometimes missed or misdiagnosed as a different disorder. Scudday says a blood test looking for certain blood markers associated with the autoimmune condition can help make the diagnosis, "but not all lupus patients have positive blood markers."

If you have been diagnosed with lupus, you'll likely need medication to keep your immune system in check. This can help relieve symptoms of the disease, including arthritis.

"Lupus can be treated with medication that alters the immune system to decrease the amount of inflammation," Scudday says. "Injections can be effective in the large joints such as the knee or hip." In the most advanced cases where there's irreparable damage to the joint, a total replacement might become necessary – partial joint replacement isn't an option because of the extensive, system-wide inflammation associated with lupus.

It's important to note that while lupus is not curable, it is a disease that can be effectively managed and treated. Early detection of lupus or any other inflammatory or autoimmune disease is critical to starting treatment before the damage progresses. "Treating with medication will often stop the progression of any lupus-related arthritis," Scudday says.

Stopping or slowing progression is the name of the game in treating rheumatological consequences of autoimmune disease because once the damage occurs, it can't be reversed. "It's important to diagnose and treat lupus as early as possible," Scudday says, because in such cases, "the joint issues may be completely avoided."

Similar Pain From Different Diseases

Though the pain you feel in the joints caused by either osteoarthritis or lupus-related arthritis might feel similar, the two diseases are quite different. And lupus isn't the only autoimmune disease that can cause arthritis; if you have any kind of autoimmune disease, you may well have rheumatological involvement because of the extensive inflammation caused by these conditions.

But, if your autoimmune disease is well-managed, then you may be able to avoid some of the worst arthritis symptoms. In such cases, it's possible that you may "develop age-related osteoarthritis, just like the rest of the population," rather than lupus arthritis, Scudday says.

Regardless of whether your joint pain is caused by osteoarthritis or another form of arthritis, it's important to get it checked out. Arthritis symptoms can be vastly improved with careful management of lifestyle factors and the addition of medication or physical therapy. The key is to not suffer in silence.

https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/articles/general-arthritis-vs-lupus-arthritis

Food and ingredients to cure arthritis!

From ehealth.eletsonline.com

Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints. There are many foods and ingredients that can ease inflammation and may help relieve some of the joint pain associated with arthritis. Adding these foods to a healthy diet can help alleviate our arthritis symptoms. Let’s have a look on list of food and ingredients that we can try using at our homes in order to get some relief from the arthritis-related pain.

Grains

While considering our options in the bread, cereal, and pasta, we should avoid refined grains. Not only are they highly processed grains but limited in nutrition, can lead to inflammation throughout the body. For Example, switching from refined flour to whole-wheat flour in our recipes can increase the intake of nutrients and potentially lower inflammation. Likewise, barley is filled with 6 grams of fibre per cup, a perfect addition to soups, stews and risotto dishes.

Nut and seeds

Nuts and seeds are a useful component in our diet. Most importantly it offers a variety of health benefits to people with arthritis. With their high ALA content, nuts like walnuts are omega-3-containing and researchers studying their effects have found that they lower C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammation marker linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and arthritis. Likewise, chia seeds are also an excellent source of anti-inflammatory ALA, but their greatest benefit is likely their high fibre content.

Fruit and vegetables

Fruits are naturally sweet and have a substantial amount of antioxidants, protein, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, just like red raspberries, tart cherries and strawberries are filled with antioxidants that help to get rid of radicals that encourage inflammation whereas Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that protect against cell damage and lower inflammation throughout the body, including in the joints. For example, fresh, leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, kale, swiss chard, and bok choy are loaded with antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and K which protect cells from free radical harm.

Spices

According to traditional Eastern medicine, ginger and turmeric are two spices that have anti-inflammatory properties. Along with its anti-inflammatory properties, some studies have shown ginger can also reduce osteoarthritis symptoms, if not in food one can also opt-in the form of a herbal supplement -like IMOVE containing popular, active and trusted pain management ingredients such as ginger and turmeric. It also includes Glucosamine & Chondroitin for joint repair and lubrication, thereby offering full joint treatment.

Fish

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are called marine fatty acids as they are derived from fish, adding omega-3 sources to our diets inflammation could be reduced. Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel are the best sources of marine omega-3s. Anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s are helpful not only for the relief of arthritis but also for the prevention of other inflammatory diseases, such as heart disease. It is usually suggested to eat 3 to 6ounce serving of these fish two to four times a week to reduce inflammation and protect the heart Omega-3-rich fishes are also high in mercury, which causes brain and nervous system can harm if consumed in large quantities. It’s important to choose smaller fish that have less mercury.

(Disclaimer: Writer is Sargam Dhawan, Director, Planet Herbs Lifesciences Pvt Ltd. Views expressed are a personal opinion.)

https://ehealth.eletsonline.com/2019/12/food-and-ingredients-to-cure-arthritis/

How to manage arthritis flare-ups during the holidays

From startsat60.com/health

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that develops through ageing and is known to not only impact mobility but also the overall quality of life.

Christmas can be particularly challenging if you or a loved one has arthritis. The change in diet, often humid weather and increase in parties, gatherings and functions can make the condition a lot worse.

“Christmas traditions in Australia generally aren’t well suited to the requirements of the average sufferer of arthritis,” Brendan Howell, director of Arborvitae Health and Wellbeing, tells Starts at 60.

“Whether it’s Christmas lunch, going to the beach, eating pavlova, having a beer or backyard cricket, Aussie Christmas traditions often force arthritis sufferers to sit on the sidelines.”

With the help of Howell, we’ve put together some tips to help you deal with the holiday season.

Eat right

There’s something about the holidays that makes us want to indulge a little, and rightly so. It’s a time for fun, frivolity and enjoying quality time with good friends and good food. But, as tempting as it is, snacking on fruit mince pies or digging into a festive pudding is a big no-no.

Howell says arthritis sufferers should be really careful about what they eat during the festive period, adding that the types of food traditionally eaten at or associated with Christmas aggravate arthritis symptoms.

“Every Christmas meal I’ve ever had has been packed with ham, sausages, alcohol, chocolate, soft drink and bread,” he says. “Christmas lunches around Australia are full of sugar, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, gluten and alcohol – all of which are an arthritis sufferer’s worst nightmare.”

Howell adds poor food choices can cause painful arthritis flare-ups, and even more serious health issues in the long-term.

Plan ahead if you’re travelling abroad

If you’re visiting family or friends overseas during the Christmas break and take arthritis medication, make sure you have a doctor’s certificate with you, Howell advises. You don’t want to be caught in a situation where you can’t take your meds with you.

A change in weather or humidity can also affect arthritis. Plan ahead and ensure you dress appropriately for the trip.

Stay positive

Howell’s biggest piece of advice for arthritis sufferers is to stay positive during the Christmas period.

“Arthritis may stop you from doing a lot of things at Christmas,” he says. “You may not be able to eat exactly what you want or be able to participate in the family backyard cricket tournament. But it’s important to stay positive, especially during Christmas!”

Howell recommends talking with your loved ones and suggesting activities that everyone can join in on, such as board games or cards.

Important information: The information provided on this website is of a general nature and information purposes only. It does not take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. It is not personalised health advice and must not be relied upon as such. Before making any decisions about your health or changes to medication, diet and exercise routines you should determine whether the information is appropriate in terms of your particular circumstances and seek advice from a medical professional.

https://startsat60.com/health/health-issues/arthritis/arthritis-how-to-cope-at-christmas-tips

Arthritis: Best Christmas treat to relieve joint pain

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS is a widespread condition in the UK, with more than 10 million people living with arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints. While the condition cannot be cured, certain lifestyle interventions have been shown to alleviate symptoms, including a popular Christmas treat.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that cause swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis mainly affects the hands, spine, knees and hips, whereas rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.

There's no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down and maintain quality of life, including the key ingredient found in gingerbread men.

A number of studies suggest ginger extract can help to alleviate the joint pain associated with arthritis.
One notable study found that ginger extract was as effective as ibuprofen in the first treatment period of a cross-over study.
Researchers in another study also found that ginger and echinacea supplements effectively reduced inflammation and pain after knee surgery.
Echinacea is a very popular herb, and it is commonly taken to help combat flu and colds.

  Arthritis: Ginger has been shown alleviate joint pain in a number of studies (Image: Getty Images )

Additionally, researchers found that highly concentrated doses of ginger extract were effective in treating people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
Before beginning the study, the participants experienced moderate-to-severe knee pain but after taking ginger extract the participants reported a reduction in knee pain upon standing and after walking.

Furthermore, an animal study revealed that ginger can help to relieve joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
Bolstering the findings, one study found that ginger was an effective pain reliever for human muscle pain resulting from an exercise-induced injury.

Participants who ingested two grams of either raw ginger or heated ginger experienced reduced pain and inflammation.
Heat-treated ginger was thought to have a stronger effect, but both types of ginger were found to be equally helpful.

Findings also suggest applying a cream or gel containing ginger directly onto the affected area may also provide respite.
According to research, ginger extract is able to improve osteoarthritis in knees when applied topically.

Participants applied ginger extract three times per day for 12 weeks, and, during this time, they experienced reduced levels of pain and other symptoms.

Other ways treat arthritis

As Mayo Clinic explains, you may need to try several different treatments, or combinations of treatments, before you determine what works best for you.
Some people find exercise can help to alleviate symptoms associated with certain types of arthritis.
“Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding joints. In some cases, splints or braces may be warranted,” explained Mayo Clinic.

    Arthritis : Evidence suggests applying a cream or gel containing ginger may help alleviate pain                                                                   (Image: Getty Images )

A course of medication may be recommended depending on the type of arthritis.
A class of drugs called corticosteroids, for example, are an anti-inflammatory medicine reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
According to Mayo Clinic, if milder measures do not relieve symptoms, your doctor may also suggest surgery, such as:

• Joint repair. In some instances, joint surfaces can be smoothed or realigned to reduce pain and improve function. These types of procedures can often be performed arthroscopically — through small incisions over the joint.
• Joint replacement. This procedure removes your damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial one. Joints most commonly replaced are hips and knees.
• Joint fusion. This procedure is more often used for smaller joints, such as those in the wrist, ankle and fingers. It removes the ends of the two bones in the joint and then locks those ends together until they heal into one rigid unit.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1219857/arthritis-pain-symptoms-treatment-ginger

Skiing with arthritis

From timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Arthritis used to end people’s skiing lives. No longer. Current non-operative therapies, as well as operative repairs, now have people on the slopes into their 90s. Here are the reasons why:

Arthritis of the knee and hip are the most common aches and pains that discourage people in their middle and older ages from skiing. Yet today, these men and women visit our offices for “lube jobs,” as many call them, in order to enjoy winter sports. What has changed?

Joint lubrication used to be a simple injection of hyaluronic acid (HA). It worked but often didn’t last long enough. This was in part because inflammation is the most common cause of joint pain, and HA alone is not potent enough to combat the inflammation generators. Today, HA is combined with growth factors from a variety of sources. These include your own blood (called PRP), amniotic fluid and membranes, fat, and bone marrow. These growth factors stimulate the joint lining to produce more HA, decrease the degradative enzymes in the joint associated with arthritis, and increase the anabolic factors that promote healing.

The current thinking is that specific growth factors recruit the body’s own stem cells to the joint. These further decrease inflammation and promote whatever healing can occur. Last year’s thinking—that we should inject stem cells directly—has been replaced, as it is now believed that the directly injected stem cells probably die off too quickly. But since all people have billions of stem cells, recruiting them to the site of injury makes the most sense. Our research today focuses on which injected bioactive factors are most effective at recruiting stem cells: producing natural HA as a lubricant and decreasing inflammation. Our “lube job” of today is a potent cocktail of these factors. Many patients report six months to a year of joint pain relief—usually enough to get through the ski season.

Physical therapy, Pilates, yoga, and workouts with stretching, guided by great trainers and therapists, definitely helps keep arthritic joints moving. Stiffness and loss of motion are what people notice the most when returning to skiing, and those activities help tremendously. Getting in a hot tub before skiing, and doing a stretching fitness class early in the morning before hitting the slopes, are also great ways to get more enjoyment out of your day. Even a pre-ski 20-minute stationary bike spin can do the trick. Most of my 70-90-year-olds ski the sweet spot of the day (10 am -2 pm), avoid low visibility or icy days, and smile all the way down the slopes. I often write prescriptions that state, “must ski powder.”

NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen and Celebrex still have their place and can be used for a few days before and during skiing. We prefer not to keep people on them, as they have deleterious side effects. We avoid cortisone, preferring to use bioactive factors.

If the tissue is damaged enough, it’s best to repair it rather than masking the injuries. Surgical repairs, both biologic and bionic, have improved so much that skiing after either meniscus replacement and articular cartilage repair, or after robotic partial and total knee replacements, is now prescribed as a therapy rather than abandoned. In general, it takes three to six months to return to skiing after complex knee joint repairs—so many patients opt for surgery in the late spring or summer. By the time early winter comes, they prefer joint lubes. This allows them to delay their joint repairs until after the snow has melted.

So buy your lift tickets. Tune your skis. Buckle the new lightweight soft-flex, high-reactive ski boots and head for the hills. If your joints talk to you, quiet them with targeted care that keeps you moving, sliding, turning, and gliding.

DISCLAIMER : Views expressed above are the author's own.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/siliconvalley/skiing-with-arthritis/

Hope for millions of arthritis patients after scientists develop a vaccine that blocks pain

From stockdailydish.com

Hope is on the horizon for millions of arthritis patients after scientists have found a vaccine could treat their daily agony.  

Osteoarthritis sufferers currently have to rely on painkillers to combat their excruciating pain.

But Oxford University researchers have developed a vaccine which blocks the cause of the agony – nerve growth factor (NGF).

The vaccine triggered the immune system to work against the naturally occurring NGF in mice, numbing their pain. 

Figures estimate nearly nine million people suffer with osteoarthritis in the UK and 30million in the US. 

There is currently no cure for the condition but the latest findings could pave the way for more effective treatment. 

Professor Tonia Vincent, co-author of the study published in Annals of Rheumatic Disease, said: ‘This is the first successful vaccination to target pain in osteoarthritis, one of the biggest healthcare challenges of our generation.‘ 

The vaccine triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that would work against the NGF.

It was tested in mice that had uneven distribution of weight across the hind legs – which the scientists said was a sign of painful osteoarthritis.

The vaccine, which has been described as ‘very promising‘ by a charity, was shown to visibly reverse their pain.  

Instead of leaning to one side due to the pain in their leg, the mice stood with their weight more evenly distributed.  

The mice who had been given the vaccine also had higher levels of antibodies, which was ‘appeared to be associated with an analgesic response‘. 

And the vaccine, named CuMVttNGF, helped relieve pain in the mice when it was given both before and after pain had taken hold.

WHAT IS OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis – sometimes called ‘wear and tear‘ – is a condition that occurs when the surfaces within joints become damaged.

Cartilage covering the ends of bones gradually thin over time, and the bone thickens, according to .    

Around a third of people aged 45 years and over in the UK suffer from the condition. This equates to roughly 8.75 million people. At least 20 million are known to suffer in the US.

It is different to rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term illness in which the immune system causes the body to attack itself, causing painful, swollen and stiff joints.  

Replacement joints are often necessary for osteoarthritis patients, because the joint has been worn down and causes agonising pain.

The authors said the total cost of osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease, to the economy of developed countries is estimated between 1-2.5 per cent of the GDP. 

Arthritis UK predicts that working days lost due to arthritis will reach 25.9million by 2030, equating to an annual £3.43billion productivity hit to the economy. By 2050 these figures will increase to 27.2million working days and an annual cost of £4.74billion.

X-ray studies show at least 50 per cent of people older than 65 have evidence of osteoarthritis, according to NICE – a UK health watchdog, but there are limited treatment options.   

Fewer than 25 per cent of patients currently have adequate pain control for their condition, and long-term use of painkillers are well known to pose significant risks.

The team at Oxford believe a vaccine could be more effective for pain and cost of treatment.  

Professor Vincent said: ‘Whilst there are still safety issues that need to be considered before these types of approaches can be used in patients, we are reassured that this vaccine design allows us to control antibody levels and thus tailor treatment to individual cases according to need‘. 

Dr Stephen Simpson, from charity Versus Arthritis, which funded the research said: ‘We know that for the ten million people with arthritis, persistent pain is life changing. 

‘Too many people living with pain do not get effective relief from the treatments that are currently available.

‘And that is why the development of more effective pain killers, with fewer side-effects, is vital for people living with arthritis.

‘Although at an early stage, this is highly innovative research and these results are very promising. 

‘We are proud to support research such as this, which aims to tackle this urgent problem and discover new ways to help people overcome pain.‘ 

https://stockdailydish.com/hope-for-millions-of-arthritis-patients-after-scientists-develop-a-vaccine-that-blocks-pain/