5 Questions People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Should Ask Their Doctors

From self.com

Asking questions is one of the best things you can do

Learning you have rheumatoid arthritis can be scary, stressful, and overwhelming. If the illness is completely new to you, we wouldn’t be surprised if you have a million questions running through your mind after a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Instead of keeping your questions to yourself, don’t be shy about asking questions directly to your doctor.

Remember, your rheumatologist is an expert in this—it’s literally their job description to be one—and they have a wealth of information to help you understand and manage your condition, both now and in the future. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor after a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.

1. How advanced is my rheumatoid arthritis?

With rheumatoid arthritis, your body’s immune system mistakenly mounts a defence against your synovium, which is the incredibly important lining of the membranes that encase your joints, the Mayo Clinic explains. When your synovium becomes inflamed due to your immune system’s attack, this lining gets thicker, which can damage your cartilage and bones. This process is what leads to hallmark rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like painful, swollen joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and more.

The severity of your rheumatoid arthritis when you’re diagnosed plays a critical role in figuring out your best course of treatment, Kevin Byram, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology and immunology and associate director of the rheumatology training program at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, tells SELF.

In the early stages, rheumatoid arthritis is often limited to the smaller joints. But as it progresses and becomes moderate or severe, it can have a more widespread impact on the body. “Many times we'll know early on if somebody has really aggressive disease and might require some of the more advanced treatments,” Dr. Byram says.

                                                                 bortonia / Getty Images

2. What are my treatment options?

When treating rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor’s goal is to get you to a place where you’re experiencing as few symptoms as possible. With the right treatment, you might even achieve remission, which basically means your symptoms are so tame (or not even present at all) that rheumatoid arthritis isn’t affecting your day-to-day life.

The standard first treatment for many people with early rheumatoid arthritis is a drug called methotrexate, which is available as a pill or an injection. Methotrexate is from a class of drugs called conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or conventional DMARDs, according to the American College of Rheumatology. If blood tests and X-rays show developments like highly elevated inflammatory markers and advanced bone erosion, your physician may choose an alternative rather than start you on methotrexate. Or, if methotrexate or other conventional DMARDS don’t bring your illness under control, your physician may suggest other treatments including biologics, JAK inhibitors, and steroids.

When searching for a treatment that works, many different factors come into play, including the severity of your illness, treatment recommendations from the American College of Rheumatology, your response to different medications, existing and potential side effects, and your insurance coverage.

It may take trying a few different medications before finding one that’s effective, but the good news is that there are enough medication options available that if a treatment isn’t working, alternatives are probably available.

3. What side effects can I expect from treatment?

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment side effects vary depending on the type of drug you’re taking: You can experience anything from stomach irritation and nausea to visual disturbances and more, according to the Mayo Clinic. One key potential side effect to note is the increased risk of infection that comes with some rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

If you’ve experienced a lot of infections in the past, this will probably be a consideration when determining which treatment is best for you. “Overall, the medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis are aimed to bring down the inflammation that's overactive in the body,” Elizabeth Schulman, M.D., rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery, tells SELF. “So with that comes, oftentimes, an increased risk for infections.”

Often the infections are mild and the benefits of decreased pain and increased function are worth the risk, but for some people the immunosuppression can be problematic and the infections can be more severe, making this an important consideration, Dr. Byram says. “This was important before COVID-19, but even more in the forefront now,” he says.

4. How often do I need to check in with my doctor?

After a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, you can expect that your doctor will want to see you every few months for blood work and to talk about your symptoms. This may seem like a lot at first, but rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, and these frequent check-ins give your doctor a chance to re-evaluate your condition—making sure your medication is working and that side effects are minimal or manageable. This also allows them to include you in treatment decisions.

“An overarching principle in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is that this is really a shared decision making between the patient and the physician,” Dr. Schulman says. It’s important to make sure that the treatment feels comfortable to you and that you understand the physician is going to do their best to minimize all possible side effects, she adds.

Even if you reach a state of remission, you can still expect regular visits, Dr. Byram says. It’s possible to have relapses from remission for various reasons, including because your medication stops working or certain lifestyle factors, so it’s still good to have frequent check-ins with your doctor.

5. What lifestyle modifications do I need to make?

Along with starting medication, a number of lifestyle modifications, including stress management, prioritizing your mental health, making sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, exercising, and other healthy habits are all important in managing your rheumatoid arthritis.

And about that exercise bit, since there’s a lot of confusion: Many people with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis are unsure if they should exercise, but Dr. Schulman says you absolutely should consider it. Depending on how advanced your disease is, you may need to work with a physical therapist or trainer to find a program that works for you, “but we highly recommend a routine exercise program, both for cardiovascular health and joint health, and for mental health,” she says.

Gentle, regular exercise may actually help increase your strength and flexibility and specifically make your muscle and joint function better, the Mayo Clinic says, which can be key for people with rheumatoid arthritis. But it’s really important to exercise safely—in general, and especially when you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis—so be sure to ask your doctor specific questions about your exercise plan if you think that insight would be helpful.

https://www.self.com/story/rheumatoid-arthritis-diagnosis-questions

Arthritis pain - the best vegetable to lower your risk of joint pain and inflammation

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS pain affects about 10 million people in the UK, and can lead to joint pain and inflammation. You could lower your risk of arthritis symptoms and signs by eating certain foods. This is the best vegetable to avoid the joint pain condition.

Arthritis is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, according to the NHS. But regularly adding more broccoli to your diet could help to protect against the condition, it's believed.

Arthritis pain can lead to a number of debilitating symptoms that patients will want to try and avoid. The condition can make life more difficult when carrying out simply, everyday tasks.

It's crucial that if you develop signs of arthritis, you speak to a doctor as soon as possible to try and find a treatment to relieve your pain.
One of the best ways to avoid arthritis pain is to eat more broccoli, it's been claimed.

Broccoli could slow down the progression of arthritis, or even prevent it from developing in the first place, according to the Arthritis Foundation of Asia.
It contains a specific compound - known as sulforaphane - that reduces the risk of arthritis, it said.
The vegetable also contains plenty of calcium, which is a key mineral for boosting the strength of your bones.
Osteoarthritis patients are most likely to benefit from eating more broccoli, it added.

      Arthritis pain: Prevent symptoms and signs of the joint pain condition with more broccoli in diet                                                                    (Image: GETTY Images)

"Although there is no diet cure for arthritis, certain foods have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune system," said the Arthritis Foundation of Asia.
"Adding these foods to your balanced diet may help ease the symptoms of your arthritis.
"Rich in vitamins K and C, broccoli also contains a compound called sulforaphane, which researchers have found could help prevent or slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
"Broccoli is also rich in calcium, which is known for its bone-building benefits."

You could also lower your risk of arthritis by eating more red beans, added the Arthritis Foundation.
They could lower your chances of arthritis symptoms as they're rich in fibre.
Fibre is a crucial nutrient that helps to lower the amount of C-reactive proteins in the body.
These proteins are a marker of inflammation, which have been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and even rheumatoid arthritis.

Common arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
There are two key types of arthritis in the UK; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis to be diagnosed in the UK - around nine million people are believed to have osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis, meanwhile, is an auto-immune disease that has been diagnosed in about 400,000 individuals.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1326756/arthritis-pain-symptoms-signs-joint-pain-broccoli-diet

A pill made from seeds to help relieve arthritis pain

From express.co.uk

BEST supplements for joint pain: A powder made from seeds and shells from Rosa canina has proven to be one of the best supplements to help ease pain caused by arthritis. How?

When suffering with joint pain from arthritis, many turn to painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen. However, this often provides no relief for the pain issue. Experts recommend a certain supplement to help ease chronic pain from poor joint health.

According to the healthcare regulatory body The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), commonly used painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen offer little to no evidence that they provide relief from chronic pain and should not be prescribed, as announced in a new report that is set to shake up pain treatment for the nation.


Using rose hip supplements may be the best option when trying to relieve pain felt from inflammation, arthritis and joint pain, according to numerous studies.


Rose hip supplements are a powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) and help reduce symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis.

In a study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, rose hip and its constituent galactolipids and how it could help protect cartilage health was investigated.


The study noted: “Clinical studies have shown that rose hip powder (RHP) alleviates osteoarthritis (OA).


“This might be due to anti-inflammatory and cartilage-protective properties of the complete RHP or specific constituents of RHP.


“Cellular systems (macrophages, peripheral blood leukocytes and chondrocytes), which respond to inflammatory and OA-inducing stimuli, are used as in vitro surrogates to evaluate the possible pain-relief and disease-modifying effects of RHP.” 

In another study published in the National Library of Health, an anti-inflammatory galactolipid from rose hip and how it inhibits chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro was investigated.



The study said: “The galactolipid isolated from dried and milled fruits of Rosa canina by bioassay-guided fractionation is an anti-inflammatory agent with inhibitory effects on chemotaxis of human peripheral blood neutrophils in vitro.


“The inhibition of cell migration is not related to toxicity.


“The presence of one in rose hips may explain the clinically observed anti-inflammatory properties of rose hip herbal remedies.” 

           Best supplements for joint pain: Rose hip is derived from seeds and shells from Rosa canina                                                                  (Image: Getty Images)

It has been estimated that chronic pain may affect up to half of the population.


A large proportion of these relate to joint health conditions, with back pain alone accounting for the single largest cause of disability in the UK, and one third of the population aged over 45 seeking treatment for osteoarthritis.



In fact, 17 million adults in the UK are affected by a joint or musculoskeletal condition, with nearly half of those dependent on paracetamol for the management of debilitating symptoms.


Following the draft guidance, set out by NICE which condemn the long-term use of analgesics, healthcare professionals and patients alike should be looking to alternative solutions for pain relief, such as clinically backed supplements to treat patients with chronic pain conditions.


Consultant Rheumatologist Dr Rod Hughes said: “Now the side effects of paracetamol are well documented it is imperative that we look at safer, long term alternatives for those living with joint pain.

“One such option could be the galactolipid GOPO, which has been shown in randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials to significantly reduce arthritis joint pain and reduce consumption of paracetamol by 40 percent. 



“In vitro studies have demonstrated GOPO has anti-inflammatory properties which have a protective effect on cartilage, potentially even helping cartilage and joint tissues to rebuild and regenerate. GOPO was found to have a positive safety profile and is able to be taken long term."


GOPO® Joint Health is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory treatment with no known side-effects, proven to reduce joint pain and swelling, improving joint mobility and activity levels, and reducing the need for painkillers.



“GOPO is considered by many to be a safer and effective alternative to paracetamol and other prescription medications and should be a first-line treatment option for joint health patients.” 


Extensive scientific studies involving more than 400 patients with chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis, have shown that GOPO - the active compound isolated from the rose-hip Rosa Canina - produces significant and consistent pain relief and improved joint function. 



In one study, eight out of 10 patients reported a significant reduction in pain after just three weeks of GOPO.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1326145/best-supplements-joint-pain-arthritis-rose-hip-galactolipids-relieve-pain

9 Things to Know about Psoriatic Arthritis and Your Mental Health

From healthcentral.com

It's not all in your head: The physical symptoms of psoriatic arthritis (joint swelling, back and neck pain, and skin rashes) are not the only challenges this chronic disease brings. PsA can also affect your mental health and cognitive functioning. Stress, depression, anxiety, even brain fog and dementia—all have a powerful connection to this autoimmune disorder. We’ll explain how they all interconnect—with inflammation potentially playing a key role—and then offer expert advice on how to better manage the symptoms that can affect your mind and well-being.

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Stressed Out With PsA? It's a Common Experience

Stress and PsA flares have what you might describe as a vicious circle sort of relationship. “Stress can trigger exacerbations of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and those exacerbations can in turn trigger more stress,” says Vinod Chandran, M.D., associate professor of rheumatology at the University of Toronto. Specific PsA stressors—like the financial burden of some disease-modifying drugs and other expensive therapies, plus worries over the social stigma (and frequent, unsolicited commentary) that can come with symptoms like difficult-to-conceal skin rashes—can add to your emotional woes.

The PsA-Depression Link Is Real

Stress also contributes to depression, which is more common among people with PsA. “People with PsA often report a depression symptom called ‘anhedonia,’ which means the inability to experience pleasure and a loss of interest in things they used to enjoy,” Dr. Chandran says. According to a 2020 study he co-authored, depression and anxiety in people with PsA may be linked to systemic inflammation, thought to be at the root of many PsA symptoms. Other research shows how patients with PsA who were treated with disease-modifying, anti-inflammatory drugs showed significant improvement in depressive symptoms.

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People With PsA Have an Elevated Risk for Anxiety, Too

So, PsA is a triple-threat: Anxiety, which is characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and even spikes in blood pressure, is also common among people with this condition. A University of Pennsylvania study showed that people with psoriatic disease had a 31% increased risk of anxiety compared with participants who did not. And a 2019 British review of studies involving more than 30,000 people found that one in three people with PsA reported experiencing mild anxiety, while one in five people with PsA said they battled moderate levels—making PsA a significant anxiety risk factor.

Brain Fog, Dementia, and Inflammation Are Also Linked to PsA

Many people with PsA report experiencing “brain fog”—trouble concentrating and memory loss (which can also be tied to depression, according to the Mayo Clinic). But it’s not just momentary mental lapses that can occur. A large 2020 study from South Korean researchers found that the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was significantly higher in people with psoriasis and other untreated immune disorders, likely tied to chronic inflammation. While not everyone with psoriasis develops PsA, roughly a third do. The good news? Those who took disease-modifying treatments had lower rates of AD than those who did not.

Inflammation May Be at the Root of PsA Mental Health Issues

Increased stress, more depression and anxiety, plus brain fog and perhaps dementia, too—is a rogue inflammatory response to blame? “Inflammation such as we see in psoriatic arthritis is not good for the central nervous system. The brain does not like inflammation,” says Jasvinder Singh, M.D., professor of medicine and epidemiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and co-author of the 2018 American College of Rheumatology/National Psoriasis Foundation Guideline for the Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis. “It’s possible the inflammatory process of PsA is contributing to these mental health issues—and that’s something researchers are still studying.”

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Controlling Inflammation Is Key

The first step, then, in managing the mental health and cognitive symptoms of PsA is to work on disease control. Disease-modifying drugs that tame inflammatory symptoms can also improve depression, anxiety, and other mental health effects, says Dr. Chandran, whether these issues are caused by the inflammation itself, the daily pressures of living with PsA, or both. “Early treatment is very important because long-term chronic pain can become ingrained in the neural circuits and then are more difficult to manage,” he adds. Beyond medications, there are other things you can do to beat PsA’s psychological challenges, too. Keep reading.

Move More For a Better Mood

Working up a sweat is well known to have positive effects on stress, depression, and anxiety, says Dr. Singh, but it can be difficult to exercise when you’re experiencing chronic pain. Still, you don’t need to join a kickboxing class or run a marathon to improve your mental health and well-being along with your overall physical condition. The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends at least 30 minutes a day of low- and no-impact workouts like swimming, walking, and bicycling, as well as gentle stretching and flexibility exercises, like yoga. (You can spread these out into three 10-minute workouts if that’s easier for you.)

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Focus on Sleep Hygiene

Exercise also helps improve your sleep—a big plus, since the National Alliance on Mental Illness notes how poor sleep is a known contributor to many mental health issues, like not dealing well with stress, plus upticks in anxiety and depression, too. So get proactive about your sleep hygiene. You probably already know the right steps—maintain a regular sleep schedule; promote a tranquil sleep environment; avoid exercise, alcohol, and caffeine right before bed; and try practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques—but they only work if you commit to them. So make a point of starting tonight.

Talk Openly with Your Doctor

“Be sure to discuss any depression, anxiety, and stress you are experiencing with your doctor,” says Dr. Chandran. If you’re truly struggling, a therapist might help. “Sometimes, we’re so focused on the physical symptom of this disease, such as pain and joint inflammation, that mental and emotional health does not receive enough attention.” Shame and stigma can still be associated with mental health issues, he notes. “But these diseases are just like any other, and the more you communicate with your doctor about them, the better they can be managed.”

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/psoriatic-arthritis-mental-health

                                                                        

   

Is Rosehip The Answer To Arthritis?

From businessmole.com

Over 10 million people in the UK currently have arthritis or other similar joint related conditions. Thus, it is unsurprising to see sufferers seek out new ways to relieve the pain associated with these issues.

The holistic approach of rosehip supplements is increasingly muted as a potential treatment for joint related pain.

According to Lewtress Natural Health, who produce two rosehip supplement products, extracts from the plant “can discourage the build-up of white blood cells accumulating in large amounts within the joints, thus making sure that joint inflammation, stiffness and pain is minimal and thereby helping to make arthritis a more manageable condition”.

Lewtress’ Rosehip Extract Capsules contain what they describe as a particular galactolipid, which is present in highly concentrated pure extracts of Rosa Canina.

According to the supplement providers, the “galactolipid has a specific natural action, which can breakdown, dissolve and eliminate the debris and nodules which form within osteoarthritic joints.”
Apparently, this reduces both inflammation and the erosion of cartilage. It is also claimed that these supplements can reduce the need for over the counter pain  medications.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. It is a common condition, which can occur at any age.

With no cure currently in place for arthritis, any treatment that alleviates the effects of the condition is welcome. However, it is also recommended that you speak to your doctor before taking any supplements and that you also conduct the relevant research.

http://www.businessmole.com/is-rosehip-the-answer-to-arthritis/

Fitness Facts: Arthritis

From news.gcu.edu
By Connie Colbert
Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. There are several types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The most common signs and symptoms of arthritis involve the joints in the body. Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your signs and symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Limited range of motion of affected joint

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time.

Osteoarthritis can damage any joint. The disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

Osteoarthritis symptoms usually can be managed although the damage to joints can’t be reversed.

Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight and undergoing some treatments might slow progression of the disease and help improve pain and joint function.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis often develop slowly and worsen over time. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Affected joints might hurt during or after movement.
• Joint stiffness might be most noticeable upon awakening or after being inactive.
• Your joint might feel tender when you apply light pressure to or near it.
• You might not be able to move your joint through its full range of motion.
• You might feel a grating sensation when you use the joint, and you might hear popping or crackling.
• Swelling in the joint. This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.
• You may form hard lumps, known as bone spurs, around the affected joint(s).

Osteoarthritis can damage any joint but most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis, known as RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the joints.

RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue and thus pain. This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, lack of balance and deformities.

RA also can affect other tissues throughout the body and cause problems in organs such as the lungs, heart and eyes.

Rheumatoid arthritis most often results in warm, swollen and painful joints. Pain and stiffness often worsen following rest. Most commonly, the wrist and hands are involved, with the same joints typically involved on both sides of the body.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Weakness

If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, please visit your health care provider to discuss a possible treatment plan. The earlier you are on a treatment plan, the better outcome you will have.

https://news.gcu.edu/2020/08/fitness-facts-arthritis/

Dr. Jose: Knee pain while running? Don’t blame arthritis.

From seacoastonline.com

Is running bad for your knees? Does it cause arthritis?
We get asked these questions a lot, especially by clients who are in their 50s and 60s and wondering if it’s safe to keep running.
The short answer is: No!

If you experience knee pain when you run, it’s not that you’ve “aged out” of the sport, or because it’s causing arthritis in your knees. This is a very common misconception about running when in fact, research supports that running may actually be GOOD for your knees, and that running alone does not cause arthritis to develop.

Staying strong, active, and mobile is your best defence always against osteoarthritis. Therefore runners, because they are typically active and healthy individuals, often have healthier knees compared to their non-running counterparts.

OK then, so if not arthritis — what really causes knee pain in runners?
In most cases, it’s simply a bio-mechanical issue that goes unaddressed over time. But the GOOD news is that once identified, these issues can actually be fixed with proper education and strengthening. (Best offered by a movement specialist — like us!)

Here are three of the most common factors we see that are often the true culprit of knee pain when you run (not arthritis):

1. Poor ankle mobility

Ankle mobility affects the way force hits your foot, which can impact your knee. If your ankle doesn’t move fully, freely and adequately — excess forces will be shifted up to your knee. The knee may be forced to flex, and/or rotate, and/or tilt more than it needs to. This, in turn, may result in unwanted loads that the tissues of the knee can’t handle. A biomechanical and movement expert can not only help you identify if this is your true “knee problem” — but can also help you improve your ankle mobility in order to prevent long-term damage to the joints, tendons and ligaments of your knees. We actually see this as a very common problem in those that have sprained or twisted their ankles in the past. If that’s you — this could be a reason why you’re suffering from knee pain while you run.

2. Weakness in your hips and thighs

There’s a widely perpetuated myth out there that runners don’t need to strength train. That’s simply not true! Adding strength training to your running regimen makes it way less likely that you’ll suffer an injury. When it comes to protecting your knees, developing good, balanced strength in your hips and thighs is critical. The hamstring and quadriceps muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing the patella, otherwise known as your kneecap. Since running is extremely repetitive on your joints, especially your knees, it requires they have good durability and endurance - something that is lost quickly when you neglect proper strength training. Often “wear and tear” in your knees (otherwise known as arthritis) will get blamed for your knee pain when in actuality, the loss of strength around your knees is what’s causing that wear and tear to feel worse than it needs to.

3. Unstable core

It may seem like running is all in the legs, but the stability of your pelvis and trunk have a huge influence on how your legs perform. You derive the majority of your power, speed, and stamina from your core muscles and glutes. Much like with ankle mobility, if your core is not performing adequately or efficiently — your legs will have to work harder. A stable core is key for developing and maintaining good balance and rhythm with any activity — but especially running. With a repetitive activity like running, efficiency and form is everything. Without a strong core, it’s impossible for your leg muscles and knee joints to work as efficiently as they were designed to, and it will be really difficult for you to maintain good and proper running form mile after mile. When your core strength is weak, and doesn’t have enough endurance to sustain the amount of miles you want to run, your knees will suffer.

What’s important for you to remember is that arthritis is NORMAL — everyone gets it as they age.
What doesn’t have to be “normal” is for arthritis to stop you from running, or doing any other activity that you love. You can get surgery to fix the “wear and tear” in your knees, or injections to decrease the inflammation, but if you don’t check and address any of the biomechanical issues I just mentioned, among others, these fixes will be temporary and your knee pain will keep coming back. And worse ... could force you to stop running all together!

If you’re suffering from knee pain, and it’s starting to impact your ability to run or do any other activity that you love, you might want to join us for our next live Zoom workshop: Preventing and Overcoming Knee Pain so you don’t have to stop activities you Love!
It’s free, and happening Tue. Aug 25 from 6 to 7 p.m. Just call or email to reserve your virtual seat.

Dr. Carrie Jose, Physical Therapist and Pilates expert, owns CJ Physical Therapy & Pilates in Portsmouth and writes for Seacoast Media Group. To get in touch, or get a free copy of her guide to preventing and stopping knee pain, email her at info@cjphysicaltherapy.com.

https://www.seacoastonline.com/sports/20200815/dr-jose-knee-pain-while-running-donrsquot-blame-arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis: The healthy bread alternative that could be making symptoms worse

From express.co.uk

RHEUMATOID arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Dietary decisions can lead to flare ups and one that may come as a surprise is a healthy bread alternative

Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects more than 400,000 people in the UK, is an autoimmune disease whereby the body's immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling. There may be periods where symptoms become worse, known as flare-ups or flares. A flare can be difficult to predict, but with treatment it's possible to decrease the number of flares and minimise or prevent long-term damage to the joints.

As the NHS explains, some people with rheumatoid arthritis feel their symptoms get worse after they have eaten certain foods. In fact, there is a scientific basis for the association between certain food choices and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This association helps to explain why otherwise healthy food choices may aggravate rheumatoid arthritis.

Speaking to Express.co.uk, Caroline Peyton, a nutritional therapist at Peyton Principles, identified a particularly surprising offender - sourdough bread.

           Rheumatoid arthritis: Sourdough bread contains gluten, which may exacerbate symptoms                                                                               (Image: Getty Images)

Sourdough has become an extremely popular food, one that is touted as a healthier alternative to standard bread.

As Peyton explained, the fermentation process may be gentler on the digestive system, but sourdough is still made with wheat and therefore still contains gluten.

Why is this relevant? "Gluten may raise certain antibodies in the bloodstream and have implications regarding gut health and intestinal permeability," she said.
Indeed, several studies have identified a link between gluten consumption and autoimmune conditions (RA is autoimmune arthritis), notes Peyton.

Emphasising the point, a study published in the Oxford Journal of Rheumatology stated that 41 percent of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis improved on a gluten-free diet conducted over a one year period.

What else should be avoided?

According to Peyton, you should go easy on steak if you are looking to avoid a flare up.

She explained: "Whilst there are fats that send out anti-inflammatory messages, there are also fats that can create pro-inflammatory messages in the body. These typically come from animal fats."
"We all require the ability to create some inflammation when there is a need to heal (after an injury for example)."

However, as Peyton pointed out, the ratio of inflammatory fats is too high in the typical Western diet.
"Therefore take a look at your diet and assess whether you are consuming sufficient anti-inflammatory fats and not too many pro-inflammatory fats. It is all about the balance," she said.

According to the NHS, if you feel your arthritis is aggravated by eating certain foods, it may be useful to try avoiding problematic foods for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve.
"But it's important to ensure your overall diet is still healthy and balanced," the healthy body says.

           Rheumatoid arthritis: Taking fish oil supplements may help (Image: Getty Images)

A Mediterranean-style diet, which is based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, is recommended.

According to the NHS, there's some evidence to suggest that taking fish oil supplements may help reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Eating a healthy diet can also help to maintain a healthy weight.
According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS), excess weight is bad for joints and overall health.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1322001/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-sourdough-bread-treatment

Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness

From mayoclinic.org

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

Exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue. Of course, when stiff and painful joints are already bogging you down, the thought of walking around the block or swimming a few laps might seem overwhelming.

But you don't need to run a marathon or swim as fast as an Olympic competitor to help reduce arthritis symptoms. Even moderate exercise can ease your pain and help you maintain a healthy weight. When arthritis threatens to immobilize you, exercise keeps you moving. Not convinced? Read on.

Why exercise is vital

Exercise can help you improve your health and fitness without hurting your joints. With your current treatment program, exercise can:

• Strengthen the muscles around your joints
• Help you maintain bone strength
• Give you more energy to get through the day
• Make it easier to get a good night's sleep
• Help you control your weight
• Enhance your quality of life
• Improve your balance

Though you might think exercise will aggravate your joint pain and stiffness, that's not the case. Lack of exercise actually can make your joints even more painful and stiff.
That's because keeping your muscles and surrounding tissue strong is crucial to maintaining support for your bones. Not exercising weakens those supporting muscles, creating more stress on your joints.

Check with your doctor first

Talk to your doctor about fitting exercise into your treatment plan. What types of exercises are best for you depends on your type of arthritis and which joints are involved. Your doctor or a physical therapist can work with you to find the exercise plan that gives you the most benefit with the least aggravation of your joint pain.

Exercises for arthritis

Your doctor or physical therapist can recommend exercises for you, which might include range-of-motion exercises, strengthening exercises, aerobic exercise and other activities.

Range-of-motion exercises

These exercises relieve stiffness and increase your ability to move your joints through their full range of motion. These exercises might include movements such as raising your arms over your head or rolling your shoulders forward and backward. In most cases, these exercises can be done daily.

Strengthening exercises

These exercises help you build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints. Weight training is an example of a strengthening exercise that can help you maintain or increase your muscle strength. Remember to avoid exercising the same muscle groups two days in a row. Rest a day between your workouts, and take an extra day or two if your joints are painful or swollen.
When starting a strength-training program, a three-day-a-week program can help you jump-start your improvement, but two days a week is all you need to maintain your gains.

Aerobic exercise

Aerobic or endurance exercises help with your overall fitness. They can improve your cardiovascular health, help you control your weight and give you more stamina and energy.
Examples of low-impact aerobic exercises that are easier on your joints include walking, bicycling, swimming and using an elliptical machine. Try to work your way up to 150 minutes of moderately intense aerobic exercise per week. You can split that time into 10-minute blocks if that's easier on your joints.
Moderate intensity aerobic exercise is the safest and most effective if it's done most days of the week, but even a couple of days a week is better than no exercise. To determine if you are in the moderate intensity exercise zone, you should be able to carry on a conversation while exercising, though your breathing rate will be increased.

Other activities

Any movement, no matter how small, can help. Daily activities such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves and walking the dog count.
Body awareness exercises, such as gentle forms of yoga or tai chi, can help you improve balance, prevent falls, improve posture and coordination, and promote relaxation. Be sure to tell your instructor about your condition and avoid positions or movements that can cause pain.

Tips to protect your joints

Start slowly to ease your joints into exercise if you haven't been active for a while. If you push yourself too hard, you can overwork your muscles and worsen your joint pain.
Consider these tips as you get started:

• Keep the impact low. Low impact exercises like stationary or recumbent bicycles, elliptical trainers, or exercise in the water help keep joint stress low while you move.
• Apply heat. Heat can relax your joints and muscles and relieve any pain you have before you begin. Heat treatments — warm towels, hot packs or a shower — should be warm, not painfully hot, and should be applied for about 20 minutes.
• Move gently. Move your joints gently at first to warm up. You might begin with range-of-motion exercises for five to 10 minutes before you move on to strengthening or aerobic exercises.
• Go slowly. Exercise with slow and easy movements. If you feel pain, take a break. Sharp pain and pain that is stronger than your usual joint pain might indicate something is wrong. Slow down if you notice swelling or redness in your joints.
• Ice afterward. Apply ice to your joints for up to 20 minutes as needed after activity, especially after activity that causes joint swelling.

Trust your instincts and don't exert more energy than you think your joints can handle. Take it easy and slowly increase your exercise length and intensity as you progress.

Don't overdo

You might notice some pain after you exercise if you haven't been active for a while. In general, if you're sore for more than two hours after you exercise, you were probably exercising too strenuously. Talk to your doctor about what pain is normal and what pain is a sign of something more serious.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, ask your doctor if you should exercise during general or local flares. One option is to work through your joint flares by doing only range-of-motion exercises, just to keep your body moving, or exercising in water to cushion your joints.

Exercise programs for people with arthritis

Check with your doctor about exercise programs in your area for people with arthritis. Some hospitals, clinics and health clubs offer special programs.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/in-depth/arthritis/art-20047971?mc_id=us&utm_source=newsnetwork&utm_medium=l&utm_content=content&utm_campaign=mayoclinic&geo=national&placementsite=enterprise&cauid=100721&_ga=2.148338037.397012409.1597223594-1780415478.1597223594

What are the causes and types of arthritis?

From pakobserver.net

ARTHRITIS means joint inflammation, but the term is used to describe around 200 conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue. It is a rheumatic condition.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Other common rheumatic conditions related to arthritis include gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


Rheumatic conditions tend to involve pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.


Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus (SLE), can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms.


According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 54.4 million adults in the United States have received a diagnosis of some form of arthritis. Of these, 23.7 million people have their activity curtailed in some way by their condition.


Arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, but it can affect people of all ages, including children.

Fast facts on arthritis

Arthritis refers to around 200 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
It can cause a range of symptoms and impair a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
Physical activity has a positive effect on arthritis and can improve pain, function, and mental health.

Factors in the development of arthritis include injury, abnormal metabolism, genetic makeup, infections, and immune system dysfunction.
Treatment aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain quality of life. It involves medications, physical therapies, and patient education and support.

Treatment

Treatment for arthritis aims to control pain, minimize joint damage, and improve or maintain function and quality of life. A range of medications and lifestyle strategies can help achieve this and protect joints from further damage.

Treatment might involve:

Analgesics: these reduce pain, but have no effect on inflammation. Examples include acetaminophen (Tylenol), tramadol (Ultram) and narcotics containing oxycodone (Percocet, Oxycontin) or hydrocodone (Vicodin, Lortab). Tylenol is available to purchase online.

— Courtesy by: MedicalNewsToday.com

https://pakobserver.net/what-are-the-causes-and-types-of-arthritis/

9 Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms You Should Know

From self.com

They're tell-tale signs that something’s wrong

Psoriatic arthritis is basically a double whammy of autoimmune disorders. Not only do psoriatic arthritis symptoms mimic those of psoriasis, like patches of red, scaly skin, but they can also cause the painful swollen joints that are common with rheumatoid arthritis. What’s more, the symptoms can change from day to day and person to person, making psoriatic arthritis a particularly tricky disease to diagnose and manage.

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis alone will probably be enough of a motivator for you to seek a proper diagnosis and care. But in case you needed another push, untreated psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage, the Mayo Clinic notes. If some (or many) of the below symptoms sound familiar to you, it’s essential that you try to work with a doctor to manage this disease. Keep reading to learn about the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and how to find a doctor who can help you get some relief.

                                                          Nydia Lilian/Adobe Stock

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that causes your immune system to kick into overdrive and mistake your body’s own healthy cells for a threat, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are five types of psoriatic arthritis you can have, per NYU Langone Health:

1. Asymmetric oligoarthritis, the most common type of psoriatic arthritis, affects up to five joints, but not necessarily the same joints on both sides of the body.
2. Symmetric arthritis affects joints on both sides of the body.
3. Spondylitic arthritis causes inflammation in the neck, spine, lower back, and pelvis, potentially limiting your ability to move around.
4. Distal interphalangeal predominant psoriatic arthritis primarily affects the joints near your nails on both your fingers and toes.
5. Arthritis mutilans, the rarest form of psoriatic arthritis, typically also affects joints in the fingers and toes but can also affect your entire body. It’s the most severe form of psoriatic arthritis and can cause quicker, more painful destruction to your joints than the other kinds.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s also possible to have overlapping types of psoriatic arthritis, potentially making this disease even more complicated.

What causes psoriatic arthritis?

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is still a mystery, but doctors believe that it may come from a combination of environmental factors and genetics, Elliot Rosenstein, M.D., director of the Institute for Rheumatic & Autoimmune Diseases at the Atlantic Health System’s Overlook Medical Centre, tells SELF.

Many people with psoriatic arthritis seem to have a genetic predisposition to the disease, which doesn’t just impact your likelihood of getting this illness—it may also play a role in determining the type you get, which impacts how the disease shows up in your body. Having a genetic predisposition doesn’t mean you’ll automatically develop psoriatic arthritis, though. Often something environmental triggers psoriatic arthritis symptoms to actually manifest in people with a genetic predisposition. This trigger may be something like an infection or trauma to the skin and joints, according to the Mayo Clinic. With that said, most people with psoriatic arthritis never figure out which environmental factor contributed to their disease, says Rosenstein.

While genetic and environmental factors can play a role, the biggest risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis is already having psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic. This skin condition is known for causing patches of thick, red skin with white silvery scales, usually on body parts like the knees, elbows, or scalp. Psoriasis happens when an overzealous immune system attacks skin cells, which in turn speeds up how quickly skin cells rise to the surface of your body. This ultimately causes a build-up of skin cells that results in psoriasis symptoms.

It’s estimated that up to 30% of people with psoriasis will go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, not having psoriasis doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get psoriatic arthritis—you can have one disease without the other.
So what are the other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis you should watch out for?

1. Your fingers and toes are very swollen.

Dactylitis, a fancy term for when your fingers or toes swell up to an extreme and painful degree, is considered one of the hallmark symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. In addition to the swelling and pain, it can cause the affected parts of your body to redden and feel warm, and it often comes along with enthesitis, which essentially means that the various connective tissues that link to your bones feel tender and sore. Research suggests that dactylitis affects between 16% and 49% of people with psoriatic arthritis.

This symptom is the result of inflammation in small joints and the spots where ligaments and tendons connect to bones. As you’ll see, this inflammation can result in a number of symptoms, but this is one of the most classic that people with psoriatic arthritis experience.

2. Your nails have holes or grooves.

Up to 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis notice changes in their nails, Zhanna Mikulik, M.D., a rheumatologist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Centre, tells SELF. You might see shallow or deep holes, known as pitting, in your fingernails and toenails, due to inflammation in the tendons that connect with the roots of your nails. Your nails may also be crumbly or have grooves and ridges on the surface.

“Other nail findings include a change shape or turning a yellow-brown colour. They can also separate from the nail bed,” Mikulik says. That might sound really scary, but the good thing is that doctors can treat these nail-related symptoms with various targeted approaches, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

3. You have a hard time moving in the morning.

Psoriatic arthritis can make it incredibly hard to get out of bed when your alarm goes off. The disease can cause inflammation, worn joints, and tightness in the muscles and tendons that can all make you feel really stiff and immobile, especially in the morning after you haven’t moved around for many hours, says Mikulik.

This symptom can be incredibly wide-reaching; some research suggests that morning stiffness affects about 70% of people with psoriatic arthritis.

4. It hurts to grip a pen or bend your toes.

Pain and swelling over tendons—a symptom known as tenosynovitis—is a common symptom in people with psoriatic arthritis due to that persistent inflammation, says Mikulik. It tends to affect the tendons of the toes or fingers. Depending on how exactly it affects you, it might hurt when you try to rotate your wrist or grasp anything, according to the Mayo Clinic, or you may feel pain or stiffness when trying to move your feet and toes.

5. You feel pain in your heel every time you take a step.

“Psoriatic arthritis also has a tendency to cause inflammation in sites where tendons insert into bones, such as the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, and the plantar fascia, causing pain in the sole of the foot and bottom of the heel which often will interfere with walking,” says Rosenstein.

While experts say this isn’t the most common psoriatic arthritis symptom, it can make life with this condition even more difficult. If you have heel pain that you can’t explain with other reasons (say, a new pair of shoes that haven’t been broken in yet), you should get it checked out by a doctor.

6. Your lower back and hips are often sore.

While many of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis overlap, back pain (particularly the location where it occurs) can help differentiate between the two conditions.

“When psoriatic arthritis affects the spine, it is most often the lowest portions of the spine and the sacroiliac joints that are affected, whereas rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the very top of the neck,” says Rosenstein.

Inflammation in the sacroiliac joints (the parts that connect your pelvis to the bottom of your spine) can also extend into your butt, Lynn M. Ludmer, M.D., medical director of rheumatology at Baltimore’s Mercy Medical Centre, tells SELF. This might make it even more confusing to figure out what’s going on.

7. You have pain or burning in your elbow.

A condition called tennis elbow can sometimes show up as a symptom of psoriatic arthritis, even if you’ve never picked up a racquet. Again, this has to do with the inflammation that happens in spots where your tendons connect to bones, says Rosenstein. You might notice pain or burning in the external part of your elbow, along with poor grip strength, per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

8. You’re having problems with your eyes.

The inflammation from psoriatic arthritis can even target your eyes, says Ludmer. In fact, some research says between 7% and 20% of people with psoriatic arthritis appear to develop uveitis, a serious form of inflammation in the tissue of the eye wall that can lead to irreversible vision loss, according to the Mayo Clinic. Early warning signs of this condition include pain and redness in the eyes, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and “floaters” in your field of vision.

9. You’re constantly exhausted.

Psoriatic arthritis pits your immune system and your healthy cells against each other, which can feel as though it’s turned your body into a battleground. Coping with the chronic inflammation is downright exhausting, with about half of people with psoriatic arthritis reporting intense fatigue as a symptom in some studies. Other symptoms related to psoriatic arthritis, such as pain (along with trouble sleeping because of it) and reduced ability to exercise, can worsen the fatigue and make you feel wiped out all the time.

“Sometimes there’s an overall feeling of weakness," says Mikulik.

If you have these symptoms, here’s where to get professional help.

Just because you have one (or even a few) of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have psoriatic arthritis. Tons of other things can cause fatigue, for example, like stress, anxiety disorders, and sleep apnea, which makes it difficult to use a list of symptoms alone to figure out if you have psoriatic arthritis. The only way to know for sure is to talk to a doctor and get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible if you need one. Remember: Psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage without treatment, not to mention make a big impact on your daily life.

“If someone has persistent joint pain or stiffness, especially if accompanied by joint swelling or tenderness, and even more so if it’s affecting more than one joint simultaneously, this should be brought to the attention of a physician. Most internists or family practitioners can do the preliminary evaluation to determine what condition may be responsible,” says Rosenstein.

Your doctor may need to refer you to a rheumatologist, a dermatologist, or potentially both for diagnosis and treatment. If you realize in your search for care that you have access to a combined rheumatology-dermatology clinic, that can be a really excellent way to land on a treatment plan that collaborates between the two types of care, says Mikulik. The National Psoriasis Foundation can help you find specialist providers and prepare for your first appointment.

While there’s no known cure for psoriatic arthritis, treatments have come a long way, says Rosenstein. “Our understanding of the function of the immune system has led to the development of all sorts of new medications that can help reset the overactive immune system and tone down the attack on its own tissues, whether it be skin or joints,” he explains. “We can now, in the vast majority of cases, moderate the inflammation and minimize or arrest the skin lesions and joint damage.”

https://www.self.com/story/psoriatic-arthritis-symptoms