Recognizing (and Treating) Early Symptoms of Arthritis

From opslens.com

Arthritis is an incredibly common medical condition that can impact people of all ages. Fortunately, the inflammation and joint pain caused by this condition can easily be treated through diet, exercise, and collagen protein for arthritis relief.

Before we can start treating our arthritis, though, we need to have the tools to recognize that we have it. Knowing the signs and symptoms of arthritis can be tricky, especially since there are so many types of arthritis. 

Let’s break down some of the most common forms of arthritis, as well as arthritis symptoms, so you understand what you have, and how to treat it.

Types of Arthritis

While we most frequently associate arthritis with aging, early-onset arthritis is also common. The causes and locations of arthritis will differ from person to person, but there will be some similarities for everyone. 

Across the board, arthritis develops because shock-absorbing cartilage is no longer able to cushion your bones or joints properly. The type and severity of arthritis can vary greatly between people, but we can group arthritis symptoms into four categories. 

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is thought to be the most commonly occurring form of arthritis and chronic joint pain. While osteoarthritis can occur in younger adults, it is far more likely to impact older people. 

As we age, more stress and wear happens within our bodies, especially our joints. This stress can cause joints and cartilage to begin to deteriorate or become damaged. 

Previous injuries to joints, obesity, joint malformation, poor posture, and deteriorating cartilage are all considered to be possible contributors to osteoarthritis. Because of these reasons, osteoarthritis is considered to be a degenerative condition. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Rheumatoid arthritis, which is commonly referred to as RA, is actually an autoimmune disorder. In RA, your immune system begins to attack your joints and cartilage causing inflammation and pain. 

Rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience periods where they have no symptoms, and then suddenly, experience an unprovoked flare-up. At this time, medical professionals are unsure about what causes the human immune system to attack the joints. 

Although there is currently no cure for RA, there are ways to manage RA symptoms so you can still continue to do the things you love. We will discuss a few of them in more detail later, but the most commonly sought out treatments revolve around diet, exercise, meditation, and acupuncture. 

Psoriatic Arthritis

Another autoimmune disorder, psoriatic arthritis (psoriasis), comes in a few different forms. It can present on your skin- causing irritating, red, and itchy patches – and can also attack your joints. 

Doctors are beginning to believe that a mix of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the development of psoriatic arthritis. As there are different types of psoriasis, some people will experience symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis, while others will have isolated areas (spine, hands, or feet) affected by psoriasis.

Gout

You may be surprised to learn that gout is also a form of arthritis. The term gout is often used generically to describe conditions caused by the build-up of uric acid. This most commonly will occur in your feet. 

While many patients that experience gout will have pain isolated to the joint in their big toe, many others will have joint pain throughout their feet and legs. Since there is a direct trigger to the flare-ups of gout, it can be more manageable than other forms of arthritis. 

Recognizing Early Arthritis Symptoms

If you suspect that you may be experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. This is especially encouraged because each type of arthritis has slightly different causes. 

As there are many forms of arthritis, these arthritis symptoms below are by no means an exhaustive list. These are the ones that will generally appear first, though. 

Pain & Tenderness

One of the first signs of arthritis is pain within a specific joint area. It could occur after you’ve done an activity, or as the seasons change. While joint pain may not always be isolated to one area, pay attention to areas that often feel a slight burning sensation, tenderness, or dull ache after activity.

Many people that develop arthritis in middle adulthood will experience pains in their hands, knees, and hips. You can experience pain outside of these areas of your body, but those are the most common. 

Swelling & Redness

Much of the pain arthritis causes is because the joint itself is inflamed. You may be experiencing arthritis symptoms if you notice a joint area is often swollen. 

We all have something called synovial fluid that acts as a natural cushion in our joints. Too much synovial fluid causes swelling when your natural cartilage is no longer able to provide that cushion for you.

Along with joint swelling and pain, the area may appear red and irritated. 

Limited Area Mobility 

When our joints aren’t functioning as they should, we may also have limited mobility. It is hard to find the desire to move and walk around when our knees are aching, swollen, and in pain. 

With limited mobility, we must also consider that our range of motion may decrease as well. Beyond the joint pain, the swelling may become severe enough to prevent us from utilizing our joint’s full range of motion. 

Numbness or Tingling

Numbness or tingling is most often an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis. However, it could be caused by other types of arthritis. Having a numb sensation in your hands or a specific joint area will generally be caused by swelling. 

Continuous or intense amounts of swelling in joint areas may cause compression of your nerves. If this goes on for long enough, your nerves will begin to lose sensation, which causes numbness and tingling. 

Collagen for Arthritis 

When describing the different forms of arthritis and major causes, there was one significant commonality: joints and cartilage. All our joints and cartilage (and also our skin, tendons, and organs) contain a protein called collagen. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but the amount we produce decreases as we age.

Our body’s collagen production starts to slow as early as age 25. As our bodies use up the collagen we have available, our body may struggle to repair or even maintain specific protein structures. 

While we often think of arthritis as a condition that only inflicts the elderly, it isn’t surprising that even middle-aged adults may start to experience arthritis symptoms since collagen production slowed in their 20s. 

Diet is an important part of managing any arthritis symptoms. One of the best diets for arthritis consists of nutrient-dense foods with anti-inflammatory properties. However, our body can be given the ability to repair itself through eating foods that boost natural collagen or adding in additional collagen for arthritis treatment. 

Other Arthritis Treatments to Consider

Diet is a great way to take control of your arthritis symptoms and potentially curb some of the pain. Along with guidance from your physician, other things like exercise, acupuncture, massage, and meditation can become a part of your pain management routine. 

Exercise

It can be hard to convince yourself to get up and move when your joints are hurting, but many low-impact exercises could help you manage your weight, keep joints flexible, and strengthen the muscles around your joints. 

If you aren’t sure how to start an exercise routine, working with a physical therapist or personal trainer can ensure you’re doing the exercises that benefit your body. 

Some examples of low-impact exercise include:

• Swimming
• Walking
• Cycling
• Yoga
• Tai Chi

Acupuncture and Massage 

There isn’t conclusive evidence to suggest that acupuncture or massage is always beneficial to those that suffer from arthritis pain. However, these treatments have the potential to add some much-needed relief. 

The best way to pursue this is to discuss it with your doctor and find a professional massage therapist and/or acupuncturist that you trust. It may take some trial and error to find the right area of focus, but both treatments pose a relatively low risk and can help relieve your arthritis symptoms.

Meditation

Meditation may seem like a strange addition to the treatment of arthritis pain, but both meditation and relaxation techniques have the potential to lessen stress. Reducing stress and managing anxiety and depression could also help decrease inflammation in parts of your body. 

Connect with Others

When you first begin to experience the symptoms of arthritis, it can feel isolating and frustrating. Along with the other lifestyle treatments we described above, having a support group can help navigate this new aspect of your life. 

If you are unable to find a local support group, you can always seek groups online to have a safe space to ask questions and express frustrations that come with managing your arthritis. 

Managing Arthritis

Arthritis will impact every person a little differently, and so each treatment should be just as personalized. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to arthritis symptoms or treatment. 

One of the simplest ways to manage your arthritis symptoms is through collagen supplements. If you’re interested in integrating collagen into your diet but aren’t sure where to start, our ProT Gold Liquid Collagen Protein is a nano-hydrolyzed collagen formula. It is ready to drink and designed for fast absorption, so it works wonderfully as supplemental collagen for arthritis relief. It’s also recommended by nearly 4,000 medical facilities for ailments such as arthritis so you know it’s a brand you can trust. 

https://opslens.com/recognizing-and-treating-early-symptoms-of-arthritis/

What to Ask a Doctor if You Get a Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

From people.com/health

Receiving a RA diagnosis from your doctor can be scary, stressful, and overwhelming. Your mind is full of questions and you're not sure where to begin. PEOPLE talked to rheumatologists to find out exactly what ask your doctor after receiving a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis to help you best advocate for yourself and your health

One of the most stressful things a person can experience is receiving a positive diagnosis from a doctor, no matter what it is. Your mind can race in a million different direction, and perhaps immediately jump ahead to worst-case scenarios. It's easy to become overwhelmed with questions for the doctor, and to have a hard time deciding where to begin.

Doctors are trained to handle these situations and they have a wealth of experience and information on the subject. It's likely they've heard every question imaginable, and if they don't have every answer, they can at least point you in the right direction. In the case of chronic illness, including rheumatoid arthritis, you'll be working together on long-term treatment and management, making it even more vital that you feel comfortable asking questions and advocating for yourself.

To help weed through the chaos and fear that can dwell on your mind after finding out you have rheumatoid arthritis,  PEOPLE spoke to rheumatologists about what questions need to be at the top of your list to help manage your diagnosis and take charge of your health.

How severe is my rheumatoid arthritis?

It is key to identify any pains and problems you are experiencing at the time of your diagnosis. As Katherine Wu, M.D. and rheumatologist with the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, tells PEOPLE, rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems in different parts of the body such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and skin, and "monitoring for any new symptoms can help your doctor diagnose this earlier."

The Mayo Clinic explains that rheumatoid arthritis occurs when "your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues," which affects your joints' lining and causes painful swelling that can potentially lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. The more severe your case, the greater the impact it can have on your body, so your doctor needs to be explicitly aware of any symptoms you're experiencing to help determine how much the arthritis has progressed, and which treatment(s) makes the most sense.

"Patients with rheumatoid arthritis do have an increased risk of certain health issues," says Laura Capelli, M.D., rheumatologist and assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "There are many things patients and their doctors can do to decrease these risks, including addressing risk factors for heart disease and making sure they are up to date with vaccinations."

What are my options for treatment?

As mentioned, treatment will depend on how far along your arthritis has developed. Your rheumatologist's goal is to minimize as many of your symptoms as possible. The ultimate goal is to achieve remission, but treatment should start, at a minimum, by getting your rheumatoid arthritis to a place that is actually manageable.

As Wu explains, there are dozens of medications approved for R.A., with new ones being studied every year. "With your doctor, you can find the best medication that works for your rheumatoid arthritis," she says. You may have to try a few different medications before ultimately finding the one that works best for you, but that only furthers the importance of being candid with your doctor about your experience so they can find the best solution for you.

Capelli believes in being open with to your doctor about what you are trying to achieve with treatment: "We treat rheumatoid arthritis with effective medications for a variety of reasons, including preventing permanent joint damage, avoiding disability, and improving quality of life and physical function," she says. "Sharing your goals for the future with your doctor will allow you to work together to meet them."

The most challenging part can be waiting for treatment to take effect. It can be a lengthy process that requires an immense amount of patience. As Capelli points out, "most long-term medications for rheumatoid arthritis take some time to become fully effective. It is helpful for patients to know about this as they judge their response to treatment."

What lifestyle changes should I make?

It is important to see rheumatoid arthritis as a major part of your life, and as such, make appropriate modifications to your lifestyle to maximize the efficacy of your treatment. Simply taking medication won't be enough for long-term progress. It's about acknowledging your diagnosis and finding ways to adjust your life to make it a manageable part of your existence, which will require compromises.

"Some activities, such as cigarette smoking, have been linked to increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis and higher disease activity," says Wu - which further illustrates the importance of being completely candid with your doctor about your health and lifestyle as they help you come up with a treatment plan. "It is a good idea to discuss with your doctor if there are any lifestyle changes you can make to help keep your rheumatoid arthritis controlled."

"Many patients want to learn about ways to help their rheumatoid arthritis in addition to medications," adds Capelli. "Your doctor will know what sort of lifestyle modifications have been studied in rheumatoid arthritis and whether they have been beneficial."

What is the expected quality of life?

Upon finding out you're going to have to live with rheumatoid arthritis, it's natural to be curious about any long term effects. Once you've gotten your case under control, will you be able to maintain your same quality of life? According to Dr. Anca Askanase, associate professor of medicine at Columbia University's Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Director of the Columbia University Lupus Centre, most people with rheumatoid arthritis do go on to live normally.

That said, Askanase points out that people with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of heart disease as well as lower life expectancy, so it is imperative to take any lifestyle changes you discuss with your doctor seriously. Unfortunately, as much as you may be able to live normally with R.A., Askanase notes that it is a chronic disease that cannot be cured, so it cannot afford to go ignored. The CDC recommends joining a self-management education class. At the very least, you should make every attempt to stay healthy and active after receiving a diagnosis; Askanase suggests using Arthritis.org to help inform you further.

Will I be able to have children?

For many women, a major concern is how rheumatoid arthritis can affect pregnancies, but Megan E. B. Clowse, M.D., M.P.H, with the Duke University School of Medicine's Division of Rheumatology & Immunology assures that your rheumatoid arthritis does not have to interfere with your desire to have a family.

"We’ve known for decades that many women with rheumatoid arthritis actually feel better pregnant than not pregnant, though about half can have active rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy," she tells PEOPLE. She also cautions that while many R.A.-treating medications can be taken safely during pregnancy, "it is important to talk with your rheumatologist about the safety of your medications in pregnancy before you conceive," as several can cause harm to a developing foetus.

Clowse also says that women with rheumatoid arthritis can safely breastfeed on many of these medications. "Many women experience an increase in joint pain after delivery, so I recommend taking effective medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis during this important time," she adds. "Having severe joint pain while taking care of an infant can be a huge challenge – fortunately, you don’t need to pick between taking care of your baby and taking care of yourself."

Additionally, women currently treating R.A. are able to safely take birth control. Clowse recommends MotherToBaby as a great resource to learn more about pregnancy and medications for women with rheumatoid arthritis.

The most important piece of the puzzle is keeping your doctor in the loop throughout the process. "Your symptoms may also change during and after pregnancy, so your doctor may want to monitor you more carefully during this period," says Wu.

What does my diagnosis mean for my family?

Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, it does have a genetic component, and it can run in families. As a result, it's important to figure out how to share your diagnosis with your family. As Capelli mentions, "the degree of risk to family members depends on the particular disease. Your doctor can help you discuss the risk of autoimmune disease with your direct relatives."

But as a post from New York's Hospital for Special Surgery explains, "It’s a possibility that some types of arthritis run in the family, but it’s not like diabetes, where if both parents have it, the child will have it as well." Simply having a history of R.A. in your genes doesn't automatically mean you will develop it. "Something else has to happen - some kind of environmental trigger, like a virus, for example - for someone to develop rheumatoid arthritis.  In some studies, for instance, smoking, along with a genetic predisposition, has been shown to increase the risk," adds HSS.

https://people.com/health/what-to-ask-a-doctor-if-you-get-a-rheumatoid-arthritis-diagnosis/

4 Women on What’s Surprised Them Most About Living with Arthritis

From goodhousekeeping.com

There is no shortage of shocks, from grasping the disease’s full emotional toll to realizing what is still physically possible

Getting diagnosed with a lifelong chronic illness can be a huge shock—and the surprises will likely keep coming as the patient journey continues. Here, four women who heard the words “you have rheumatoid arthritis” share the realizations—and yes, some of them are good!—that they’ve had since being diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that generally affects the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. It causes painful swelling in the affected parts of the body. There is no cure.

Peggy Liao, 45, California

During intense training for a race seven years ago, Liao noticed her foot started hurting. The pain never went away, even after she dialled back her workouts. After it spread to her knuckles, knees, and shoulders, she did a blood test and was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

It doesn’t just happen to older people.

When Liao started researching her symptoms online, and RA kept showing up as a possibility, she didn’t think that could be the issue because she was too young. “I think I was in denial,” she says.

Liao isn’t the only one who thinks this way. While arthritis has a reputation of being something that typically happens to seniors, RA most commonly starts affecting women between the ages of 30 and 60.

Physical activity helps me feel better.

When Liao got her diagnosis, she didn’t think her joints would allow her to remain active. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Since her diagnosis, Liao has done a 12-mile hike in the Grand Canyon, and activity remains and important part of her life. “I sometimes wake up in the mornings with tightness in my joints, but the more I move through the day, the better I feel,” says Liao.

Amanda John, 41, North Carolina

When John started noticing irritation and swelling in her feet, she just wrote it off as something weird going on in her body. She was 26 years old at the time and in the best shape of her life. But when her foot pain got a lot worse and spread to her fingers, she found herself in a rheumatologist’s office getting her diagnosis.

It’s not necessarily as bad as you think it’s going to be.

After John’s diagnosis, she assumed she’d be disabled and wouldn’t get to do what she wanted to do, personally or professionally. “I was so miserable and depressed. But I gradually realized that none of the things I feared were actually true for me in that exact moment,” she says. “I wasn’t currently disabled, and my rheumatoid arthritis wasn’t holding me back, so why continue being miserable? That helped me change my mindset.”

RA can open doors.

John has met other people with RA online, and they’ve become in-person friends that feel like family. She also does volunteer work through a few different RA organizations, which has opened doors for unique opportunities. “I’ve gotten to go to Capitol Hill to talk about legislation and tour labs at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Those experiences were so cool, and I would never have done them without RA,” she says.

Carrie Grundhoefer, 39, Oregon

Vague symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and weight loss were the first signs something was wrong in Grundhoefer’s body. Then the joint pain started, and she was diagnosed with RA. That was nine years ago.

It’s not always easy to find the right doctor.

As a nurse, Grundhoefer knows the medical system well. But it took her a long time to find a good rheumatologist who she was comfortable working with. “The first doctor I went to wanted to give me the strongest medications available, which ended up causing some other problems,” she says. “I didn’t know it would be so hard to find someone you trusted to care for your chronic disease.”

The reality of RA is different for everyone.

When she was first diagnosed, everything Grundhoefer read was about RA’s impacts on older people. She didn’t realize her reality living with the condition might be different. “I saw images of hands that were all cramped up and unable to open. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to do normal things like wash dishes again, and I was devastated!” Grundhoefer said. “But I’ve been very lucky, and my symptoms have been manageable. I mountain bike and travel—I am out there living my life.”

Effie Koliopoulos, 33, Illinois

Diagnosed at a young age—just 18 years old—Koliopoulos had a unique experience accepting her new normal. In the 15 years since then, she’s learned a lot about the disease, and herself.

There are always going to be some dark moments.

In 2012, Koliopoulos had a terrible flare that resulted in joint damage that required a knee replacement. “It was such a shock to me. When I was diagnosed with RA, the doctors didn’t explain the emotional impact of everything that could go along with the disease,” she said.

It affects everyone in your life, not just yourself.

As a teenager, none of Koliopoulos’s friends understood why she’d suddenly have to cancel plans because she didn’t feel well. “It was hard for people to adjust to because they were used to me being up for everything,” she said. “I really learned who would always be there for me and who might not be able to handle the impact of the disease.”

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/wellness/a34078583/surprising-insights-on-arthritis/

Mediterranean diet may protect against rheumatoid arthritis: Study

From therahnuma.com

London:- The Mediterranean diet which is high in vegetables, whole grains, fish and olive oil not only helps you live longer but may also help prevent rheumatoid arthritis in individuals who smoke or used to smoke, say researchers.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints. It typically results in warm, swollen, and painful joints.

Previous research has demonstrated a variety of health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, cereals, fruit and vegetables, fish and a moderate amount of dairy, meat and wine.

Now results from an analysis published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology suggest that the diet may also help prevent rheumatoid arthritis in individuals who smoke or used to smoke.

“We aimed to assess the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, especially in high-risk individuals,” said study authors from Université de Paris in France.

For the findings, the research team included 62,629 women from France who have been taking part in a questionnaire-based study assessing dietary intake since 1990. In total, 480 women developed rheumatoid arthritis.

The researchers found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was not associated with rheumatoid arthritis risk overall.

However, among women who smoked or used to smoke, it was associated with a decreased risk.

The findings showed 383 cases of rheumatoid arthritis per one million people per year among those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, compared with 515 cases per one million people per year among those with low adherence to the diet.

“Our results suggest that adherence to the MD could reduce the high risk of RA among ever-smoking women. Our results must be confirmed in future research,” the study authors noted.

https://www.therahnuma.com/mediterranean-diet-may-protect-against-rheumatoid-arthritis-study/

Arthritis: What is it? How do we treat it?

From spokesman-recorder.com

MGN

Arthritis is among the most common disease processes affecting our population. It can be defined by inflammation and stiffness of a joint as a result of cartilage degradation (damage to the normally smooth surface).

There are several terms used in a physician’s office that are essentially synonymous with arthritis. Some of these terms used in conversation or in written medical reports include chondromalacia, chondral wear, or degenerative joint disease.

The smooth material lining the surface of our joints is called hyaline cartilage. In our early years, it is smooth and durable, designed for congruent frictionless joint motion. This is a different material from the rubbery meniscus cartilage that serves as shock absorbers or stabilizers of our joints.

As time goes on, wear and tear take place and the smooth hyaline cartilage becomes more friable, causing it to gradually break down. As a result of the surface breakdown, we are left with surface contour irregularity. This process of degradation also creates debris and can change the mechanics of a joint as we use it on a regular basis.

The body responds to this process by producing excess joint fluid (swelling) and inflammation resulting in stiffness and discomfort. Collectively, this accounts for the symptoms commonly described by patients: pain, stiffness and swelling.

Various types of arthritis exist, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, pyogenic arthritis, and crystalline arthritis to name a few. These are very different disease processes but can have a similar end results.

For example, the aforementioned degradation process can take place naturally as we age or as a consequence of an overactive immune system creating a harsh environment within the joint.

Unfortunately, damage to hyaline cartilage is an irreversible process. Therefore, we consider the surface material biologically expensive and take great measures to preserve the long-term health of joints in the field of orthopedics.

Treatment of this disease process can depend greatly on the type of arthritis involved and the functional status of the patient. Maintaining a healthy weight and remaining active are among the most important recommendations we can make.

Medically, great progress has been made for those affected by auto-immune processes such as rheumatoid arthritis. Medications that modulate the immune system can offer notably improved control of the inflammation and cartilage degradation for rheumatoid patients.

Options for patients affected by osteoarthritis include anti-inflammatory agents obtained over the counter or via prescriptions. These tend to provide more effective relief when used on a scheduled basis.

We also commonly consider enrollment into physical therapy for evaluation of gait mechanics, strengthening, and balancing of the musculature around the extremities and musculoskeletal core. Braces can be valuable in some cases as well.

When initial treatment modalities no longer provide meaningful relief, we utilize injectable agents to offer a more focal solution. The most common options include corticosteroids or viscosupplements.

Cortisone injections provide local delivery of anti-inflammatory medication to calm the swelling responsible for stiffness and discomfort experienced by patients with arthritis. Viscosupplementation involves injecting a gel-like solution containing hyaluronan, which is an important component of the fluid naturally lubricating our joints. This also can have a calming effect on the joint, offering relief.

Eventually, as the disease process advances these conservative treatment options become less effective. Patients with severe or end-stage arthritis often struggle to perform activities they need to do or desire to accomplish. It can become difficult to maintain an active lifestyle, which has a significant impact on quality of life and overall well-being.

Orthopedic surgeons are then able to discuss arthroplasty or joint replacement. There are many types of joint replacements available, and our technology around this field within medicine continues to expand. Implants available today are often custom designed for individual patient anatomy, and techniques are becoming increasingly precise.

Joint replacement surgery recovery has also been accelerated. In some cases, patients can be discharged home on the day of surgery or stay a single night in the hospital. These highly successful procedures offer definitive treatment for arthritis and provide durable relief, allowing patients to maintain their lifestyle and health status.

Ultimately, arthritis has a considerable impact on our patient population. We are fortunate to have excellent treatment options and continue to make improvements managing this disease process. In orthopedic surgery, we are always striving to help relieve symptoms and restore patients to their desired activity level.

https://spokesman-recorder.com/2020/09/18/arthritis-what-is-it-how-do-we-treat-it/

Is Arthritis Relief as Close as Your Spice Rack?

From webmd.com

It's a must for any good curry, and a new clinical trial suggests that turmeric might ease arthritis pain, too.

Researchers found that an extract of the spice turmeric worked better than a placebo in easing pain from knee arthritis over three months. The treatment was not a home run -- but the pain relief was a bit better than past studies have found with standard medication.

It all suggests that turmeric "can be considered an option" for knee osteoarthritis, said senior researcher Dr. Benny Antony, of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research/University of Tasmania in Australia.

Osteoarthritis is exceedingly common, affecting more than 32.5 million Americans, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Knee arthritis is one of the main forms.

The condition arises when the cartilage cushioning the knee joint breaks down over time, leading to symptoms like pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion.

People with knee arthritis often take over-the-counter painkillers, including acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). But besides being only moderately effective, they can cause side effects like stomach upset. And prolonged use is linked to increased risks of heart disease and kidney damage.

So having other options is important, said Dr. Houman Danesh, a pain management specialist who was not involved in the study.
"This is a promising, encouraging study," said Danesh, who directs integrative pain management at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

A broader point of the findings, he noted, is that it matters what people with arthritis ingest. Turmeric, or extracts of it, are thought to be anti-inflammatory. So if people continue to eat an inflammation-promoting diet -- full of fried foods and highly processed carbohydrates, for example -- that could negate the good of adding turmeric, Danesh said.

For the current study, Antony and his colleagues recruited 70 people with knee arthritis and randomly assigned them to one of two groups. One took Curcuma longa extract capsules every day for 12 weeks; the other took placebo capsules.

Curcumin is a substance in turmeric, and the beneficial activities of turmeric are often ascribed to it. Supplement maker Natural Remedies supplied the capsules for the trial and partially funded it.
After 12 weeks, the researchers found, participants using the extract reported greater improvement in their pain, versus the placebo group. The average benefit was "modest," according to Antony, but still better than past studies have found with pain medications.

There was no clear effect, however, on some MRI findings: swelling in the joint space and the composition of knee cartilage.

Danesh did not find that surprising, noting he would not expect to see those effects.
And people's experience of pain does not necessarily correlate with the joint findings seen on MRI.
"An image is like a sentence in the story," Danesh said. "There's also a whole context around it."
The findings, published online Sept. 14 in the Annals of Internal Medicine, are an initial step. Antony said larger studies are still needed, and it remains to be seen whether the pain relief holds up over time.

But turmeric is worth a try, according to Antony. In general, he said, the spice (and curcumin extracts) are considered safe in moderate doses -- though very high doses could cause gastrointestinal trouble.

Danesh said his advice is to try turmeric, itself, rather than an extract. He also recommended adding black pepper, which enhances the benefits of turmeric. To make it palatable, the two could be mixed into a fruit smoothie, Danesh said.

Turmeric is not the only nondrug option for knee pain, though. Danesh said people can benefit from an exercise program focused on strengthening and activating the gluteal muscles, and developing a more balanced walking pattern.

He suggested first getting an evaluation from a doctor, which might result in a referral for physical therapy.

https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/news/20200914/is-arthritis-pain-relief-as-close-as-your-spice-rack

If you have arthritis, here are some ideas that could help

From bradfordtoday.ca

In her weekly column, Bradford West Gwillimbury licensed nutritionist Nonie De Long shares a few herbs you need in your medicine cabinet if you live with arthritis

Dear Nutritionist,
I suffer from arthritis and have to have a lot of medication for pain. I take daily NSAIDs and I’m worried. I get horrible constipation and stomach pain and I notice the joint pain has started to get resistant. I’ve had to go higher in my dose, which worries me. My rheumatoid arthritis started five years ago. I was told it only gets progressively worse. I know there’s no known cure but would you know of any safe and natural treatment that can help with the pain so I could reduce the amount of NSAIDs I take? Thank you for your column!
Thank you!
Melaena from Barrie

Dear Malaena,

I love these difficult questions, keep them coming!

You are going to be on cloud 9, Malaena, because I know holistic therapies that both help with the pain of RH arthritis and ones that help manage it long-term. This is because I used to suffer from it. But not anymore.

You see, when I was 19 I was diagnosed with it. I had gotten mononucleosis from working at a cafe and handling all the dishware. When my immune system was taken out with mono I developed painful swelling in all my joints. I mean every joint - even my toes! My knees were at least 3x their normal size! I was at first diagnosed with water on the knee then had tests for rheumatoid factor (RF) and was diagnosed with migratory rheumatoid arthritis. They said it was migratory because after the initial flare up it moved around from joint to joint, often taking out several at once.

I was so ceased up I had to manually unlock my joints after sleeping because they would lock up in the position I had been in. It was excruciating. Ladies, think of the pain of labour and multiply that by 10! It’s unbelievable how painful it is! Once I got moving I had to crawl to the bath - probably 3x a day - to soak in hot water. It was the only thing that gave me any relief.

All I could do was eat boiled noodles, drink hot chocolate, crush tylenol 3, bathe, and sleep. I moved like a zombie and a friend who saw me during that time commented that I looked like I had aged 30 years.

Fast forward to today and I rarely have a flare up and know exactly how to treat it if I do. But the solution came in increments over the years. Let me explain.

First, let me back up. During the flare up I had a manual car and couldn’t drive because my knees couldn’t handle it. This was before cell phones so I didn’t have one of those either. And I had lost my job so I didn’t have a landline either. I lived in the country and my then partner left. So I eventually ran out of food and hot chocolate. When I did I was forced to water fast. I now know water fasting is extremely beneficial for overcoming inflammation but I didn’t know that then. I just knew that spontaneously started to get better. Within three days of no food (toxins) I was feeling much improved. Enough to drive and stop the T3. Once I did that, I never got so bad again.

But every year when I returned to school and rather frequently after parties the RA would flare up -  sometimes for days and sometimes for months. It mostly affected my knees but also my elbows and shoulders and every time I had to wake to ceased joints I would get that familiar terror... wondering if it was coming back again. I lived in fear. Doctors and specialists could not explain the coming and going symptoms.

                                                                       Stock image

Then my stepmother made a discovery.

My father had had a triple bypass and had to switch to decaf for his recovery. Because of that she switched, too. She reported to me that her arthritis was much improved. Did I want to try it for mine?

Well, it was easy enough to do so I switched to decaf all the time. Immediately I got about an 80 per cent improvement. So I ditched the caffeine altogether for a couple weeks and the RA went away entirely. I was flabbergasted. Everything started to make sense.

When I returned to school or went to functions I invariably drank coffee that I would not drink at home. Or eat a little chocolate something. I didn’t have these in my home. I drank decaf at home because I knew the caffeine made me jittery. So when I drank regular coffee at school or functions I would get a flare up. I also realized why it got so bad with my migraines. My migraine medicine has caffeine in it. Guess what else does? T3s.

I had been living on hot chocolate and T3s when I had my worst flare up!
Today I have to be careful how much caffeine I have. But it took me years to be able to tolerate it at all. I had to work on my liver and remove low grade food intolerances from my diet. Still, if I overdo caffeine, dairy, and wheat I am down for a couple days. You could say those are my kryptonite.

Every person I’ve treated for RA has serious underlying food intolerances and is sensitive to some degree to alcohol and caffeine. They usually also have some issues with their blood and digestion. Aside from telling you to switch to swiss water decaf and throw out the teas and chocolate immediately, I want you to avoid all alcohol and talk to your doctor about replacing any medications that have caffeine for a trial to see if it benefits you. I suggest you get food intolerance testing by a professional and figure out which foods trigger you. This is essential in the long run.

Next I suggest a few herbs to help with pain relief. NSAIDs are particularly damaging not only to the lining of the stomach and digestive system but to the gut biome, and this causes an increase in inflammation over time! That is not what we want.

Turmeric and the curcumin from it are both extremely beneficial in helping joint pain. They thin the blood, though, so a licensed physician needs to supervise use if you are taking blood thinners. The good news is it can work just like low dose aspirin without the side effects. But again, do not make changes without talking to a doctor to oversee this if you take meds for your blood. You can get this supplement in capsule form and you can add powdered turmeric to your food. Most potent may be the liposomal form, but it would need to be consumed with food. You can also use the root, which looks like a bright orangey yellow ginger - to fresh juices for added benefit.

The reason NSAIDs damage the stomach lining is they down regulate prostaglandins - of which some cause pain and some protect against pain and protect tissues like the stomach lining. We can effectively increase the beneficial prostaglandins by adding quality krill or cod liver or omega 3 fish oil into the diet as a supplement in therapeutic quantities (again taken with meals) and adding sardines and salmon (with skin and bones) into the weekly diet. You would be amazed how many cool recipes there are for sardines and canned salmon on the internet. Do a search and try something new!

In addition, using herbs to help your liver work better helps address this issue at the root. I use milk thistle, dandelion, and alpha lipoic acid in high doses with custom herbal tinctures for clients with these issues. Professional supervision is best for any high dose of supplements for any length of time.

I also recommend a liquid diet to take strain off of the digestive system and ensure all nutrients are being absorbed optimally until the body’s inflammation is under control. Bone broth is particularly soothing to a weak digestive system. I also recommend smoothies with quality protein and collagen peptides to help nourish without producing inflammation. This has been very effective in a number of clients in reducing pain.

Another remedy for pain that is incredible and simple is capsaicin cream. It’s made from the active ingredient in chilli peppers and helps reduce the transmission of pain signals in the nerves. It can be really helpful for rubbing on the site of pain and is very safe - as long as you use gloves to apply it and don’t rub your eyes after!

Lastly, homeopathics that fit your specific situation are essential if you want to turn the problem around permanently. But homeopathic remedies applied without knowledgeable dietary intervention do not produce the same results in clients, in my experience. Nutrition is the foundation of the inflammatory response in the body.

I hope this helps your pain, Malaena, and invite you to reach out to address the arthritis more deeply together.

https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/if-you-have-arthritis-here-are-some-ideas-that-could-help-2708601

Fashion designer unveiling new line of arthritis-friendly clothing

From collingwoodtoday.ca

'For people with arthritis, it is all about accessibility and comfort,' says Michael Kuluva, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis himself and will be taking part in New York Fashion Week

A world-class fashion designer, who now lives locally, is helping those suffering from a painful ailment by bringing awareness to the New York stage.

Michael Kuluva is a fashion designer who has travelled the world and now calls Barrie home. While he doesn’t let it define or hinder him, Kuluva also lives with rheumatoid arthritis. The autoimmune disorder primarily affects joints and can be very painful, something Kuluva knows all too well.

“I was diagnosed 12 years ago and I didn’t really know what to expect,” the 37-year-old told BarrieToday. “It has been a tough road at times, but you learn to live with and deal with all that it comes with.”

Kuluva has even taken his passion for fashion design and used it to not only bring awareness to arthritis, but also help those who suffer from it.

Sponsored by Creaky Joints, a digital patient organization for people with all forms of arthritis, The Newest Normal virtual event will premiere during New York Fashion Week on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. on the Virtual Fashion Show website and on YouTube. 

Fashion designer Michael Kuluva (middle) and the models from his recently filmed fashion show stand on his balcony over-looking Barrie. Photo supplied

Kuluva needed to film his show with models and a crew, but during COVID times that was tricky.

“I was supposed to get back to the States, but obviously international travel couldn’t happen. We filmed it here in downtown Barrie with local models and very few people in order to follow COVID protocol,” Kuluva said. “It was a very unique event and makes you realize that when you want to accomplish your goals, you can find a way.”

Kuluva has been a part of New York Fashion Week for the last 11 seasons and will be a prominent figure in the 2020 edition. This year’s collection from the designer is titled Tumbler and Tipsy and includes clothes that are arthritis-friendly.

“For people with arthritis, it is all about accessibility and comfort. Buttons are no good, so I’ve altered that a bit with zippers, straps and other easy-to-wear items,” Kuluva said. “We know how to live with the discomfort, but we shouldn't have to let it stop us from getting out there and wearing what we want.”

This year’s Kuluva collection is being described as “deliberately sassy” and also includes hand-painted, glow-in-the-dark details thoughtfully placed to emphasize where people living with arthritis experience pain.

“It is fun, obviously, but it also highlights the pains that we experience that many don’t know we have. Glowing over the joints and other spots that experience pain is a justa way to bring awareness to arthritis,” said Kuluva.

Kuluva has travelled all over the world and in what he called, the “different realms” of New York, Los Angeles and Europe.

For the last four years, he has called Barrie home with his partner and enjoys everything about the region, even dedicating a line of clothes to it.

“Barrie is wonderful and the whole area is beautiful. I’d obviously been to Toronto before and being in Barrie is even so close to Muskoka,” said Kuluva. “I have a Tipsy line of clothes for Muskoka, Toronto and the Canadian feel.”

For more on Kuluva and his work, click here to see his website.

https://www.collingwoodtoday.ca/local-news/local-fashion-designer-unveiling-new-line-of-arthritis-friendly-clothing-2705741

9 Psoriatic Arthritis–Friendly Weight Loss Tips

From everydayhealth.com
By Colleen de Bellefonds Medically Reviewed by Alexa Meara, MD

Stiff, achy joints and fatigue can make it hard to get moving. But dropping excess pounds can help improve your joint health

Maintaining a healthy weight plays an important role in managing psoriatic arthritis. Obesity causes low-grade inflammation, as fat tissue churns out inflammatory proteins, including cytokines, chemokines, and adipokines. Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition, and making it more difficult to manage.

Excess weight puts more pressure on your joints, which can lead to injury and inflammation. What’s more, excess weight can interfere with medications that treat psoriatic arthritis, so they don’t work as well. A review published in May 2018 in the journal PLoS ONE found that obesity was linked to a 60 percent greater chance that a class of biologic drugs commonly used to treat psoriatic arthritis, called tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, wouldn’t work.

The link between obesity and psoriatic arthritis is “very complex and not adequately understood,” says John Davis, III, MD, a clinical rheumatologist who specializes in psoriatic arthritis at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. “We believe that [obesity] drives inflammation, providing the link to the joint disease.”

Psoriatic arthritis is also linked to other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. For all of these, “Losing weight and maintaining weight in a healthy range is important,” says Melissa Ann Prest, DCN, RDN, a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The good news: Weight loss has been linked to an improvement in psoriatic arthritis symptoms, including painful, swollen joints and fatigue. “It’s probably reducing the inflammatory burden,” says Dr. Davis.

American College of Rheumatology and National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) guidelines, published in November 2018 in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, recommend weight loss for all obese people who have psoriatic arthritis to help improve their response to medication. Losing weight helps psoriatic arthritis symptoms in other ways, as well, explains Rajat Bhatt, MD, a rheumatologist with Memorial Hermann Health System in Texas. It decreases inflammation and stress on the joints and lowers uric acid levels linked to gout — another joint condition common in people who have psoriatic arthritis.

And weight loss doesn’t have to be major. Research has found that overweight and obese people with psoriatic arthritis who lost just 5 percent of their body weight were more likely to have minimal disease activity.

Although psoriatic arthritis symptoms such as fatigue and stiff, achy joints can make it more challenging to move, it’s possible to drop extra pounds with the right strategies and support. Here are a some tips to help you lose weight and improve your symptoms.

1. Cut back on added sugar, red meat, and full-fat dairy

Davis’s number one tip for weight loss in people who have psoriatic arthritis is to eliminate added sugars. They provide extra calories that don’t benefit your body and can increase chronic inflammation, upping your risk of related conditions, such as obesity and diabetes.

Another reason to cut back on sugar: A review published in April 2020 in the journal Rheumatology and Therapy found that people who have psoriatic arthritis are significantly more likely to have type 2 diabetes than the population at large, possibly because inflammation of the skin and joints may affect glucose metabolism. Davis recommends limiting simple sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. “Sugar hides in processed foods, cereal, yogurts, and juices,” he says.

The NPF also recommends cutting out the following:

• Refined grains, such as white bread
• Highly processed foods, such as bacon and sausage
• Fatty cuts of meat — especially red meat
• Fried foods
• Some full-fat dairy products, such as ice cream

“Foods from these sources are typically going to be higher in calories and trans fat, which can contribute to weight gain and inflammation,” says Dr. Prest. Because cutting out these foods helps reduce inflammation, which worsens psoriatic arthritis, it may also help reduce psoriatic arthritis symptoms, explains Dr. Bhatt.

2. Fill up on anti-inflammatory foods, including veggies, fruits, and fish

Research suggests that eating lots of fruits and vegetables can help you lose weight by keeping you full and satisfied on fewer calories, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “People should definitely eat more fruits and veggies,” adds Davis.
A plant-based diet can also help decrease inflammation levels, which may reduce psoriatic arthritis symptoms, adds Bhatt. He specifically recommends the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
Dietary guidelines from the medical board of the NPF published in August 2018 in JAMA Dermatology, also recommend a Mediterranean diet, consisting of at least:

• 2 servings of vegetables a day
• 3 servings of fruit a day
• 3 servings of legumes per week
• 3 servings of nuts per week
• 3 servings of fish or seafood per week

“Make vegetables the star of your meal by filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, and go with a serving of fruit or a serving of a vegetable for snacks,” says Prest.

3. Drink more water

It’s easy to confuse thirst for hunger, according to the NPF. So be sure to drink enough water to help with your weight loss efforts. About eight 8-ounce glasses per day is a good goal, according to the Mayo Clinic. You’ll know you’re hydrated if your urine is clear to light yellow.

4. Go for a swim or do another low-impact exercise

Physical activity helps reduce inflammation and pain. Weight loss guidelines from the CDC recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. “Exercise is great for your overall health and to break through those weight loss plateaus,” says Prest.

Staying physically active is especially important for people who have psoriatic arthritis, as metabolic syndrome has been linked to psoriatic arthritis disease activity and medication effectiveness, says Bhatt. Exercise can help you tackle metabolic syndrome by reducing inflammation and improving muscular metabolism. And that’s not all. “Exercise can increase range of motion in the joints and maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength,” says Bhatt. Physical activity also increases pain tolerance, helping psoriatic arthritis symptoms feel less debilitating, and decreases uric acid, which reduces joint pain in people who also have gout, he adds.

If you’re experiencing a lot of joint pain in your lower extremities, Bhatt recommends swimming a few laps. “Swimming is a good low-impact activity for those who have access to a pool and enjoy it,” says Davis.

            Swimming is a great way to get exercise without putting stress on your joints. iStock

5. Use a fitness tracker

Walking is a great exercise for people with psoriatic arthritis to lose weight, says Davis. “Maintaining daily activity and step counts [helps] to increase metabolism,” he says. When combined with dietary changes, walking supports weight loss, according to the Mayo Clinic, and is especially important for weight loss maintenance.

A study published in December 2018 in the journal BioMed Research International suggests that weight-bearing aerobic exercises, such as walking, may help reduce the risk of bone loss. That’s important, as another study, published in July 2020 in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, suggests that psoriatic arthritis treatments may increase the risk of osteoporosis.

If you need extra motivation, use a fitness tracker to track your steps. Set small, manageable goals that slightly challenge you. And listen to your body: It’s natural to feel a bit sore or tired the next day, but take it easy if you feel pain.

Once your routine is no longer challenging, consider increasing the intensity. “The body always has to be challenged. Choose something you like, so you can stick to a long-term plan,” says Bhatt.

6. Lift weights

Resistance training, which includes weight lifting and body weight exercises, such as squats, can help with both weight loss and overall fitness. One small study published in February 2018 in the journal Clinical Rheumatology found that people with psoriatic arthritis who did resistance training twice a week for 12 weeks reduced their disease activity and pain and improved their quality of life.

What’s more, building muscle helps with weight loss. That’s because muscle burns more calories than fat does, even at rest, according to the Mayo Clinic. Lifting weights may be even more important when you’re cutting back on calories, because your body sheds some muscle mass along with fat when you lose weight. The CDC’s weight loss guidelines recommend incorporating strength-training activities that use all the major muscle groups two days a week.

If joint pain makes this kind of exercise challenging, ask your doctor for tips on how to get started safely.

7. Keep a food journal

The dietary guidelines from the NPF recommend a reduced-calorie diet for people with psoriatic arthritis who are obese. Talk to your doctor to determine the right goal for you. Tracking your calorie intake can be especially helpful. “Studies show that just keeping a simple food journal reduces intake, because it makes you more aware of what you’re eating and helps you figure out a better choice,” says Prest. A study published in February 2019 in the journal Obesity followed 142 people on their weight loss journey for 24 weeks and found that those who more often used an online food journal reported more weight loss after six months.

“I have used the photo journal technique with many clients, and they have had great success in reaching their weight loss goals,” says Prest. Free apps and online tracking tools also give you a great estimate of your overall diet, but keep in mind they’re not 100 percent accurate, she adds. 

8. Prioritize sleep

A lack of sleep is linked to impairments in glucose metabolism and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, metabolic changes, and inflammation, according to a review published in March 2015 in the journal Diabetology and Metabolic Syndrome. This can affect not only your weight loss efforts but also your overall health, including psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

“A good night’s sleep helps with pain sensitization and improves pain tolerance, and therefore, psoriatic arthritis symptoms might be better,” says Bhatt. “When the body rests, it rids itself of toxins, which helps improve inflammation. And good sleep helps with weight loss.” Davis suggests people with psoriatic arthritis aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.

A study published in October 2018 in the journal Reumatologia suggests that many people who have psoriatic arthritis have trouble sleeping. A few of Bhatt’s top sleep hygiene tips:

• Avoid coffee in the evenings
• Have your last meal at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime
• Use your bed for sleep only, not for watching TV or scrolling through Instagram
• Exercise regularly during the day so you’re tired when you go to bed.

9. Work with specialists, such as a dietitian or physical therapist

“If [you’re] struggling, seeing a dietitian is a good idea,” says Davis. A dietitian can help you develop a customized meal plan, which can be especially helpful for people who have psoriatic arthritis. “People with psoriatic arthritis may find that they have other food sensitivity issues that may contribute to problems with weight loss. Working with a registered dietitian nutritionist is a great way to ensure you’re eating the right amount for weight loss,” says Prest.

If you’re struggling with exercise, a physical therapist or personal trainer can develop a fitness routine suited to your needs.

Finally, keep at it, because even small changes can be powerful. “We often overemphasize pharmaceutical therapies and underemphasize lifestyle changes,” says Bhatt, “but lifestyle changes are equally important for all arthritis patients.”

https://www.everydayhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis-friendly-weight-loss-tips/

Does the Mediterranean diet protect against rheumatoid arthritis?

From sciencedaily.com

Previous research has demonstrated a variety of health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, cereals, fruit and vegetables, fish, and a moderate amount of dairy, meat, and wine. Now results suggest that the diet may also help prevent rheumatoid arthritis in individuals who smoke or used to smoke

Previous research has demonstrated a variety of health benefits associated with the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in olive oil, cereals, fruit and vegetables, fish, and a moderate amount of dairy, meat, and wine. Now results from an analysis published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggest that the diet may also help prevent rheumatoid arthritis in individuals who smoke or used to smoke.

The analysis included 62,629 women from France who have been taking part in a questionnaire-based study assessing dietary intake since 1990. In total, 480 women developed rheumatoid arthritis.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was not associated with rheumatoid arthritis risk overall; however, among women who smoked or used to smoke, it was associated with a decreased risk: 383 cases of rheumatoid arthritis per 1 million people per year among those with high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, compared with 515 cases per 1 million people per year among those with low adherence to the diet. (Among women who never smoked and had high adherence to the diet, there were 358 cases per 1 million people per year.)

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200910090046.htm

Injuries Can Be a Big Deal With Juvenile Arthritis

From juvenilearthritisnews.com

While I like watching sports, I have never been an athletic person. So, naturally, gym class was always my least favourite.

But my disdain for gym class went beyond not enjoying the games we played and being picked last for teams. I also hated that I seemed to trip and fall or get hit by things a lot, probably due to clumsiness from JA. Then, I would always be told to “walk it off!”

If I’m ever told to “walk it off” again, it’ll be too soon!

Whether it was a gym teacher or a stranger who said it, that phrase has a tendency to grind my gears. I was a kid with juvenile arthritis trying to participate in games — I knew what it meant to push through the pain. So, when I fell or was hit, I wanted a moment to collect myself. I knew from experience that sometimes trauma can bring on a flare, and I wanted to sit, rest, and test out the joint that was hurt to make sure it was OK.

Injuries might hurt a little more

I know many parents want to raise their kids to get back on the horse when they fall, so that they’re tough and able to work past a little discomfort. But I think it’s important to keep in mind that everyday injuries might be a bit more painful for kids with JA. It may even take them longer to recover. 

Falling or being hit on a joint affected by arthritis may cause extra joint pain and swelling. Your child may even experience a flare if the joint is badly aggravated. My friends who grew up with JA and I have tales of hitting a joint just the right way — or should I say the wrong way — and waking up the next morning with a flare.

Walk it off with compassion

While I don’t propose putting kids in a bubble, it’s essential to be compassionate toward your child’s injuries. There’s a vast difference between caring for your child’s health and babying them, and kids with JA need to learn the steps they need to take to care for themselves as they grow and become more independent. It’s important to acknowledge if something hurts and avoid aggravating it.

Yes, try to walk it off. But don’t push it if there is pain, redness, or swelling. If this happens to your child, offer ice, rest, and possibly medication if you feel it’s necessary. Call a paediatric rheumatologist if the joint doesn’t get better. And most importantly, model the steps your child should take in caring for themselves as they get older.

https://juvenilearthritisnews.com/2020/09/03/injuries-sore-joints-inflammation-kids