Common warning signs of arthritis

From maysville-online.com

Arthritis has name recognition, even among people who are not suffering from it. But despite that recognition, arthritis is not as well understood as one might think.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis is not a single disease, but rather an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. In fact, the term “arthritis” is so wide-ranging that it actually refers to more than 100 types of conditions.

Despite that complexity, arthritis often produces four important warning signs, regardless of which type of arthritis a person may have.

1. Pain

The Arthritis Foundation notes that arthritis-related pain may be constant or intermittent. One common misconception about arthritis pain is that it only occurs during or shortly after a body is at rest. However, arthritis-related pain can occur while the body is at rest and is not always triggered by an activity that incorporates a part of the body affected by arthritis. In addition, pain from arthritis can be isolated to one area of the body or affect various parts of the body.

2. Swelling

Skin over the joints affected by arthritis may become red and swollen. This skin also may feel warm to the touch. The Arthritis Foundation advises anyone who experiences this swelling for three days or longer or more than three times per month to contact a physician.

3. Stiffness

This warning sign is, along with pain, the one that is most often associated with arthritis, even by people who don’t suffer from the condition. Stiffness when waking up in the morning or after long periods of being sedentary, such as sitting at a desk during the workday or taking a long car ride, can be symptomatic of arthritis, especially if the stiffness lasts an hour or longer.

4. Difficulty moving a joint

The Arthritis Foundation notes that people should not experience difficulty moving, such as when getting out of bed. People who experience such difficulty may have arthritis.
People who recognize any of these warning signs should report them to their physicians immediately. Be as specific as possible when describing these symptoms, as specificity can help physicians design the most effective course of treatment.

https://maysville-online.com/specialsections/182793/common-warning-signs-of-arthritis

Exploring joint pain that is caused by psoriatic arthritis

From bonnercountydailybee.com/news

It’s not the most common skin disorder, acne gets that honour, but psoriasis is the one that can lead to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) which is often painful joint inflammation. The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates more than eight million Americans — two to three percent of the total population — have psoriasis.

As high as thirty percent of those folks will develop psoriatic arthritis often between their thirtieth and fiftieth birthdays or roughly ten years after the first signs of psoriasis. It’s unusual, but one can develop psoriatic arthritis without having psoriasis.

For those of you who need a refresher, psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to ten times faster than usual. The result is that the skin builds up into bumpy red patches covered in white scales that can grow anywhere but mostly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. This condition is not in any way, shape, or form contagious.

“Though there is no cure, there is a growing range of treatments available to help stop the disease progression, lessen pain, protect joints and preserve the range of motion,” NPF says. “Early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of psoriatic arthritis are critical to relieve pain and inflammation and help prevent joint damage.”

Let’s emphasize early recognition. NPF says that permanent joint damage can occur without seeking treatment in as little as six months, confirming this is not one of those conditions that you should take a wait and see the type of attitude.

PsA doesn’t follow a set pattern. Symptoms can develop quickly with severe pain, or slowly with mild discomfort. Some people may develop PsA after an injury that, at first thought, appears to be a cartilage tear.

Common symptoms include fatigue, tenderness, pain and swelling over tendons; swollen fingers and toes that make those appendages look like sausages; stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints; a reduced range of motion; morning stiffness and tiredness; nail changes (I’ll explain more in a bit), and redness and pain in the eye(s).

“There is little connection between psoriasis severity and PsA severity. Having a severe case of psoriasis does not necessarily mean you will have a severe case of psoriatic arthritis,” NPF explains. “You could have a few skin lesions, but many joints affected by arthritis.”

The National Institutes of Health says that psoriatic arthritis may be “difficult to distinguish from other forms of arthritis, mainly when skin changes are minimal or absent. Nail changes and dactylitis (digit swelling) are two features that are characteristic psoriatic arthritis, although they do not occur in all cases.

Nail changes include tiny dents described as pitting and ridges in the fingernail. And, WebMD explains that “sometimes the entire nail pulls away from the nail bed. The separated part might be opaque with a white, yellow, or green tint. Your doctor might call this condition onycholysis.”

Having PsA can put you at risk of developing other conditions. The most common are cancer (lymphoma and non-melanoma skin cancer), cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, depression, eye inflammation, and vision problems, gout, and joint damage.


“Researchers have found a link between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that include heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure. Women with psoriasis and anyone with severe psoriatic arthritis may be almost twice as likely to get it as others,” WebMD explains.

There isn’t a definitive test for psoriatic arthritis. Your healthcare provider will make the diagnosis utilizing observation and the process of elimination. Blood tests, MRIs, and X-rays of the joints will help to rule out other diseases and to determine the cause of symptoms. Your and your family’s medical history will aid the diagnosis as frequently, people with psoriatic arthritis have a parent or sibling with the disease.

“The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of three other arthritic diseases: rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and reactive arthritis,” NPF says. It’s important to know what type of arthritis you’re suffering from because they are all treated differently.

Although there is no cure, symptoms to control inflammation are often successfully managed by medications. Sometimes steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation quickly. When PsA severely damages joints and will require surgery.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com

https://bonnercountydailybee.com/news/2020/jul/29/exploring-joint-pain-that-is-caused-by-7/ 

Here's What You Can Do To Control Your Arthritis Risk: Save Your Joints With These Precautions

From ndtv.com/health

Arthritis affects joints and causes difficulty in performing day to day activities. You can prevent arthritis risk with simple precautions. Here are some of these you can follow

Arthritis affects joints causing pain and stiffness that worsens with age. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Pain, stiffness, swelling and redness near joints and reduced range of motion are some signs and symptoms of arthritis. If left uncontrolled, arthritis can make it difficult to complete day to day tasks. In some cases, joints may become twisted and deformed. There is no cure for arthritis. Medical assistance helps improve the patient's quality of life.

A few healthy practices can help control the risk of developing this painful condition. In this article, you will learn about different ways to control your risk.

Arthritis prevention: Here's what you need to do

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight can take a toll on your joints. You should maintain a healthy weight with the help of a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoid following crash diets as they are deprived of nutrition.

2. Save your joints

Activities such as lifting heavy weights or sitting for too long can put stress on your joints. Also, protect your joints from injuries. If you have a sitting job, take frequent breaks and go for a small walk. If you have experienced any injury in the past, follow all the necessary precautions suggested by your doctor.

3. Exercise

Exercise is beneficial for your overall health as well as for your joints. It reduces body weight resulting in reduced stress on your joints. Exercise also keeps your muscles around the joints moving. It is usually advised to exercise for at least 30 mins a day.

4. Quit smoking

According to studies, smoking can lead to a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. So, here's another reason why you should quit smoking. If you are unable to quit, seek medical assistance.

5. Do not miss symptoms

Take note of the above mentioned symptoms of arthritis. If you experience any one of these you must consult a doctor.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.

https://www.ndtv.com/health/heres-what-you-can-do-to-prevent-your-arthritis-risk-save-your-joints-with-these-precautions-2267457

Blood Test Could Reveal When Rheumatoid Arthritis Will Strike

From hhmi.org

Summary

Scientists have identified a new type of cell that appears in the bloodstream of rheumatoid arthritis patients shortly before joint inflammation flares.

A never-before-seen cell type could forewarn of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

The cells, dubbed “PRIME cells,” accumulate in the blood during the week prior to disease flare-ups, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator Robert Darnell's team reports July 15, 2020, in the New England Journal of Medicine. The findings could lead to better prediction of when severe pain and swelling, called “flares” will occur, as well as provide new avenues for treatment.

“PRIME cells are one thing you might want to target to arrest the flare before it happens,” Darnell says. “That’s the ideal of medical science – to know enough about a disease that you can put your finger on what’s about to make someone sick.”

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system that causes inflammation in the joints, especially around the hands and feet. It can be debilitating and frequently strikes people in their 30s or 40s. The symptoms come in waves, with stretches of relative quiet interspersed with painful flares.  Current therapeutics, chiefly steroids, can treat these symptoms, but there’s no cure.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints. B cells (one shown here) play a role in the disease. These cells may activate PRIME cells, the newly discovered cells that appear in the blood just before an attack of symptoms. Credit: NIAID
To study this sort of disease, where symptoms vary dramatically from week to week, it’s critical to track changes in the body over an extended time. But it’s hard for patients to trek to a clinic for frequent testing. So Darnell, a neuro-oncologist at the Rockefeller University, and his colleagues developed an at-home blood collection system. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis did simple finger sticks and sent their blood to his lab. Each participant also kept a record of symptoms to identify when flares occurred.
Armed with these records, the researchers tested the blood samples, looking for molecular changes preceding the onset of symptoms. By analysing the RNA of cells in the bloodstream, Darnell’s team could identify which types of cells were present during symptom-free times and in the weeks preceding a flare.

In samples collected two weeks prior to a flare, researchers saw an increase in immune cells called B cells. That’s not surprising, Darnell says – researchers already knew these cells attacked patients’ joints in rheumatoid arthritis.

But in samples collected one week before a flare, his team noticed something odd. They saw an increase in RNA that didn’t match the genetic signature of any known type of blood or immune cell. “That got us thinking there was something fishy going on,” says study co-author Dana Orange, a rheumatologist at Rockefeller. The RNA signature instead resembled that of bone, cartilage, or muscle cells – cells not typically found in the blood.

Darnell’s team called the newfound cell type a PRIME cell, for “pre-inflammation mesenchymal” cell.  (Mesenchymal cells are a type of stem cell that can develop into bone or cartilage.) In the patients, PRIME cells accumulated in the bloodstream a week before the flare but disappeared during the flare. This observation, combined with previous work from another lab in mice, suggests a possible role for PRIME cells in rheumatoid arthritis flares, Darnell says.

One of the team’s next steps is to test in more patients whether the presence of these cells can predict a flare, Darnell says. The researchers are still recruiting patients for this study; currently the team’s blood collection system is only available for use in research. Darnell also wants to study PRIME cells’ molecular characteristics. If the cells do indeed take part in causing flares, he says, “understanding the unique aspects of PRIME cells might enable us to target them with a drug and get rid of them.”

https://www.hhmi.org/news/blood-test-could-reveal-when-rheumatoid-arthritis-will-strike

5 foods to avoid for arthritis

From medicalnewstoday.com

Some people find that making changes to their diet improves their arthritis symptoms. This may involve avoiding inflammatory foods, such as saturated fat and sugar. It may also involve avoiding foods that are high in purines.
In this article, we look at five types of food a person with arthritis may benefit from avoiding, as well as foods that may help.

Types of arthritis

There are several types of arthritis, all of which cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other forms include:

• rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
• psoriatic arthritis
• juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• gout
• lupus
• ankylosing spondylitis

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 23% of adults in the United States have a form of arthritis.

Can diet help arthritis? 

What a person eats can help:

1. reduce inflammation levels in the body
2. a person maintain a moderate weight
3. promote tissue health and healing
4. a person avoid specific trigger foods

Usually, inflammation protects the body from harm by helping defend against bacteria and aiding wound healing. However, when inflammation persists for an extended period, chronic symptoms can develop.

What a person eats has an impact on inflammation levels. Some foods are inflammatory, and others are anti-inflammatory.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, numerous studies show that anti-inflammatory foods can reduce arthritis pain and progression.

A person’s body weight also influences inflammation levels. Fat cells produce cytokines, which are immune cells that increase inflammation.

A person can use diet to maintain a moderate weight, which may help with inflammation and also reduce pressure on the joints.

Finally, some types of arthritis have specific trigger foods. For example, foods that are high in purines can contribute to a gout attack.

Foods to avoid

Read on to find out which foods to avoid with arthritis.

Inflammatory fats

Several types of fat increase inflammation in the body. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person with arthritis should limit:

• Omega 6 fatty acids: These include oils, such as corn, safflower, sunflower, and vegetable oil. Omega 6 fatty acids are not harmful in moderation, but many people in America consume a lot of them.
• Saturated fat: Meat, butter, and cheese contain this type of fat. Saturated fat should account for less than 10% of someone’s total calorie intake per day.
• Trans fats: This type of fat is harmful to human health because it reduces “good" cholesterol, increases “bad” cholesterol, and raises inflammation levels. Manufacturers have been removing trans fats from most prepared foods over the last few years but check the nutrition facts panel to be sure.

Sugar

One study in Nutrients indicates that people who drink regular sugar-sweetened soda have an increased risk of RA. Harvard Health note that excess sugar consumption also increases the risk of dying from heart disease. It can also lead to obesity, inflammation, and other chronic diseases.
Many products contain added sugars. Always check food labels on breakfast cereals, sauces, and soft drinks, as these may contain surprising amounts of added sugars.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)

AGEs are inflammatory compounds that can accumulate in tissues, particularly as someone ages. An article in Patient Education explains that people with diseases such as diabetes and RA often have increased AGE levels. So, reducing AGE levels may help reduce inflammation.
Fat and sugar both increase AGE levels in the body. Some food processing methods and high temperature cooking also increase the AGE levels in food.

Nightshades

Nightshades are a group of vegetables that contain the compound solanine. Studies have not confirmed that nightshades can trigger arthritis pain, but the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine indicate that removing them from the diet helps improve symptoms in some people.
Nightshade vegetables include:

• tomatoes
• bell peppers
• chili peppers
• eggplant
• potatoes

The Arthritis Foundation advise that people who suspect nightshades might exacerbate symptoms exclude them from their diet for a couple of weeks, then reintroduce them one at a time.
Keeping a food diary may help a person keep track of any reactions they have to a specific food.

Foods high in purines

For people who have gout, a doctor may advise a low purine diet combined with the medication.
Purines are substances in foods that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, causing a gout attack. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following foods are high in purines:

• red meat
• organ meat, such as liver
• beer and other alcohol
• cured meats such as ham, bacon or lunch meats
• some seafood, such as mussels and scallops

However, a 2018 review identified that some purine-rich vegetables, such as cauliflower, mushrooms, and beans, have no links to gout risk.

Foods to eat

Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory fats

The Arthritis Foundation list the following as types of fat that can reduce inflammation:

• Unsaturated fats: These include olive oil, avocado oil, and oils from nuts and seeds. Extra virgin olive oil contains the compound oleocanthal, which has similar anti-inflammatory properties to ibuprofen.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring, contain omega- 3 fatty acids. Arthritis researchers recommend eating at least 2 servings of oily fish per week. Alternatively, a person can take a fish oil supplement. Studies suggest that taking 600mg–1000mg of fish oil a day can ease stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. Vegetarians and vegans can get omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts or walnut oil.

Coconut oil may also be beneficial for arthritis. Animal studies show that even though coconut oil is a saturated fat, it has anti-inflammatory properties. Researchers need to carry out more controlled studies to confirm this benefit in humans.

Fruits and vegetables

According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, some studies indicate that plant-based diets can decrease RA symptoms. The Arthritis Foundation suggest that the following fruits and vegetables may be especially beneficial for people with arthritis:

• Onions, garlic, and leeks: All of these contain the anti-inflammatory compound quercetin. They also contain sulfur compounds that may reduce cartilage damage.
• Sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots: Orange and red vegetables contain carotenoids, which are antioxidants. Some research links carotenoids with a lower risk of developing RA, but this is not conclusive.
• Green leafy vegetables: Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard, and spinach contain calcium, which is essential for bone health. They also contain antioxidants.
• Citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi fruit: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) fact sheet on vitamin C says that foods with high amounts of vitamin C help protect bone and cartilage.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help someone stay healthy and avoid the symptoms of inflammation. One of the most researched anti-inflammatory diets is the Mediterranean diet.

The Mediterranean diet focuses on the following foods:

• olive oil
• whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• lean meats, eggs, and fish
• nuts and seeds

The diet also includes moderate levels of dairy products but limits sugar, alcohol, and red meat.
The Arthritis Foundation note that a Mediterranean diet can reduce inflammation and pain in people with osteoarthritis and protect against fracture risk.

Some people who follow the Mediterranean diet may also lose weight without counting calories or limiting portion sizes because the diet is predominantly plant-based.

A large population-based 2018 study found that men who followed the Mediterranean diet had a lower risk of developing RA. Another study suggests that the antioxidants in the Mediterranean diet may decrease pain for people with RA.

Other tips for managing arthritis

Other tips that may help someone to manage their arthritis include:

• Low impact exercise: This type of activity helps a person stay active without damaging the joints. The CDC recommend walking, swimming, or cycling.
• Cooking methods: Certain cooking methods can preserve or release more nutrients from food than others. Steaming rather than boiling, and lightly frying in a healthful oil rather than deep-frying, can make nutrients easier to absorb. Microwaving for a short time in minimal liquid also preserves nutrient content.
• Sun exposure: Vitamin D is essential for bone health because, according to the Arthritis Foundation, it helps the body absorb calcium. While some food sources contain vitamin D, the easiest way to get adequate vitamin D is to spend some time in the sunshine.

Summary

Foods that increase inflammation, such as sugar and saturated fat, may worsen arthritis symptoms. Some people may also find that foods high in purines and nightshades trigger arthritis flare-ups.
To identify triggers, a person can try excluding suspected foods for a couple of weeks, then reintroducing them one at a time.

Anti-inflammatory foods may help someone with arthritis manage their symptoms. These include plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and anti-inflammatory fats.

Someone with arthritis who is struggling to find the best eating plan may wish to speak to a registered dietitian.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/foods-to-avoid-with-arthritis#summary

Ask the doctor: Could I have arthritis in my wrist?

From independent.ie
By Dr Jennifer Grant

Q I am a 40-year-old woman and have been having pain in my right wrist on and off for a couple of years. It is exacerbated by working with a mouse, but also is present when I don't work at a desk for a long period of time. I also get joint pain in my hips, etc, but nothing I would worry about as it disappears when I exercise regularly. Is there a possibility that I have arthritis in my wrist? If so, how do I get that checked out.

A It sounds like you may have a simple repetitive strain injury as you describe the computer mouse as an exacerbating factor for your wrist pain. I wonder if you have tried using ergonomic supports?

Most people who work long hours at a desk are likely to be at risk of repetitive strain injury. However, an ergonomically coordinated computer workstation can help reduce your risk. Ensure there is adequate room for the keyboard and mouse (if you have to keep one). There is a fine balance between being too far away from the keyboard or too cramped. Getting the distance right will mean you will be able to maintain good posture and body alignment, which are key elements to any computer workstation.

Ensure your computer screen is at eye level by adjusting the height of your chair and/or table. This promotes correct posture and helps to keep your wrists and hands in-line with your forearms (i.e. neutral alignment). Improving your hand muscle strength by performing thumb stretches for 10 seconds periodically can also be helpful.

You can attend an occupational therapist, physiotherapist or someone with training in this area for a full assessment and advice.

You mentioned your wrist pain is not always brought on by working at your desk. Think about what other activities at home that may be exacerbating your pain. You are probably right-handed and use the right wrist more than the left. Do you have a newborn infant or toddler at home who requires a lot of handling?

Other medical conditions to consider are the possibility of gout, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. If you have a family history of any of these diseases, you are at higher risk. There is a certain amount of mild joint pain and stiffness that can be expected over 50 years old. These are considered 'age-related change' and are often seen on scan. But if the pain is persistent over a number of months and is starting to progress, then it may be osteoarthritis (OA).

The classic symptoms of OA are pain and stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis but OA is the most common form. Joint pain is typically worse after joint use, exercise or towards the end of the day. There may be a limitation in range of motion of the joint.

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Typically, OA affects one joint initially whereas rheumatoid arthritis affects multiple joints on both sides of the body in a symmetric pattern. As OA progresses, the joint becomes painful at night, resulting in sleep disturbance and often bone swelling surrounding the joint. An X-ray will help identify moderate to severe joint involvement but an MRI scan is better at identifying early OA changes.

For the majority of patients, there is usually one or more risk factors present that ultimately lead to the development of OA over time. If your pain persists or gets worse, you should attend your GP for a full history, clinical examination and investigations.
⬤ Dr Jennifer Grant is a GP with Beacon HealthCheck

https://www.independent.ie/life/health-wellbeing/ask-the-doctor-could-i-have-arthritis-in-my-wrist-39357362.html