What Foot Health Tells Us About Other Illnesses

From orlandohealth.com

Your feet are a vital part of your anatomy — and not just for helping you get from the couch to the kitchen. They’re composed  of more than 50 bones, 60 joints and 200 muscles, tendons and ligaments that can offer important clues about what’s happening throughout the rest of your body. By paying attention to subtle shifts in the shape, flexibility and even temperature of your feet, you can get an early jump on larger health issues.

Changing Shape and Size 

Most of us have experienced sore or injured feet from poorly fitted shoes, or excessive walking, running or standing. There’s nothing unusual about that. But changes to the shape or size of your foot are a different matter and might warrant a trip to the doctor. Some things to watch for:

• Pitted or moon-shaped nail beds. Spoon-like indentions (or sunken nails) on your toe bed could suggest a chronic iron deficiency. Pitted nails, or those separating from the nail bed, could indicate psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease of the joints affecting 30 percent of people who deal with psoriasis.

• Enlarged big toe. A suddenly swollen and painful big toe could mean gout, a disease in which tiny crystals are deposited in abnormal places such as your joints and soft tissue.

• Thick or falling-off nails. This change is usually the result of a fungal infection. It could be caused by something as simple as coming into contact with a fungus in a damp or wet environment. But it also could be a sign the body is negatively responding to an autoimmune disorder or treatment.

• Hair loss. Losing hair on the toes and legs could indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a narrowing of arteries in the legs and feet linked to increased risk of heart disease. 

Changes in Mobility

Decreases in the mobility or flexibility of your foot also may signal a more substantial problem is brewing.

• Numbness. Tingling and numbness in your feet could indicate a damaged nerve condition called peripheral neuropathy. It can be brought on by injury, but also is an early sign of diabetes or vascular problems.

• Inability to lift front of foot. This muscular issue, called a foot drop, is linked to several  neurodegenerative brain disorders, including multiple sclerosis, stroke and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

• Stiff or sore toe joints. This could be an early warning of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease affecting the tissue lining around your joints. If tenderness runs along the bottom of your feet to your heel, it could be plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the thick band of tissue, the fascia, which connects the heel to the toes.

• Swelling. Unusual swelling in your feet or ankles could be caused by high blood pressure due to congestive heart, kidney or liver failure.

Cold Feet 

Let’s not confuse this with the anxiety you feel when making a difficult decision. If your feet are actually cold when they shouldn’t be, your doctor may want to consider these two issues:

• Blue toes. If the tips of your toes are going numb and turning blue or white, you may have Reynaud’s disease, a rare disorder of the blood vessels that causes them to narrow when cold or stressed. 

• Cold feet (and body). You could have an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism is the most common thyroid issue, primarily affecting women after menopause. If left unchecked, it can impact your heart, nervous system, muscles and weight.

Diabetes

Foot ailments are associated with a wide range of illnesses. But often this is the primary location for visible symptoms of diabetes. Open wounds or corns/calluses that resist healing are among the signs that you should see your doctor, who may set up a screening and discuss lifestyle changes and medication.

https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/what-foot-health-tells-us-about-other-illnesses

Rheumatoid arthritis: Will eating meat make my symptoms worse? What the research says

From express.co.uk

RHEUMATOID arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can cause painful joint symptoms. Mounting research suggests going plant-based may counter the inflammation associated with arthritis, although the findings are not conclusive.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. It is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. This leads to inflammation in the joints and less commonly inflammation in other parts of the body.

Anti-inflammatory diets have long been touted as a way to alleviate the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

People with inflammatory types of arthritis may be tempted to go vegetarian (no meat) or vegan (no animal products at all, including meat, eggs and dairy) to lessen the impact of the condition.

Although studies have produced mixed results, it is hard to ignore the benefits plant-based diets have brought people with rheumatoid arthritis.

In a study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 600 participants following a vegan diet for three weeks had significantly reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) - a key marker for acute and chronic inflammation - by the end of the study.

Likewise, a meta-analysis of 17 studies published in Public Health Nutrition found that following a vegetarian or vegan diet for two or more years was associated with lower CRP levels, reports Arthritis Foundation (AF).

Of the 17 studies evaluated, 12 compared the results of following a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet (one that includes dairy and eggs) versus a diet that includes meat.

However, in three of the studies, following a vegetarian diet was also linked to increased levels of another inflammatory biomarker, IL-6.

But according to the study’s authors, these findings should be interpreted with caution, and more studies are needed to evaluate the link between vegetarian diets and increased IL-6 levels.

Bolstering the findings, some research links red and processed meat to inflammation, which may increase arthritis symptoms.

For example, diets high in processed and red meats demonstrate high levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine.

A study of 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis also found that red meat commonly worsened symptoms.

Additionally, a study in 25,630 people determined that high red meat intake may be a risk factor for inflammatory arthritis.

                          Plant-based deficiency: Vitamins and minerals play important roles in bone health                                                                                       (Image: Getty Images)

Other studies suggest there are hidden health risks lurking in vegetarian and vegan diets, however.

Vegetarians, and especially vegans, have low blood levels of vitamin B-12 and D, calcium and essential fatty acids, according to Dr Duo’s study and another study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

According to the AF, these vitamins and minerals play important roles in bone health, and low levels of fatty acids are associated with several cardiovascular risk factors.

"Vegans may also have higher levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to heart disease, and lower levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol, known to protect the heart," the health body warns.

If you decide to go full or part-time vegetarian or vegan, you may need to take some supplements, said Kim Larson, RDN, CD, CSSD, national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

"These include omega-3 fatty acids for your heart and to protect against inflammation, iron to protect against anaemia, zinc for the immune system, vitamin D and calcium for strong bones, vitamin B-12 for energy and selenium for a healthy thyroid," she said.

In addition to modifying your diet, exercise can help to ease arthritis symptoms.

"Exercising regularly can help relieve stress, help keep your joints mobile, and strengthen the muscles supporting your joints," explains the NHS.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1377130/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-treatment-vegetarian-diet-red-meat

Turmeric: The incredible spice that may help gut health, arthritis and anxiety

From startsat60.com

Source: Getty

Turmeric has become a common kitchen item in recent years but, it was a popular health food in many Eastern countries long before it was launched into the spotlight by trendy cafes in Australia, and many studies have proved it can actually help to improve a person’s health and wellbeing – particularly when it relates to chronic conditions.

According to one study, published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, the high levels of curcumin the spice contains have shown to assist with everything from arthritis and anxiety, to muscle soreness and inflammation. But, it can also have positive effects on those who don’t have any major health concerns, including improving mood and memory.

“Research suggests that curcumin can help in the management of oxidative and inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, anxiety and hyperlipidaemia,” the study read. “It may also help in the management of exercise-induced inflammation and muscle soreness, thus enhancing recovery and subsequent performance in active people. In addition, a relatively low dose can provide health benefits for people that don’t have diagnosed health conditions.”

Meanwhile, a separate study undertaken by University of Tasmania researchers found taking two turmeric capsules a day reduced pain in those suffering from osteoarthritis in their knee and they were able to take less pain killers throughout the day than those who weren’t consuming the turmeric capsule.

If this has you convinced and you’re eager to jump on the turmeric bandwagon, whether it be for arthritis, gut issues or just to improve your overall health and wellbeing, you can find a range of new turmeric-based products on the Sassy Marketplace.

The Joint Relief capsules are scientifically formulated, tested and proven to help with inflammation, oxidation and pain relief associated arthritis. The capsules contain not only a strong percentage of turmeric, but black pepper which helps to increase the body’s ability to absorb the good-for-you extract.

Meanwhile, for those struggling with gut health issues, the Debloating Tea could be the perfect option. It contains ingredient turmeric, but also ginger, liquorice, peppermint, marshmallow root and black pepper, and as the name suggests it’s made to help ease bloating discomfort and soothe gastrointestinal troubles.

https://startsat60.com/media/health/good-health/turmeric-health-benefits-arthritis-gut-support-wellbeing

‘Arthritis is as treatable as thyroid or diabetes’

From newindianexpress.com

With a number of changes in lifestyle habits over the last few decades, bone and joint pains are no longer ‘old people’ problems

With a number of changes in lifestyle habits over the last few decades, bone and joint pains are no longer ‘old people’ problems. Young adults too are suffering from these health conditions. Acute or chronic trauma, degenerative changes as well as wear and tear of joints are common causes of major bone injuries and health conditions.

Experts opine that a healthy ecosystem is must to prevent these problems. One must exercise daily and take brisk walks every day, they say. Also, popping multivitamins and consuming healthy food is important but not enough to boost one’s immunity. Doctors also add that it is important to focus on adequate dietary intake of calcium instead of supplements in the form of tablets to prevent bones and joint diseases.

All this and more was discussed by an expert panel of rheumatologists at the 14th edition of the Illness to Wellness series themed Preventive and Curative Measures for Bones and Joint Pains During Winter & COVID–19, organised by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in association with hygiene brand SAVLON recently.

Doctors discussed how patients should focus on increasing dietary intake of required supplements as opposed to taking them in the form of pills. Tablets should be used by those for whom dietary intake may be difficult due to some medical reason. For calcium, the most recommended form was in milk, curd and cheese. Omega 3 found in fish and flax seeds are a must-have element in daily diet due to its anti-inflammatory properties, they said.

“When we suffer from an autoimmune disease, it is important we don’t run away from it. With the kind of treatment we have, arthritis is as treatable as blood pressure, thyroid or diabetes,” shared Dr PD Rath, Director & Head of Department, Rheumatology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket Smart, New Delhi.

Speaking on the importance of ensuring right dietary supplements to prevent bones and joint-related diseases, Dr (Lt General) (Prof) Ved Chaturvedi, Senior Consultant, Rheumatology, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, said that calcium and Vitamin D are two of the most recommended supplements by doctors and specialists. 

“Vitamin D has emerged as one of the most recommended supplements as it can help immune systems, nerves and muscles. In women, calcium supplement during menopause is crucial. Growing children too need it. You roughly require 1-1.5 g of calcium daily,” he added. To eliminate joint pains during winter months, Dr Maninder Shah Singh, Senior Consultant, Chief Foot & Ankle Services, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, advised an active lifestyle.

“The most effective way to reduce joint pain during winter is keeping active through brisk walks and exercises such as running and cycling. Elderly people who have pre-existing joint problems may opt for simple stretches to avoid stiffness in joints. Yoga and warm baths are particularly effective. Keeping the body warm is important, especially around joints using gloves, scarves, thermals and warm boots.”

https://www.newindianexpress.com/lifestyle/health/2020/dec/26/arthritis-is-as-treatable-as-thyroid-or-diabetes-2241337.html

How to Advocate for Yourself When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

From webmd.com

To stay healthy and manage your rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it’s best to take an active role in your treatment.

Understanding your disease, weighing your options, and forming a partnership with your doctors will help you advocate for what you need.

“Remember than you are at the centre of your care,” says Adena Batterman, a licensed social worker and senior manager of inflammatory arthritis support and education programs at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Be Informed

Empower yourself by learning as much as you can about RA. Find out about symptoms, treatment options, medications, and management strategies.

Get information from online resources like the American College of Rheumatology, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Arthritis Society.

Talk to people living with RA. Join a support group where you can connect with others, share experiences, and get advice about managing RA.

The more you understand RA, the more you’ll know what to expect and get what you need.

Choose the Right Rheumatologist

Find a doctor who’s a good fit for you. “Ask your internist or primary care provider for personal suggestions,” says Magdalena Cadet, MD, a clinical rheumatologist in New York City. Get personal references from friends or online RA chat groups on social media platforms like Facebook.

Organizations like the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation have lists of doctors online. You can also contact your insurance company.

Partner With Your Doctor

“Let your physician know that you want to work together as a team,” Cadet says. Instead of relying on your doctor to make all the decisions, approach it as a partnership.

Talk about what’s important to you and set goals together. Do you want to minimize flare-ups? Is it important that you can walk a certain distance and take part in social activities? Tell your doctor what you hope for so they can create a treatment plan that fits your goals.

“Without your involvement and voice in all of this, your needs are unknown and unheard,” Batterman says.

Get to Know Your Entire Health Care Team

Try to build a relationship with everyone on your team, including your nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and occupational therapists. They’re all part of your team and can be a source of information and support.

“The best way to advocate for yourself is to know who can be a resource and reach out to them,” Batterman says.

Keep Track of Everything

Keep a journal to log your daily symptoms. “This will help your rheumatologist get a sense of how your daily overall function is,” Cadet says.

Write down all your medications. Sometimes patient charts aren’t updated, Cadet says. Keeping a list also helps team members spot possible drug interactions.

Keep your lab and test results and bring them to your doctor’s visit if they’re from an outside facility.

Get the facts from your insurance company. Ask about medications, lab tests, and imaging and find out what’s covered by your plan.

Know Yourself

Pay attention to how you feel. What are your symptoms, pain levels, and medication side effects? Knowing your body and how it responds to different treatments can help your doctor understand what works best for you.

You’re the expert in what living with RA is like for you, Batterman says. Nobody knows your pain, fatigue, stiffness, and side effects better than you.

Be Open and Upfront With Your Doctor

“Be transparent and open with your doctor,” Cadet says. Don’t leave information out, even if you feel shy or embarrassed.

Be honest about lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking, or eating poorly. If you’re not following your treatment regimen, tell your doctor. The more they know, the better care they can give you.

Make the Most of Doctor's Visits

Keep a list of questions to ask at your next visit. Write them down so they’re ready when it’s time to see your doctor.

Ask your doctor to address your questions at the beginning or schedule a longer visit if you have a lot of questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification.

Bring a family member or friend to support you and help you understand what your doctor tells you.

Ask your doctor to write down your treatment plan and a checklist of things to do after the visit, Cadet says. That way everyone’s on the same page and you know what you need to do outside of the office.

Speak Up for Yourself

“Use your voice,” Cadet says. If you feel like something isn’t right, you’re being rushed, or your doctor isn’t listening, speak up. If it’s a complex issue, request a longer visit so there’s enough time to talk it through.

“It can be helpful to speak with a social worker if there’s one on staff,” Batterman says. They may help you navigate difficult conversations and find the right language and tone. Bring a trusted friend or family member for support.

Don’t Be Afraid to Get a Second Opinion or a New Doctor

If you’re uncomfortable with your doctor, their diagnosis, or your treatment plan, tell your doctor. If it doesn’t help, get a second opinion or look for a new doctor.

“Understand that your doctor is human,” Batterman says. “But always expect that you should receive good care.”

https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/features/ra-advocate

Living With Arthritis? Follow These Expert Tips To Manage Joint Pain In Winters

From ndtv.com

Arthritis is condition which leads to inflammation and pain in joints. This pain worsens during the winter season. Read here to know from the expert how to manage this pain at home during the cold weather

The onset of winter brings a lot of hardships for people with arthritis. The arthritis pain tends to flare up in winters causing stiffness of muscles and joints. Fatigue and swelling are also among the common symptoms. The drop in atmospheric pressure during winters causes tissues to become swollen that lead to the build-up of tension between joints, causing pain. The reduced blood circulation to fingers and toes causes the pain to become worse. Simple yet effective methods can help manage this pain at home. To know some of these we spoke to Dr. IPS Oberoi, Head of Orthopaedics & Chief at Joint Replacement & Arthroscopy at Artemis Hospital. Here are the top tips for managing arthritis pain during winters.

1. Keep yourself warm

During winters, the blood flow is directed towards your core organs such as the heart and lungs. The reduced blood flow to your joints causes stiffness and pain. It is advisable to dress in layers and remove these layers one by one in case it gets too warm. Keeping hands, feet and head covered from cold will help to minimise the loss of heat from these areas.

Keep yourself warm during the winter season to prevent joint pain
Photo Credit: iStock

2. Take warm baths

Taking warm baths or swimming in a heated pool will help you keep warm and cosy during the winter.

3. Consume a healthy diet

Refrain from consuming rich and excessively sugar-laden foods such as desserts, gravy-rich curries, processed meat and much more. The excessive sugar content may aggravate pain. Unhealthy food choices also increase the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Vitamin D is a useful nutrient for keeping winter-related ailments at bay. The sunlight is a vital source of Vitamin D. Mushroom, eggs, milk and dairy products are a good source of Vitamin D. Since calcium facilitates the absorption of Vitamin D, you may take a calcium supplement under medical supervision. Omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation in joints like flax seeds, walnut, avocado and fish.

4. Drink plenty of fluids

Consuming ample fluids helps eliminate toxins from the body, lubricates the joints and prevents muscle cramps. Consume at least eight glasses of water in a day. You may consider green tea that is rich in polyphenols with anti-inflammatory properties. Soups are also a good option.

5. Stay active and exercise

Staying active and refraining from a sedentary lifestyle during winters also plays an important role. Amid Covid-19, go for indoor physical exercises such as stretching, cardio and weight training. Increase physical activities such as taking the staircase instead of the escalator, staying mobile inside the house instead of being confined to bed will minimise the chances of pain.

Staying physically active can help control symptoms of arthritis
Photo Credit: iStock

6. Keep yourself stress-free

Stress takes a toll on the human body and aggravates any pre-existing disorder. Practise deep breathing, yoga and meditation to keep stress at bay.

You may go for a consultation with a medical practitioner in case the pain worsens. It is recommended to not take any painkillers without doctor's supervision. A multi-pronged approach consisting of a healthy diet, exercise and staying stress-free will help you tackle arthritis pain and beat the winter blues.

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

https://www.ndtv.com/health/living-with-arthritis-follow-these-expert-tips-to-manage-joint-pain-in-winters-2342712

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Arthritis Pain

From consumer.healthday.com

SUNDAY, Dec. 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) – Chronic pain can be excruciating, debilitating and hard to describe.

Yet the best way to get the right treatment for the exact pain you're experiencing is to put those symptoms into words, so your doctor can pinpoint a diagnosis and help you find relief.

The Arthritis Foundation created a guide with suggestions for communicating your discomfort. Included are questions ranging from, "What does the pain feel like?" to "How does the pain affect your life?" and specific details to share.

When describing what the pain feels like, be as specific as possible. If you describe it as aching or dull, that may point to muscle strains or arthritis. A description of shooting, tingling or burning might point to nerve pain as the cause. Sharp or stabbing pain might suggest injuries to a bone, muscle or ligament. Throbbing could be a headache, abscess or gout. Tightness may be a muscle spasm.

Where does it hurt? Is it in one location or does it travel? Is it steady or does it come and go? Try to be precise about location. For example, someone might describe a shoulder pain as deep in the joint or on the muscle surface.

Rate the intensity of your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being pain-free and 10 being unimaginable. This can help a doctor determine the type or dosage of pain medicine you may need.

"Some patients come in the door with an eight on the pain scale, and they're functional. Other patients walk in with a three and they're disabled," said Dr. Thelma Wright, medical director of the Pain Management Centre at the University of Maryland Rehabilitation and Orthopaedics Institute. "Function is huge."

Keep a journal tracking when you hurt and if it's worse at certain times of day.

"If I notice that a patient has higher pain scores in the morning versus in the evening, I may tailor my medication management to that," Wright said.

Does anything ease your pain? In your journal, make note of what you've tried and what helped or hurt. Options could include heat or ice, rest or over-the-counter pain medicine.

Be aware that it could take a while to find relief. Being able to communicate your pain will help get you closer to a solution.

"It's a trial-and-error process," Wright said. "You might go through several medications before you get the best combination."

https://consumer.healthday.com/b-12-20-how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-arthritis-pain-2649482444.html

If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis, Take These Steps Before Getting Pregnant

From babygaga.com

It is completely possible to have a healthy pregnancy with rheumatoid arthritis, but it's important to take the following steps before conceiving

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a lifelong disease that causes painful inflammation in many joints, including joints in the hands and feet. Roughly 1.3 million people (41 in every 100,000) in America have RA, with women, both young and old, three times more likely to get RA than men, as statistics show. If you have RA and are planning to get pregnant, you might be wondering how your status will affect pregnancy and vice versa.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, women with active RA at the time of getting pregnant are at a greater risk of pregnancy difficulties such as giving birth prematurely, having babies with low birth weight, or experience pregnancy loss. However, it is not all bad news, because the vast majority of women with rheumatoid arthritis carry their healthy babies to term without complications. Particularly those with well-controlled disease activity. That said, there are ways you can control your condition to have a healthier pregnancy.

 

As mentioned earlier, women have been able to get pregnant and deliver successfully whilst on treatment for RA. There are ways around this, and here are things you can do before getting pregnant.

Get The Right Information From A Rheumatologist & Doctor

Nowadays, there is more information about RA and pregnancy thanks to improved treatments that can keep RA at bay during pregnancy. As a result, women with RA are eager for info, particularly about how they can keep themselves and their unborn babies safe. While a good number of women get up-to-date information about how to achieve that balance, many women still get unfitting advice and stop trying to get pregnant when they should not.

Thus, rather than turning to other women with RA or Reddit for advice, find a rheumatologist who is conversant with your concerns, even as you check in regularly with your gynaecologist.

Get the RA Controlled 3 To 6 Months Before Trying to Get Pregnant

According to studies, women with RA take longer to conceive, and it is not certain if this is connected to the disease itself or the severity of the condition. Likewise, it is not clear if the delay is caused by the medicines used to treat RA, or the choices women with the disorder make about conceiving (like waiting until much later to have kids).

Whatever the case, studies show that women with rheumatoid arthritis take longer to conceive than women without the illness. Therefore, RA should be controlled months before getting pregnant by using medication to control the swelling and prevent or minimize damage in the joints. Moreover, you may need to change your treatment, before conceiving, and some RA medicines can take up to three days (e.g. Methotrexate) or two years (e.g. Leflunomide) to completely leave your system. It is best to seek the help or intervention of your gynaecologist and rheumatologist, to reduce the odds of your baby needing more medical supervision early in life.

Go For Frequent Check-ups

Given that you will be put on medication to control your RA, ask your doctor about any potential downsides of the medicines you are taking. Good medical care includes regular examinations which can pick up and stop early complications that can affect a future pregnancy. Your physician will monitor your health, provide guidelines on nutrition and activity, as well as explain what to expect in the months leading up to pregnancy. With regular screening, you should be able to prepare well to get pregnant and deliver successfully.

Improve Your Lifestyle Habits

You and your partner need to adopt healthy living before attempting to conceive. For instance, if you or your partner drink worryingly or smoke, you will want to stop doing any of those. Breaking these habits can increase your chances of getting pregnant and giving birth to a healthy baby. To add to that, eating healthy meals and keeping a healthy weight also help in improving your likelihood of a healthy pregnancy.

Be Patient and Stay Positive

We are so accustomed to getting what we want in an instant, that having to wait can be upsetting. Unfortunately, with RA, you may take longer to conceive. WebMD suggests irregular ovulation, diminished sex drive, or having intercourse less often as a result of fatigue and pain as probable reasons. While this fact can be quite disheartening, effective treatment can work to reduce the symptoms and keep you healthy and fertile.

Rid yourself of any negativity, change the way you look at trying for a baby, love your body, and be kind to yourself because your body is not trying to let you down.

https://www.babygaga.com/rheumatoid-arthritis-precautions-before-pregnancy/

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects Young Adults

From health.clevelandclinic.org

Plus, treatment options for relief

When we think about the sore, swollen and stiff joints of rheumatoid arthritis, we often associate those with older age. And while it’s true that older adults are much more likely to be diagnosed with the condition, that doesn’t mean younger adults can’t develop it.

Between 1 and 3% of adults are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. One study found that about 8 in 100,000 young adults between the ages of 18 and 34 have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. So while it’s rare, it’s still possible and it can bring a lot of challenges with it.

But that doesn’t mean young adults have to suffer through the rest of their lives in pain. To better understand rheumatoid arthritis and how young adults who are diagnosed with it can still live an active, normal life, we spoke with rheumatologist Joshua Hedrick, MD.

Exploring the cause

According to Dr. Hedrick, there’s nothing really any different about rheumatoid arthritis in young adults versus their older counterparts; it’s pretty much the same condition with the same symptoms and its source is the same as well.

“We generally think there’s a genetic predisposition that requires one or two environmental triggers to really start,” Dr. Hedrick says. Smoking is a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis while second-hand smoke may also be a risk factor.

A different and yet unidentifiable bacteria in the gut biome could also have some influence, meaning a healthier diet could make some people less prone to the condition.

Some studies report there appears to be something of a genetic component to rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting it might be hereditary. But as far as knowing whether or not you’re predisposed, Dr. Hedrick acknowledges it’s mostly a guessing game.

Understanding rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

It’s important to understand, Dr. Hedrick notes, that there isn’t any significant difference between rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in older adults and those in younger adults. “Older adults, though, may have other comorbidities that may compound things,” he adds.

Older adults are also more prone to having pre-existing joint issues even before the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Hedrick points out, “They’re more likely to have the wear-and-tear of osteoarthritis, so that pain may persist despite any rheumatoid arthritis treatment they receive.”

Those painful, inflamed joints

Typically, rheumatoid arthritis is a slowly progressive autoimmune condition, Dr. Hedrick says, that hones in on the joints of your body. “It usually affects the smaller joints, like the knuckles and other joints in your hand and then your toes and feet.”

“The entire premise of rheumatoid arthritis is your body is making inflammation in the joints,” he adds. “And inflammation accumulates when the body is at rest.”

Often, symptoms are worst first thing in the morning or later night. “You’ll wake up with stiffness or even swelling in those joints and that improves a little bit as the day goes on and those joints loosen up a bit,” he says.

Still, that pain and inflammation can be debilitating, even for young adults, without proper care and treatment. And, fortunately, there are ways to mitigate the stiffness and pain.

Treating rheumatoid arthritis in young adults

As with symptoms, there’s not a big difference between the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in young adults and older patients. Though, Dr. Hedrick notes, that the comorbidities older patients have may sometimes limit some treatment regimens. The younger and healthier you are, the more options you probably have for treatment.

“The basic principles of managing rheumatoid arthritis are restoring functionality, manage symptoms and to control the long-term aspects of inflammation,” he says. “That inflammation can potentially injure the joint if it’s uncontrolled for years.”

For most young adults, treatment involves a combination of medication and monitoring of symptoms, checking every one-to-three months to make sure there’s a positive impact on the joint stiffness and pain. If there’s not, then trying out different medications are explored until the right combination is found.

What medications can help?        

Dr. Hedrick says that often at the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, the steroid prednisone will be prescribed first to help the patient deal with pain and inflammation. But, he says, it’s usually a quick fix.

“A lot of times, patients won’t get full relief from over-the-counter inflammatory meds like Advil or Aleve,” he says. “So prednisone is sort of a band aid for rheumatoid arthritis, a temporary measure while we try to find better long-term treatments.

Methotrexate is the primary first treatment that doctors will usually try with new rheumatoid arthritis patients, Dr. Hedrick says. “It’s been around the longest and it’s the gold standard first-line medicine for rheumatoid arthritis,” he says. Patients take a weekly dose.

If patients don’t respond to that or there’s an underlying health reason to forgo Methotrexate, he says, the next option might include hydroxychloroquine sulfate (also known as Plaquenil). But for younger patients, he says the next step may be other choices.

Options like adalimumab (better recognized under the brand name Humira) and etanercept (sold under the brand name Enbrel). “These medications block a particular part of the inflammatory process so many patients respond well to that,” he adds.

But even if initial responses are good, part of the reason for the constant symptom monitoring is to ensure that those symptoms remain controlled and another adjustment isn’t needed.

Understanding the emotional impact of rheumatoid arthritis

One of the underrated aspects of a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis for a young adult, though, is the emotional impact. After all, as Dr. Hedrick notes, it’s a chronic medical condition, something most patients will be dealing with the rest of their lives. And that can be overwhelming for someone in their late 20s or early 30s.

“It is difficult for some young adults to accept the fact that they’ll be living with a life-long illness,” Dr. Hedrick says. “But it’s one that’s manageable with the right treatment and with care.”

He says that one thing younger patients may face initially is more frequent visits to monitor symptoms, track the effectiveness of medicine and, in general, make sure they’re on the right track.

“Younger adults are also very interested in their medical condition, especially something that will affect them for decades to come,” he adds. “And that can mean a lot of good, complex questions that require several follow-ups to fully explain. So part of any counselling for the patients is between them and their rheumatologist.”

Dr. Hedrick also notes that he’s had several young rheumatoid arthritis patients who have tapped into online communities which provide a great pillar of support and chances to do their own research, something he encourages.

But the primary message he hopes young adults understand with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis is that you can live a mostly normal life. “With a little work and consultation, we’re often able to find a medication regiment that can return them to normalcy,” he says.

The goal, he says, is always a pain-free, inflammation-free lifestyle, even if takes several months or even a few years to establish. “That’s always the goal we’re working towards,” he says, “for rheumatoid arthritis not to be affecting their everyday life.”

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-rheumatoid-arthritis-affects-young-adults/

Benefits of Cinnamon and Honey for Arthritis

From verywellhealth.com

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and nutritional properties

Honey and cinnamon are typically known as sweet additions to recipes and warm beverages, but they may offer more than just great taste. Because honey and cinnamon have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they may also be able to help people with arthritis. 

Benefits for Arthritis Patients

Throughout history and still today, cinnamon has been considered a remedy for many ailments. It is used to relieve high blood pressure, toothache, arthritis, and more. Honey has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries and is known to have a number of amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. Research also shows that honey may have some anti-inflammatory properties.

Honey and cinnamon are also used in Ayurvedic practices for items such as weight loss and indigestion. Ayurveda, which means “knowledge of life," believes in aligning balance within the mind, body, and spirit. It also follows the principle that disease is based on an imbalance in the body, stress, or the consciousness of the individual.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice that is sweet and has a lot of ingredients that are known to help your overall health. This spice has many nutrients such as fibre, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and more. With its antioxidant properties—such as cinnamaldehyde and cinematic acid—it is known to inhibit cell damage in the body.

What Is Cinnamon?

Cinnamon is found from the bark of cinnamon trees. There are many types of cinnamon that come from different parts of the world. The roots, fruits, flowers, and leaves of cinnamon trees have been used for spices, cooking, and medicinal purposes. Some of its nutrients include calcium, protein, iron, vitamin D, and potassium.

Cinnamon is also known to help patients with arthritis due to its heavy antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has found that cinnamon has the highest antioxidant activity among 26 spices. Some of the antioxidant properties in cinnamon bark include: 

Procyanidin: This is also commonly found in fruits and vegetables such as berries, oranges, grapes, pineapples, carrots, eggplant, and nuts such as cashews, almonds, and walnuts. Procyanidins also have anti-inflammatory properties.

Catechin: This helps prevent cell damage due to its antioxidant properties. Research has also shown that this property can also inhibit cartilage breakdown in the body.

In addition, studies show that the numerous flavonoid compounds in cinnamon have anti-inflammatory properties.

How Much Cinnamon per Day for Arthritis Pain?

Researchers have found that cinnamon supplementation can be a potential treatment to improve clinical symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis and inflammation. However, before beginning to take cinnamon for your symptoms, speak to a health care professional.

Honey

Honey is a natural product that has been used since ancient times for its nutritional and medicinal purposes. Honey has also been described as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions. 

The main antioxidant properties in honey are flavonoids and polyphenols. These two properties have compounds that exert anti-inflammatory effects in honey. A study found that honey does have an inflammatory effect and can be used to treat chronic and acute inflammation.

Along with honey, apple cider vinegar is another popular item for multi-purpose use including treating some health ailments. Taken orally and used topically, there is not enough research to show that apple cider vinegar can help with arthritis.

Honey: Nutrition Facts

One cup of raw honey, according to the USDA, has potassium, protein, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Risks and Side Effects

Although cinnamon and honey are both known to help with arthritis. There are some risks. Honey can cause weight gain due to the calories and sugar. It is also known to cause a blood sugar spike. In cinnamon, there are amounts of coumarin. This can lead to liver damage and toxicity.

Preparation

There are many ways to incorporate honey and cinnamon into your diet and lifestyle. Adding it to oatmeal, teas, or smoothies are a great option. Cinnamon and honey are also great additions to recipes for lunch, dinner, and snacks.

A Word From Verywell

Honey and cinnamon are used for many purposes. Whether it is added in a tea or in a recipe, these are some known staples in households. There is also research regarding their medicinal purposes and benefits. If you are thinking about trying additional treatments to help arthritis, whether natural remedies, medication, or ointments, it is important to follow guidelines and suggestions from a health care professional. They can help you make the right decision.  

https://www.verywellhealth.com/benefits-of-cinnamon-and-honey-for-arthritis-5090309

Yoga for Rheumatoid Arthritis

From verywellhealth.com

Helping with pain and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

A regular yoga practice has physical and psychological benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Yoga has been shown to improve flexibility and make everyday physical activities, like walking, easier for people with RA. Regular yoga can also reduce inflammation and pain, which helps improve mobility.

Yoga has also been shown to improve the mental well-being of people with RA by helping them accept their disease and develop a more positive and self-empowered outlook. Yoga can also help with anxiety and depression among people with rheumatoid arthritis.

katleho Seisa / Getty Images

How Yoga Benefits Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, where the immune system attacks the body's tissues, mainly the joints, and can cause inflammation (painful swelling). It can result in a range of limiting symptoms, including chronic pain, reduced joint mobility, and fatigue. These symptoms can cause significant disruptions to daily life. While there's no cure for RA, physiotherapy and a class of medications called anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) can help slow the disease's progression.

Yoga may be used in conjunction with medical therapy to help reduce the arthritic pain and stiffness of RA and help people with this condition cope better emotionally. It has the potential to improve the quality of life for people with RA physically and emotionally.

Pain and Inflammation

Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, which leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. A consistent yoga practice can reduce the inflammatory markers that cause rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases. Inflammatory markers are used to measure the severity of inflammatory diseases like RA. People with this condition typically have elevated levels of inflammatory markers. After an eight-week treatment program with medication and yoga, researchers noticed a lower level of inflammatory markers, suggesting a reduction in the severity of RA, in those who participated.

Yoga can also reduce the disability faced by people with RA because yoga minimizes physical pain, which makes it easier for people with RA to be active. This makes it easier for people living with RA to tolerate the condition and continue normal activities.

Depression and Stress

Yoga has been known to promote mindfulness, which can help improve resilience when faced with the stress of a chronic condition. In one study, practicing yoga twice a week for six weeks improved many mental health factors among young women with RA, including mood, personal agency, and acceptance.

Yoga can improve depression and stress in people with rheumatoid arthritis because it offers mental interventions that make it easier to understand, accept, and endure the challenges of the disease. This shows that yoga can improve one’s quality of life by increasing their happiness and resilience despite the challenges of RA.

Flexibility and Range of Motion

Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the hands, ankles, and knees, which can limit range of motion and pose challenges to everyday activities. This can result in sedentary living and immobility, which can contribute to other health complications like weight gain.

Yoga can make it easier for a person to move and engage in physical activity without pain. Specifically, yoga has been shown to improve balance, hand grip, flexibility, and strength. These benefits make it easier for a person to walk and engage in other physical activities, which boost overall physical health.

The Importance of Exercise for RA Management

Adults with arthritis should strive to get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week for substantial health benefits. This can be broken up into shorter periods. Some physical activity is better than none.

What a Typical Yoga Session Looks Like

To practice yoga, all you need is a yoga mat, comfortable clothing, and an open mind. There are multiple types of yoga that can be beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis, including:

• Restorative yoga: Uses long, slow holds and props to improve mobility and flexibility without strain. This type of yoga is best for helping people with RA incorporate meditation and mindfulness during practice
• Hatha yoga: Involves sitting, standing, kneeling, and balancing postures at a mindful pace. This is a more physical yoga practice that allows you to incorporate props and modifications to make it work for your body and avoid strain
• Yin Yoga: Uses long holds to open connective tissues in the body. This slow yoga practice is mostly seated, but it isn't as restful as restorative yoga.

Beginner Tips

Yoga can feel intimidating at first, but it’s important to remember that this is a practice designed to make you feel better.

Here are some other tips to keep in mind:

• Remember that there’s no right or wrong way to do yoga
• It’s better to modify a pose to meet your needs than push yourself too far
• Stop if you experience pain, pinching, burning, or other painful sensations

The hardest part is getting started. You’ll feel more confident and comfortable with yoga the more you practice.

It may be tempting to push through your pain, but it's important to practice only when you’re not having an active flare-up. This will prevent injury and give your body time to rest.

Finding a Teacher

When looking for a yoga teacher, it’s helpful to find someone experienced in helping people with rheumatoid arthritis. An experienced yoga teacher or a yoga therapist will understand what limitations you face. They’ll also be able to suggest and provide props, modifications, and alternative poses. This will ensure a comfortable, therapeutic practice with maximum benefits for people with RA.

Resources for At-Home Yoga

Practicing yoga at home is an easy and stress-free way to get started.

The best at-home yoga classes for beginners include:

• Yoga with Adriene on YouTube: Offers beginner's tips on poses as well as specific classes designed to support the knees, hands, chronic pain, and more
• SarahBethYoga on YouTube: A channel with a range of beginner-friendly videos under 30 minutes. These step-by-step videos are approachable and easy to follow
• Yoga with Kassandra on YouTube: Has many options for learning how to practice yin yoga
• The Yoga for Beginners app: Offers free, quick videos in categories like beginner's yoga, morning yoga, and yoga for mindfulness
• The FitOn app: Has yoga videos at levels ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced. These videos focus on building strength and flexibility safely.

Yoga Poses for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Not all yoga poses will be suitable for people with RA because some involve putting pressure on joints that may be affected by RA.

The best yoga poses for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Tree pose: This one-legged standing pose fosters balance through mental focus. This can increase mental resilience while gently opening the hips and strengthening the legs
• Seated cat cow pose: This pose improves mobility in the spine. Gently arching your back forward and backward can alleviate low back pain and spinal stiffness without placing pressure on the knees
• Corpse pose: Also known as savasana, this pose entails lying on the floor and mindfully connecting to your breath and body to reduce stress.

Modifying Yoga Poses

In addition to choosing more suitable poses, people with RA can also use props and make modifications to yoga poses that may otherwise place strain on their joints. Props can be used in a variety of ways to make you more comfortable during your yoga practice. 

The best yoga props for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Bolster: Bolsters provide comfortable support underneath your body in postures like child’s pose, legs up the wall, and reclined twists
• Blankets: Blankets can be rolled or folded to add cushion underneath or behind the knees. They can also add support for the neck when lying down
• Chairs: Using a chair during yoga is great for modified yoga poses, especially if you suffer from severe stiffness and immobility or are sedentary.

As with any new regimen, it's important to talk to your doctor before starting yoga for rheumatoid arthritis. This can help you choose the safest yoga program for you.

A Word From Verywell

Yoga is a great self-management strategy for people with rheumatoid arthritis to manage their physical symptoms and the emotional impact of having a painful chronic condition. There is a wealth of scientific evidence showing that people with pain, inflammation, and limited mobility caused by RA can become more active and continue daily activities with less pain through a regular yoga practice. Yoga can also help people with RA deal with the stress and frustration that come with the condition.

Since yoga can be done easily at home, people with RA can take back their sense of control by taking proactive steps to improve their symptoms.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/yoga-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-5091606

Winter can exacerbate arthritis pain: Here’s how to deal with it

From thehealthsite.com

Cold weather can worsen arthritis pain. Here are some tips to combat joint stiffness, maintain your bone health and stay happy during the winters

Cold weather can have a significant impact on your health, particularly for those who are suffering from arthritis. As the temperature drops, bones usually become stiff, inflexible and creaking, which can heighten discomfort in the joints, making life of people with arthritis troublesome. In fact, anyone who suffers from arthritis pain can sense and predict the change in weather.

Not only the cold weather increase stiffness and joint pain, it can also lead to increased anxiety, depression and isolation for patients with arthritis.

Changes in the weather can have an effect on your joints. © Shutterstock

So, here are some tips to ease joint pain, maintain your bone health and stay happy during the winters.

Dress Warmly

Keep your aching hands, knees and legs warm with gloves, tights or leggings, and boots. Add extra layers of clothing, if needed and especially when you go out in winter. But make sure it doesn’t restrict your movement. More layers of clothes work better at trapping the body heat than wearing thicker clothes.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain, as revealed by a 2015 study published in Experimental Physiology. Water flushes toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation. Also, water helps keep your joints well lubricated. What’s more, drinking water before a meal can promote weight loss. Studies have found significant improvement in people with knee arthritis when they lost weight loss.

Exercise 

Many people tend to hibernate and laze around during the winters. But staying active is crucial for people living with arthritis. It can help ease pain, increase strength and flexibility, and boost energy. Doctors recommend adults with arthritis to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week and two weekly sessions of strength training. Note: This advice is for those who have normal physical function and no other severe health conditions. If you want to avoid the winter chill, workout indoors.

Try heat therapy

A warm shower or soak in a tub, swimming in a heated pool, using heating pads, hot water bag, electric blankets – these are some ways to reap the benefits of heat therapy. Heat can improve blood flow and help flush out pain-producing chemicals. It can also stimulate receptors in your skin that improve your pain tolerance. In addition, heat relaxes muscles, which in turn helps decrease spasms and reduce stiffness.

Supplement Vitamin D

Less exposure to the sun makes it difficult to get enough vitamin D or sunshine vitamin in the winter. Studies have linked lower vitamin D levels with more severe clinical manifestations of rheumatic arthritis. Low vitamin D levels may also increase sensitivity to pain. Therefore, Vitamin D supplement is often recommended for arthritis patients. Talk to your doctor about your need for supplements. Meanwhile, you can add foods that contains vitamin D such as fatty fish like swordfish, mackerel, salmon, and tuna, and fortified products like orange juice, milk, and breakfast cereals to your diet.

Up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for people who have an inflammatory type of arthritis.

A study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease in 2013 found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who took omega-3s supplements had a reduction in joint pain. Other studies suggest that omega-3s may help rheumatoid arthritis patients lower their dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People with rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of heart disease, and omega-3s are known for their role in promoting heart health.

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include avocado, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/arthritis/winter-can-exacerbate-arthritis-pain-heres-how-to-deal-with-it-784685/

How to Treat Gout

From consumerreports.org

It can be excruciating, and many sufferers go undertreated. But you can prevent the pain.

T he word gout may make you think of overweight Victorian-era royalty with overly rich diets. But this common form of inflammatory arthritis, which leads to pain and swelling in one or more joints—especially in the lower body—affects people even in the modern era. In fact, more than 9 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with the disease, which occurs when the body produces too much uric acid or the kidneys don’t excrete enough.

That surplus forms crystals in and around joints, eventually causing flares or attacks. “People with high levels of uric acid can be accumulating crystals and damage to the joints for years before they have their first gout attack,” says Larry Edwards, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of Florida. 

Gout is on the rise, says John FitzGerald, MD, a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and an author of guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) about gout management.

A genetic predisposition, diabetes, kidney disease, and other health problems may increase the chance of developing it. “The growing number of people with metabolic syndrome and obesity is increasing the risk of gout,” says FitzGerald, adding that some of the treatments for the conditions mentioned above may also raise the risk.

When Gout Strikes

An acute gout attack, which most often strikes one of the big toes, is hard to dismiss. “Gout attacks are intensely strong and come on quickly,” FitzGerald says. “They manifest as a red, inflamed joint that is difficult to move or even put weight on.”

Sufferers are often in so much pain that they end up in an emergency room, so get medical help right away if you experience such symptoms. Your doctor can confirm or rule out gout by checking fluid from the affected joint for crystals and by measuring uric acid levels in your blood.

The Right Treatment Plan

Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), prescription anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine (Colcrys or Mitigare), and prescription steroids like prednisone (Rayos) can help reduce joint pain and swelling during an acute attack or flare.

Long-term, your doctor may recommend urate-lowering therapy (ULT), which means taking medications such as allopurinol (Zyloprim or Lopurin) and febuxostat (Uloric) daily. “There is the possibility of future damage to your joints if you don’t control it,” says Stanford Shoor, MD, a clinical professor of medicine and rheumatology at Stanford University.

ACR recommends ULT if you have tophi (crystal nodules on joints) or evidence of joint damage, or if you’ve had two or more attacks in a year. But “whether or not you start ULT after one attack depends a bit on how much we think you’re going to have future attacks,” FitzGerald says. “If you don’t have kidney disease or very high uric acid levels, it may be years before you have another attack, and you might not want to go on daily therapy.”

The standard of care generally calls for what’s called “treat to target,” starting with a low dose of ULT and adjusting it until your uric acid levels drop to a specific level. Newer ACR guidelines strongly recommend treatment that keeps uric acid concentrations below 6 mg/dL, which is low enough to keep the acid from crystallizing.

But studies suggest that only about one-third of people with gout are receiving ULT. “Patients often don’t understand the difference between treating flares and prevention,” says Shoor, making them less willing to take a daily drug. And ULT requires patience. “It takes time to lower uric acid levels—sometimes up to six months—and your flares might get worse before they get better,” FitzGerald says.

Can Diet Make a Difference?

Your doctor may recommend that you limit foods that may hike uric acid levels. That includes organ and red meats, shellfish (high in the compound purine), alcohol (especially beer), and sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.

According to the ACR, purine-rich vegetables like mushrooms and spinach should be fine, and low-fat dairy foods may help lower uric acid levels. But even with a gout-preventing diet, “most people see, at best, a modest decline in uric acid levels,” Shoor says. So if you’re on ULT, sticking to your regimen is key.

https://www.consumerreports.org/arthritis/how-to-treat-gout/

Foods to avoid for people suffering from arthritis

From english.newstracklive.com

Arthritis is a common health condition involving chronic inflammation in your joints that occurs in many adults and younger people. It involves pain in your joints that leads to weakening the bones and damaging them.

People believe that changes in diet are related to increased symptoms of arthritis.  When you have arthritis, the produce section is one of the most important steps you can make in the grocery store. When choosing vegetables, remember the more color the better, and variety is key. Let us have a look at the foods that should be avoided:

Inflammatory fats

Foods that include Omega 6 fatty acids like oil, corn, sunflower, and vegetable oil. Saturated fat like meat, butter, cheese, and trans fat. Trans fat is bad for health anyway as it increases the level of bad cholesterol in the body.

Sugar

Sugar leads to obesity, inflammation, and other chronic diseases. Limit your intake of carbonated drinks, sugar in beverages, cereal bowls, and other food items.

Tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, bell peppers

Eliminate these food items from your diet or as part of key ingredients in your dishes might help. This improves in reducing the chances of developing any symptoms related to arthritis. 

https://english.newstracklive.com/news/foods-to-avoid-for-people-suffering-from-arthritis-sc56-nu321-ta321-1133017-1.html

7 Tips On How To Live Better With Arthritis

From programminginsider.com

By Marc Berman

Arthritis can be a problematic and disruptive reality in the lives of the affected and their families. The stiffness and pain associated with this condition make it hard to execute mundane tasks. Things like cooking, bathing, and wearing clothes could be challenging and exhausting.

If you have arthritis, it is advisable to take good care of yourself, improve motor function, relieve pain, and cope with raging emotions. According to the American College of Rheumatology, effective arthritis treatment comprises medication and non-drug treatment arthritis. The non-drug measures include physical therapy, weight loss, and appropriate complementary therapies like massage and acupuncture.

Eating healthily, shedding a few extra pounds if overweight, learning how to improve motor function safely, and strengthening the muscles are considered essential aspects of surmounting any form of arthritis. Therefore, you must watch your weight and what you eat while also exercising routinely to stay fit and prevent health problems like heart disease, closely associated with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Below are a few do-it-yourself therapies and other strategies to help you protect your joints, conserve your energy, and adapt to disconcerting lifestyle disruptions as you try to accomplish daily tasks.

1: Keep Moving

It will help if you avoid staying in one position for extended periods. For instance, you should get up and stretch a bit (for around 10 -15 minutes) if you spend most of your time working behind a desk. You can do the same when seated at home watching television or reading.

2: Avoid Stress

Try your best to avoid or engage less in activities that exert extra stress on your joints. Things like lifting a hefty object or opening a tight lid will strain your hands and arms. For instance, you can set a jar with a tight lid on a cloth leaning on it with your palm, and then turn the cap while exerting focus from your shoulder. Conversely, you install a jar opener on the kitchen wall, which will allow you to use both hands to turn the jar and open the lid with ease.

3: Discover Your Strength

Identify your strongest muscles and joints because that is where your strength lies. Consider protecting your wrists and finger joints when opening a heavy door by pushing it to the side with your shoulder or arm. You can minimize the stress on your hip or knee when taking the stairs by leading with the weakest leg when going down the stair and the stronger one when going up.

4: Plan Ahead

Do your best to simplify your way of life. Consider doing away with unnecessary activities like purchasing clothe are need scrubbing or ironing. Also, store away the items you often use within easy reach and keep the storage areas well organized. You also can keep duplicate items in a few places, such as stocking up on the same kitchen and bathroom cleaning supplies.

5: Use Adaptive Aids

Things like an electric can opener, electric mixer, or an automated toilet bowl cleaner are some of the labour-saving items worth buying for your kitchen and bathroom. A spray-on mildew remover is another excellent example of adaptive aids that will help make things easier for you when doing your chores and avoiding stooping, reaching, or bending.

6: Update Your Home

A grab bar mounted next to the toilet or over the tub, a suction mat to prevent falls when taking a shower, and even installing casters on some of the furniture can make a significant difference. They are modifications that can help make life more bearable if you have arthritis.

7: Ask For Help

While maintaining your independence is good for your self-esteem, it can be a disastrous approach when you have arthritis. You can strike a balance in your way of life and how you cope with family by educating them and your friends about the limitation associated with the disease and how they can support you. Do not be ashamed or feel too needy when asking for help with certain tasks.

https://programminginsider.com/7-tips-on-how-to-live-better-with-arthritis/

9 Things That Can Make Your PsA Pain Worse

From healthcentral.com

By Holly Pevzner

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a one-two punch, combining the itchy, dry irritation of the skin condition psoriasis with the creaky, achy joint pain of inflammatory arthritis. Painful discomfort from tenderness, swelling, and all that scratching hinders the physical activity of 78% of folks with PsA, according to one 2020 study, while up to 69% report that their work productivity and emotional well-being both suffer as a result, too. Thing is, many people with PsA may be unknowingly making their pain worse through certain habits. We’ll name them here (in the name of finding relief).

                                      istock

Smoking

PsA is a disorder where the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue it mistakes for a threat. Smoking can put that attack into overdrive. “It’s thought that smoking makes the inflammatory disease harder to control and more painful,” explains Susan Goodman, M.D., a rheumatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. In fact, research shows how smokers with PsA tend to have worse overall pain than never-smokers. A cigarette habit also “decreases the benefits of treatment, though it’s unclear why,” adds Dr. Goodman, who urges smokers to do everything in their power to quit.

Being Overweight

Overweight or obese individuals who have PsA tend to experience more intense pain and swelling than those who are at a healthier weight, research shows. Fatty tissue in the body releases inflammation-causing proteins, and when excess fat is present, it can exacerbate the inflammation from psoriatic arthritis. Moreover, “obesity increases stress on joints and decreases the beneficial response to PsA treatments,” says Dr. Goodman. The good news? Research shows how shedding just 5% of one’s weight is enough to lower pain PsA levels.

Neglecting Other Health Conditions

More than half of people with PsA have at least one other medical condition, and 40% have three or more, reports the Arthritis Foundation. “It’s important to pay attention to these conditions, as they are significant contributors to the successful treatment of psoriatic arthritis,” says Charis Meng, M.D., a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. What’s more, not treating other health concerns can make PsA pain worse. Depression and anxiety can affect pain perception, quality of life, and treatment outcomes of PsA, and recent research found that people with fibromyalgia and PsA have worse joint inflammation and pain.

Drinking Too Much

Excessive drinking increases your risk of PsA—and can worsen PsA pain. “Many medications used to treat PsA and it’s comorbidities predispose people to liver enzyme abnormalities,” explains Dr. Meng. “Drinking alcohol can exacerbate liver problems, which may then limit the use of the medications used to treat PsA, ultimately leading to more pain.” Since meds and alcohol are both metabolized by the liver, toxicity risk rises when you hit the sauce. According to Creaky Joints, you don’t have to go teetotal, but try to keep it to the occasional beer or cocktail—and never miss regular lab tests to detect liver abnormalities.

                                 istock

Ditching Exercise

Pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue are hallmarks of PsA—and not exactly conducive to strenuous workouts. In fact, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that the fear of causing or worsening pain is a big barrier to exercise for those with arthritis, which may help explain why up to 47% of folks with arthritis are considered inactive. Not good, especially since the CDC also reports that being physically active can reduce arthritis pain and prevent or delay arthritis-related disability. The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests engaging in activities like walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, and tai chi.

Exercising With Active PsA Symptoms

However, if you’re experiencing a painful PsA flare-up, it’s time to dial back the exercise. “We don’t recommend active exercise during a flare, since it’ll worsen pain,” says Dr. Goodman. “Instead, focus on a passive range of motion exercises, which is always good and can help you maintain flexibility while [your] PsA is being brought under control.” This approach involves another person, like a physical therapist, moving or stretching a part of your body for you, which can help increase blood flow to the muscles without putting stress on the joints.

Too Much Stress

For many people with PsA, stress can literally hurt. “Stress can trigger an immune system response that increases inflammation, which is why stress can contribute to the symptoms in some people with psoriatic arthritis,” says Dr. Meng. “If you are feeling stressed, it’s important to discuss this with your physician who can suggest things like diet changes, social support, and relaxation techniques to help.” To wit: A report in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that people with arthritis experienced significant improvement in pain intensity after eight weeks of following a daily mindfulness-based stress reduction program.

                                       istock

Dry Skin

Dry, indoor heat, long hot showers, and additional COVID-induced handwashing are no friends to the symptoms of PsA. Each draws moisture from the skin, aggravating the scaly, itchy, painful red patches of psoriatic arthritis. To help, “apply bland, fragrance-free moisturizer to your body regularly and liberally, especially right after a shower, since warm, moist skin absorbs the product better,” says Lindsay C. Strowd, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at Wake Forest School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. In addition, The National Psoriasis Foundation advises using lukewarm water, limiting showers to 10 minutes or less, and moisturizing after washing your hands.

Poor Sleep

About 68% of people with PsA report having poor quality sleep, according to a study in Reumatologia. Research shows that even short-term sleep issues can spark the release of proinflammatory substances in the body, which are associated with chronic pain and decreased quality of life. While pain begets sleep loss, and sleep loss begets pain, don’t take it lying down. People with PsA have an increased risk of sleep apnea (when you repeatedly stop breathing for short spells during sleep). If that’s you (or if you’re plagued with other sleep issues), see a sleep specialist for better ZZZs—and potentially less pain.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/psoriatic-arthritis-what-makes-pain-worse