Is it dangerous for joints to creak when moving?

From explica.co

It is not uncommon that when we are doing some exercise or making a somewhat abrupt movement, we notice a cracking or clicking in some joint. Is it something we need to worry about?

As Gizmodo collects, those clicks that we notice are usually muscles, tendons or other parts of the body that surround the joint moving with each other. According to orthopaedic surgeon Kim Stearns, it is very common to notice it In the shoulders, because it is a joint with many moving parts.

If these crunches are noticeable when exercising, it is important heat before to avoid them. When you warm up, these types of movements between joints are smoothed out.

The pops or creaks, Gizmodo picks up, are called joint crackles, and it is more common in older people. They can be signs of osteoarthritis, although not all people with crackles have arthritis. As Michael Stuart, an orthopaedic surgeon at the prestigious Mayo Clinic, explains, the cartilage in our knees acquires a rougher texture over time, and rough cartilage makes more noise to move than smooth cartilage.

What you should not do is stop exercising if you notice popping sounds in your joints. In fact, Stuart points out that the knees will be healthier in the long run. if you have strong muscles in the legs, so the knee exercises will be more positive. This is applicable even in arthritis patients. The Arthritis Foundation says, “Exercise is considered the most effective non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving movement in patients with osteoarthritis.”

Is it bad to crunch your fingers?

A very common gesture among many people is cracking their fingers and knuckles. In these cases, what they sound like they are air bubbles present in synovial fluid, a natural lubricant that exists when bones come together.

There is no consensus on whether knuckle cracking is bad or harmless, although it is believed to have no negative health effects. As Gizmodo picks up, a doctor decided to crack the knuckles on his left hand for 50 years, keeping his right hand as a control. Did not find no difference between the joints of one hand and the other.

When to see a doctor

If the clicking is accompanied by inflammation or pain, it is necessary to consult a specialist. These two symptoms, even without cracking, are a sign that something is wrong with the joint.

People who sustain serious injuries such as a torn knee ligament describe feeling a sound, like a ‘pop’. In this case also there is pain and swelling, so it is essential to see a doctor.

https://www.explica.co/is-it-dangerous-for-joints-to-creak-when-moving.html

I Have Ankle Arthritis – Now What?

From globenewswire.com/news-release

AOFAS offers guidance in honour of National Arthritis Awareness Month

Rosemont, Ill., May 27, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a disease that affects one in four adults in the United States. Arthritis can occur in any joint in the body, including the ankle, when the cartilage breaks down. Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons explain the signs of ankle arthritis and ways to relieve your pain.

How do I know if I have ankle arthritis?

“Patients with ankle arthritis typically experience pain at their ankle joint, particularly with activity,” said foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, Jeremy J. McCormick, MD, from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “This pain may be associated with symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, or a sense of instability.”

If you are experiencing ongoing pain and stiffness in your ankle and having difficulty with walking or other activities, make an appointment with a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon. They will review your medical history, perform a physical exam, and take X-rays to determine the type and severity of your ankle arthritis.

What can I do to relieve ankle arthritis pain?

Based on their diagnosis of your ankle arthritis, your surgeon will recommend a treatment plan. Bruce J. Sangeorzan, MD, a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, urges patients to try nonsurgical treatments to improve symptoms before considering surgery. These treatment options can include rest, limiting activities, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections into the joint, or specialty braces that stabilize the ankle.

If you are still experiencing ankle pain and difficulty walking after trying non-operative treatments, you may be a candidate for surgery. Drs. McCormick and Sangeorzan note that there are two common surgical procedures for end-stage ankle arthritis that can help patients decrease pain and as a result participate in more normal activity.

1. Ankle Fusion

An ankle fusion is a surgery that removes the cartilage of the ankle joint and uses plates and screws to attach (or “fuse”) the leg bone to the foot bone. This surgery eliminates motion in the ankle and the pain associated with it.

2. Total Ankle Replacement

Similar to a hip or knee replacement, ankle replacement surgery removes the ankle joint and replaces it with an artificial implant made of metal and plastic. This implant allows the patient to have movement in their ankle without pain.

Studies have shown that both ankle fusion and ankle replacement significantly improve patients’ pain and function. Talk to a foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon to identify the procedure that is most appropriate for you based on your medical history and risk factors.

Learn more about ankle arthritis from FootCareMD.

About Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeons

Foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons are medical doctors (MD and DO) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and injuries of the foot and ankle. Their education and training consist of four years of medical school, five years of postgraduate residency, and a fellowship year of specialized surgical training. These specialists care for patients of all ages, performing reconstructive surgery for deformities and arthritis, treating sports injuries, and managing foot and ankle trauma.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/27/2237772/0/en/I-Have-Ankle-Arthritis-Now-What.html

Do you Have Arthritis? Consider These Changes

From warwickonline.com

(BPT) - Arthritis is a common health condition in the United States, affecting one in four adults according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Characterized by the inflammation of one or more joints, arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling that can limit one’s functionality and impact daily activities. May is recognized as National Arthritis Awareness Month to bring attention to the widespread impact that arthritis has on adults, children and families.

These Changes Can Make a Difference for Those Living with Arthritis

Two of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). For those living with OA or RA, these changes could help improve daily life with arthritis:

• Do simple exercises: Exercise a few times a week to keep your joints as functional as possible. Find an activity you enjoy doing, such as taking a walk or swimming in a pool. Be sure to check with your doctor about what exercises are right and safe for you.
• Improve your sleep: According to the patient organization, CreakyJoints, there are many lifestyle changes you can make that may help improve your sleep, even if you suffer from arthritis pain. You may want to try avoiding caffeine in the evening, reducing screen time before bed, eating lighter meals at night and keeping your bedroom cool, dark and quiet.
• Choose foods that fight inflammation: The Arthritis Foundation says that, while there is no miracle diet for arthritis, there are foods that can help fight inflammation and improve joint symptoms. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans but low in processed foods and saturated fat is not only great for overall health, but can also help manage disease activity.
• Lose any amount of extra weight: According to The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance, extra weight greatly increases joint pain and damages the cartilage of the joints, especially in the hips and knees. Losing excess weight, even in small amounts, can help reduce joint pain, avoid joint surgery and become more active.

Speak to your Physician about Medicines for Pain Management

In addition to lifestyle adjustments, a range of medicines are available to help relieve arthritis symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are frequently used to ease inflammation and pain caused by arthritis.

“While it is important to have balanced pain management with arthritis, it is crucial to speak to your physician often and openly about your daily lifestyle. That way, your physician can help personalize your treatment which may include NSAIDs or other types of pain management techniques,” said Hasan Abed, MD, Anesthesiologist and Pain Management Specialist, Advanced Pain Management located in Timonium, Maryland.

If you take NSAIDs, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional because as many as one in four regular NSAID users are at risk to develop stomach ulcers – sores on the lining of the stomach caused by stomach acid. In addition to taking high doses of NSAIDs, other risk factors include taking NSAIDs with aspirin, or while taking corticosteroids or blood thinners, having had a stomach ulcer in the past and being older than 65 years of age. If you have more than two of these risk factors, you are considered at high risk for stomach ulcers.

Gastroprotection with NSAIDs can help lower the risk of stomach ulcers

Over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs come in many different forms. They are available topically, as a lotion or gel and can be taken by mouth. Some NSAIDs include a gastroprotective medicine to help reduce the risk of getting a stomach ulcer.

“Because every case of arthritis is different, it is important to talk to your physician about pain management and the potential risk of stomach ulcers if you take NSAIDs,” said Dr. Abed. “If appropriate, your doctor may suggest you take a medicine that can lower the risk of getting a stomach ulcer when taking an NSAID.”

https://warwickonline.com/stories/do-you-have-arthritis-consider-these-changes,162009?

How to Juggle a Career While Living With Psoriatic Arthritis

From prevention.com

Four inspiring women living with PsA share what’s worked for them

Living with a condition like psoriatic arthritis (PsA) means you’ll likely deal with days that are rougher than others—and, when you have a career to manage on top of that, just getting through the day can become a serious challenge.

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes stiff, painful joints with redness and swelling in the surrounding tissues. People with the condition also often have psoriasis along with it—a chronic skin condition that causes patches of red, irritated skin that are usually covered by flaky white scales. It can make it painful to do something as simple as sit at a desk to work.

About 2.25 million people in the U.S. have psoriatic arthritis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation, leaving plenty to have to manage the needs of their jobs with the complications of their health. But it’s possible to have psoriatic arthritis and a career. Here’s how these women make it work.

Take breaks, even when you don’t think you need to.

Elizabeth Medeiros was just 14 when she was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Now 24, Medeiros says her symptoms “vary day by day” but often include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness in her hips, spine, jaw, hands, and feet. “I also cope with a lot of fatigue and brain fog,” she says. “Sometimes, it can feel like a never-ending case of the flu.”

Medeiros works as a web designer, and even small tasks like typing an email can be challenging during flares. “I don't have a lot of energy and tire out really easily,” she says. Medeiros says she even finds it hard to do things like sit for longer periods of time, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness.

That’s why she says planning is important. “I'm always planning ahead to make sure I have times to rest during the day and am not overdoing it,” Medeiros says. Her ideal work day has her taking a break and stretching every hour.

Realize when you’ve hit your breaking point.

Ashley Krivohlavek was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis seven years ago. Now 37, Krivohlavek works part-time for a company that does website maintenance.

Some days, she says, her hands become so swollen that using her computer is a struggle. “If I’m having a bad day, I’ll shove a particular task to the next day or when I’m starting to feel a little better,” she says. “I’ll try to do something else.” For example, if she’s having trouble typing, she’ll push off doing invoices and focus instead on making phone calls to customers. “It’s always a trade-off of what I’m trying to get done,” she says.

Krivohlavek says it can be “frustrating” but she’s learned that being more flexible with her daily tasks can make a big difference.

Have a health plan on file.

Katie Roberts, 44, was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when she was 17. “I can be completely sidelined and need to walk with a cane, with ice packs and heating packs on my body for days on end,” she says.

Several years ago, Roberts created a health plan that she put on file with the human resources department at her marketing job, which details her psoriatic arthritis and a related heart condition, and what to do if something happens to her at work. This, she says, was something she learned about from the Arthritis Foundation. “First responders need to know what medical conditions I have and what medications I’m on to better treat me if something happens at work,” she says. Having a health plan also allows her and her employer to have clear information about Roberts’ health conditions and what to expect from her.

Create a good relationship with your superiors.

Diane Talbert, 63, was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis 13 years ago and struggles with symptoms like joint pain, swollen “sausage fingers,” and backaches.

She’s worked for the same mortgage company for years, but at first, Talbert wasn’t open about her condition at the office. But then a co-worker made a comment to her on a Monday during a flare that maybe she shouldn’t drink on weekends. “I don’t even drink, but I looked so rough,” she says.

So, Talbert decided to talk to her boss about her condition and they mutually agreed to a new normal. “I get to take breaks whenever I feel like it. I can just pop my feet up and rest,” she notes. Talbert says she’ll simply message her supervisor to let her know if she’ll be offline for a moment. “I’ll tell them I need to take a 15-minute break,” she says. “She told me I have to put myself first,” Talbert says.

Roberts has also spoken to her boss about her condition. “Not everyone can do this, but I feel safe talking to my supervisor and sharing a little bit about my disease so that she understands when I’m having a hard day with fatigue,” she says, adding, “I can say, ‘I don’t have 100% today’ and ask for patience.” Roberts says she often gets it.

Educate yourself.

Talbert is a member of Creaky Joints, a support, education, advocacy, and research organization for people with arthritis. Learning about her disease through the organization has been vital for her ability to manage her health and career. Back in the day, she remembers, “I didn’t even know what an autoimmune disease was.”

Roberts, who volunteers for the Arthritis Foundation, also says the knowledge she gained through the organization has been invaluable in helping her navigate her career and symptoms. In fact, it was through an Arthritis Foundation hotline that connects patients with social workers that she learned about creating a health plan. “They also gave me tips for how to have the conversation with my supervisor about the days where I'm feeling especially fatigued or the pain level is high,” she says.

Speak up about your needs.

Roberts has learned that some situations can increase her risk of developing a flare or make her symptoms worse. So, she says, she asked for certain tools to help her on the job.

That includes having an ergonomic chair and keyboard, as well as a chair available when she’s working a trade show. “I can’t stand all day,” she says. “That will put me into a flare.”

Medeiros has learned to keep certain things she may need during her workday readily available. “I have a drawer full of helpful items, such as pain-relieving cream, compression gloves, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,” she says.

Work from home, if possible.

Medeiros coordinated with her superiors to get the ability to work from home as much as she needs. She also has flexible hours. “Typically, I go in early and end early,” she says. “This allows me to avoid rush hour on the subway, which can add up to an hour to my commute and makes it impossible to find a seat for the long journey.”

Use your time off strategically.

“I definitely bank sick days,” Medieros says, pointing out that she’s had flares that made it “impossible” to turn her neck or get out of bed. “I try not to use sick time if I don't have to, just in case a flare like that hits again,” she says.

Roberts can commiserate. “I intentionally carry eight days of sick leave year over year so that I can plan for a flare,” she says. “I know the majority of my PTO is going to be used for doctor’s appointments and time off to give my body a rest.”

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a36434829/careers-tips-psoriatic-arthritis/

Here’s How To Deal With Arthritis The Right Way

From theunionjournal.com

Your body’s joints are not like the joints of a robot. They can’t be oiled when they feel stiff. Yet, the joints in your body are mechanical parts, and when they no longer move easily and smoothly, they do not work effectively and comfortably. 

But what causes the pain? What causes the stiffness? And what can you do about it?

You first need to understand that a medical condition like arthritis exists. The word “arthritis” is as meaningful as the word “infection. And just as there are over a hundred different types of infection, there are over a hundred different types of arthritis.

If you have symptoms of arthritis, you need to read this article till the end. We have shared all the information about arthritis in detail that will help you tackle it better. 

Have a look. 

Causes of Arthritis

The causes of your arthritis may be known or unknown. Although research has made great advances in the past few decades, much about the causes of arthritis remains a mystery. Yet you can take many steps to control arthritis. 

Physicians know that certain medications, including aspirin, help reduce inflammation and thus provide relief from pain. Other medications may inhibit the progress of rheumatoid arthritis. Physical therapy and exercise are often recommended to keep joints and muscles mobile and strong.

Weight loss is frequently recommended when arthritis affects weight joints. In some cases, surgery may provide relief and enables people to lead healthier, productive lives. Proper diet, relaxation, and a good mental attitude are also components of all treatment plans.

Based on the results of your examinations and tests, your diagnosis will include your individualized treatment plan. You will be advised to work closely with your physician to learn how to combine medication, exercise, diet, and relaxation in your lifestyle to help yourself towards health.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The first step involves a complete health history and examination. Diagnosis of arthritis is not easy because many of the signs and symptoms are similar in several arthritic diseases. 

Your physician may employ blood, urine, and joint fluid tests along with X-rays and other examinations. These tests will help your physician make a diagnosis.

Can a Good Diet Help Cure Arthritis? 

The answer is both yes and no. No special foods or diets can cure arthritis or make it go away. However, helping you deal with other related problems (such as being overweight) and helping you feel more fit and energetic proper nutrition can help you cope better with arthritis.

Arthritis

Gout is an exception. It is the only form of arthritis in which diet may be a factor.

In all forms of arthritis, the most helpful diet is a normal diet that is nourishing and well-balanced. Good nutrition is important to good health for everyone. For someone who has arthritis, good meals and nutritious food are even more important to help the body cope with the stresses of this long-term disease.

Your physician will help you with personal diet concerns such as maintaining proper weight and making adjustments in your diet to counteract the possible side effects of some medications.

Final Word

Arthritis can be emotionally, mentally, and physically taxing. You can help yourself a great deal if you eat a varied, nourishing diet. 

If you think you need help, consider contacting a licensed home care agency. 

Hope this helps!

https://www.theunionjournal.com/heres-how-to-deal-with-arthritis-the-right-way/

How Are Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Connected?

From self.com

They sound similar but have major differences

You may have heard that psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are connected, but might not understand how. Although the conditions share a similar name, they can have some very different symptoms and treatments. People with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, and sometimes people with psoriatic arthritis develop psoriasis later on, meaning it’s helpful to have an understanding of both conditions if you are diagnosed with one, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Untangling the nuances between these two conditions can be a bit complicated. That’s why we spoke with experts about the important things you should know about psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, including how the two are linked.

Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are both autoimmune conditions.

Both conditions happen when your autoimmune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, causing inflammation. With psoriasis, new skin cells grow too quickly and build up, resulting in thick, scaly rashes that can make it painful to move, according to the Cleveland Clinic. People with psoriatic arthritis also have inflammation, but their symptoms generally result in stiff, painful joints, and swollen skin surrounding the joints, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The exact causes of autoimmune diseases are not clear. Some experts theorize that injuries might trigger psoriatic arthritis and that infections could trigger psoriasis, according to John Hopkins University. Doctors commonly suspect that genetics may determine whether someone is susceptible to autoimmune disorders, but the specifics explaining how or why are up in the air.

Both conditions are lifelong diseases that can alternate between periods of remission where you have very few symptoms and flares in which your symptoms are worse.

There are various forms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

There are five types of psoriatic arthritis, and the disease can trigger symptoms in different areas of your body depending on the type you have, according to NYU Langone Health. They are:

• Asymmetric oligoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in up to five joints on either side of your body.
• Symmetric arthritis is characterized by painful, swollen joints on just one side of your body.
• Spondylitic arthritis When you experience arthritis symptoms in your spine, or you might have neck pain and difficulty moving your head.
• Distal interphalangeal predominant psoriatic arthritis involves inflammation in your fingernails and toenails.
• Arthritis mutilans is a rare but severe form of psoriatic arthritis that causes damage in the bones of your toes and fingers, according to NYU Langone.

The Mayo Clinic explains there are six types of psoriasis, and your symptoms may vary depending on the type you have.

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and is marked by dry, raised skin lesions. The plaques can be itchy, and tender, and generally appear on your elbows, knees, back, and scalp.
• Nail psoriasis causes pitting, breaking, and discoloration in your fingernails and toenails.
• Guttate psoriasis usually appears after someone has a bacterial infection such as strep throat. This form leaves small lesions on your arms, trunk, or legs.
• Inverse psoriasis lesions appear in spots like your groins, buttocks, and breasts. The lesions get worse when there’s friction or sweat in the area.
• Pustular psoriasis is rare and characterized by pus-filled lesions.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis, the least common type of psoriasis, involves a peeling rash that itches, burns, and covers your entire body.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis do share one common symptom: fatigue, which is likely due to high levels of inflammation, according to NYU Langone Health.

The majority of people with psoriasis won’t develop psoriatic arthritis.

About 7 million Americans have psoriasis, and only a fraction of them will ever develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Estimates vary depending on the source, but the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that roughly 10% to 20% of people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis.

In contrast, the Cleveland Clinic estimates that up to 30% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. That said, “having psoriasis is the single most significant risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis,” Naomi Schlesinger, M.D., chief of the Division of Rheumatology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, tells SELF.

If you have psoriasis, it’s extremely important to watch for any joint symptoms, such as swelling, pain, or stiffness—the most common signs of psoriatic arthritis—and report them to your physician, says David Giangreco, M.D., a rheumatologist at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital. Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive disease, meaning it can get worse over time. And if you happen to get diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in its early stages, then your doctor can prescribe treatments that slow the disease’s progression and help preserve your joints.

You can develop psoriatic arthritis anytime before or after your psoriasis diagnosis.

Medical experts used to believe that people with psoriasis could only develop psoriatic arthritis within 10 years of their initial psoriasis diagnosis, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, studies have shown that this isn’t true. In fact, up to 15% of people with both diseases actually experienced their psoriatic arthritis symptoms first, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some people may develop psoriatic arthritis before psoriasis, and others may have had psoriasis for years without realizing it, according to Dr. Giangreco. “Psoriasis can remain hidden from patients on the back of the scalp or buttock area and go unnoticed for long periods of time,” Dr. Giangreco tells SELF. If you have psoriatic arthritis and suddenly notice changes in your skin and nails, then you don’t want to rule out the possibility of psoriasis. Rarely do people have psoriatic arthritis without getting psoriasis, too, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Experts aren’t sure why psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are linked.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are clearly connected, but experts don’t know why some people develop both conditions. However, genetics appears to be involved. Researchers have pinpointed a family of genes called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex as a possible contributor to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. (The HLA complex helps your immune system recognize your body’s proteins compared to proteins from foreign pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, the organization explains.) People with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have HLA genes that are different from people who don’t have either condition, according to a May 2021 paper published in The Journal of Rheumatology. And people with psoriasis who have a specific HLA gene mutation are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the same paper.

Medical experts also believe that psoriatic arthritis may be inherited. About 40% of people with psoriatic arthritis have a family member with either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can severely affect your quality of life.

People with either condition frequently say that their health informs their decision-making, from the clothes they buy to their careers. That’s because both conditions can drastically change your life, making it difficult to sleep, work, and do the things you love, like playing with your children or baking. For example, when you have a psoriasis flare, even rolling over in bed or wearing tight clothing can be extremely painful. Some people with psoriasis choose clothing that hides their flares to avoid getting comments about their skin’s appearance. Similarly, joint pain from psoriatic arthritis can make it really hard to sit on the floor with your kids, get out of bed for work, or follow through on plans. This can all become overwhelming, and understandably make some people feel self-conscious about their health conditions.

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatments can make it easier to live a full life with these conditions.

There are no cures for either disease, but an effective treatment plan can minimize symptoms for both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. With psoriasis, doctors generally prescribe treatments that prevent your skin cells from growing too quickly, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are many treatment options for this, including creams, light therapy, or oral or injected medications, the Mayo Clinic explains.

As for psoriatic arthritis, treatments generally focus on controlling inflammation to minimize your joint pain and damage. Your doctor might suggest pharmacological options that target your immune system to lower inflammation, along with exercise or other lifestyle modifications, according to the Mayo Clinic. With each condition, the best treatment depends on your particular situation.

Bottom line: Talk to your doctor if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

Both conditions can cause a lot of physical and emotional pain—but you can find some relief with the right treatment plan. If you think you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (or both), talk to your doctor about how you can live more comfortably.

https://www.self.com/story/connection-psoriatic-arthritis-psoriasis

Rheumatoid arthritis: The life changer

From jamaica-gleaner.com

Rheumatoid arthritis can be life-changing. You may need long-term treatment to control the symptoms and joint damage. Depending on how much pain and stiffness you feel and how much joint damage you have, simple daily tasks may become difficult or take longer to do.

You may need to adapt the way you do everyday tasks, or make changes to your lifestyle, to help you manage your condition. Self-care is an important part of daily life in managing rheumatoid arthritis, and it involves taking responsibility for your own health and well-being with support from people involved in your care.

For several years, Suzette Shaw-Reid experienced unexplainable joint pains throughout most of her body. With many personal and professional challenges at the time, the pain intensified to the point where she needed a cane to assist her in walking.

“At first, it was mostly joint pains all over but especially in my left knee. Eventually, I had to have it drained. My eyes would get foggy, I would experience feelings of fatigue or malaise, especially when I was exposed to very hot and humid temperature changes, horrible brain fog, dizziness, itchy skin, chills, back pains and low-grade fever,” she said.

Contributed

Suzette Shaw-Reid living with rheumatoid arthritis

Shaw-Reid had no idea what the triggers were; however, following an appointment with her rheumatologist, she was diagnosed with palindromic rheumatism.

Palindromic rheumatism is a rare form of arthritis that causes symptoms to flare up periodically and then disappear, leaving no lasting damage to the joints. Palindromic rheumatism is a form of inflammatory arthritis, and this means that it causes inflammation, pain, and swelling around the affected joints.

However, her erythrocyte sedimentation rate test (ESR) results were very high, which became a cause for concern. An ESR test is sometimes called a sedimentation rate test or sed rate test. This blood test does not diagnose one specific condition. Instead, it helps your healthcare provider determine whether you are experiencing inflammation.

Your doctor will look at ESR results along with other information or test results to help figure out a diagnosis. The tests ordered will depend on your symptoms.

In 2011, Shaw-Reid was executing a school tour for the company she was working with and it required her to carry many drawstring bags. It was at this point that her wrists gave way, and she noticed a small lump that started to develop on her right wrist.

“It grew until eventually I had to do an operational procedure to remove it. When the lump was assessed, my doctor at the time said it appeared abnormal and sent it to be tested. The results came back that I was positive with rheumatoid arthritis,” she said.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and damage throughout your body. The joint damage that RA causes usually happens on both sides of the body.

So, if a joint is affected in one of your arms or legs, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected, too. This is one way that doctors distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis.

“I was in serious denial. I strongly felt at the time I ate very healthily, exercised and I look good so that the diagnosis could not be true about me. Unfortunately, my version of healthy back then included a lot of foods my body was allergic to, for example, peanuts, orange juice, gluten, dairy to include a few, and hence my constant pain,” Shaw-Reid said.

“I cried at first and played the victim, but the minute I accepted that maybe there is an association that each time rain set up, my body would have a negative reaction, or when I drank or ate acidic food, I would feel aches and pains, it started to make sense to stop doing these things and find ways to control this ailment,” she said.

Treatments work best when RA is diagnosed early, so it is important to learn the signs. It is important to take your medicine as instructed, even if you start to feel better, as medicine can help prevent flare-ups and reduce the risk of further problems, such as joint damage.

“I take my medication and I made drastic dietary changes which happened gradually. Learning to eat for my ‘O’ Positive blood type also helped. I started being consistent with exercise and stopped focusing on how intense I exercised but made sure I was doing some form of activity daily. This included getting reflexology treatments. One way to control your pain is to always keep moving, which keeps your blood and oxygen flowing,” Shaw-Reid said.

“I observe and track my flare-up by keeping a food diary. I take supplements and herbs and I also reframed the way I spoke to myself and to others. I practise affirmations, hydrate, changed products I used on my skin and in my hair, took myself out of toxic environs, which included jobs, stopping certain friendships, learning to say no, created boundaries and, most important, developed a closer relationship with God, leaning on His understanding and not my own,” she added.

As rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition, you will be in contact with your healthcare provider regularly so they can check if your condition is being well controlled and if your treatment is right for you.

https://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/health/20210519/rheumatoid-arthritis-life-changer

Surprising Signs Psoriatic Arthritis is Impacting Your Vision

From prevention.com

The inflammation that affects your skin and joints can also damage your eyes

When you hear the word “psoriasis,” you likely think itchy, scaly red elbows. “Arthritis” conjures up painful, swollen joints. But you can have both at the same time; it’s called psoriatic arthritis, or PsA.

Like psoriasis, PsA is an autoimmune disorder where your overactive immune system attacks healthy parts of your body, causing inflammation. It can flare up anywhere, including the eyes.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, one of the most common eye disorders associated with PsA is uveitis (you-vee-EYE-tis). Uveitis is characterized by inflammation (redness and swelling) that occurs in the uvea, the layer and structures beneath the white of the eye. About 7 percent of those with PsA will develop the disease, a much higher percentage than found in the general population, according to the National Eye Institute.

Identifying uveitis

If you have PsA and something feels off with your eyes or vision see an ophthalmologist for an exam. “Don’t assume it’s pink eye,” says Kristin Ingraham, DO, a rheumatologist with Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, PA. “Delaying a diagnosis can make flare-ups worse.”

To check for the condition, an ophthalmologist will perform a non-invasive “slit lamp” exam using a special microscope and high-intensity light to examine different structures and look for white blood cells and protein within the eye. “There should be no white blood cells inside the anterior chamber of the eye, and in uveitis you find them,” explains James Rosenbaum, M.D., professor of medicine in the Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases at Oregon Health & Science University and chief of ophthalmology at Legacy Devers Eye Institute in Portland, OR. “A lot of protein in the eye suggests the blood vessels are leaky; the protein actually diffracts the lamp’s beam of light so it’s like looking through a fog.”

It’s also vital to keep an eye out for unusual symptoms between appointments. Dr. Rosenbaum recommends keeping in mind the mnemonic R.S.V.P. If you experience any of these four issues, see an ophthalmologist stat:

R – Prolonged redness

Eye redness is very common and can be triggered by allergies, a virus, or strain. (You know, from reading the tiny text on your smartphone.) But if the redness lasts for a week or more, check-in with your doctor.

S – Sensitivity to light

“Things that don’t damage the eye, like mild conjunctivitis, don’t generally cause a sensitivity to light,” says Dr. Rosenbaum. Light sensitivity may suggest a more serious problem brewing.

V – Vision change

Blurred vision, double vision, “floaters,” or any other changes in visual acuity should be checked by an ophthalmologist.

P – Pain

Many minor conditions cause some scratchiness and discomfort but not true pain, says Dr. Rosenbaum. “True pain definitely needs to be evaluated,” he says.

The importance of uveitis treatment

Waiting too long to have your eyes checked after symptoms start can delay treatment and allow damage to occur, so definitely don’t drag your feet, says Dr. Ingraham.

Treatment for moderate inflammation from uveitis often involves steroid eye drops. For some people with more severe symptoms, the medication used to treat psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis may be used to treat or prevent uveitis. Your eye doctor and rheumatologist can work together to find your best course of treatment. “Just as a conductor of a symphony coordinates multiple musicians, rheumatologists and ophthalmologists should achieve a similar collaboration,” says Dr. Rosenbaum.

What about lifestyle factors; can they prevent eye problems related to psoriatic arthritis? “Boy, I wish,” says Dr. Rosenbaum. “If you have a way to reduce stress, to be happy, to get sleep, to eat a balanced diet, do all of those things, but don’t ignore conventional medications, which we know work well.”

https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a36291837/psoriatic-arthritis-uveitis/

Arthritis symptoms: When is it time to visit the GP? Two key moments

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS can lead to permanent joint damage, meaning receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment are the first steps in mitigating the risk. When do you know it's time to visit the GP?

People may be put off visiting their GP for a variety of reasons – perhaps you believe you can manage just fine with that niggling health problem, maybe it's hard to get an appointment, or you just don't have the time. "Some types of arthritis require prompt action," urged the Arthritis Foundation. Effectively managing the disease in the early stages can help preserve joint function.

Arthritis symptoms: Do you need to see your GP? (Image: Getty)

Any "joint symptoms" that linger for three days or more warrant a chat with your GP – this is the first key moment to take action.

What classifies as joint symptoms?

• Pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints
• Joints that are red or warm to the touch
• Joint tenderness or stiffness
• Difficulty moving a joint or doing daily activities

If the joint issues aren't consistent, but you've had several episodes within one month, that's your second key moment – book an appointment with your GP.

The debilitating progression of disease

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that can lead to "severe pain".

The protective cartilage inside the joint breaks down, which can make movement difficult and painful.

Three factors that increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis include:

• Middle age or beyond
• Injury
• Obesity

The most commonly affected joints include the hands, knees, hips, lower back and neck.

One auditory clue you may have osteoarthritis is if you hear "clicking or cracking sounds" when a joint bends. Joint instability might occur, which may cause the knee to suddenly buckle and give way.

As the disease progresses, cartilage may develop uneven edges and crack, and bones may harden and change shape.

People with this type of arthritis are 30 percent more likely to fall and have a 20 percent greater risk of fractures.

While there is no cure for the condition, medication, surgery, strengthening exercises and weight loss can all help to minimise symptoms.

How do strengthening exercises help with osteoarthritis? Strengthening exercises build muscles around painful joints, helping to ease the stress on them.

Strength exercises

To improve muscle tone, two to three weight-training session each week are needed.

Each session should last between 20 to 30 minutes, and it'll take around four to 12 weeks to start noticing the benefits.

Arthritis Foundation continued to say that most people can increase their muscle strength by 40 percent or more within six weeks of strength training.

What to do in weight training exercises?

This will involve the use of dumbbells to slowly lift and lower the arms, for example.

Make sure not to fully straighten the elbows when performing this movement.

Good breathing technique is essential – breathe out while lifting and breathe in when lowering the dumbbell.

More arthritis-friendly strength training techniques can be found on YouTube.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1436569/arthritis-symptoms-signs-joint-pain-frequency

Exercises to Help With Arthritis in the Big Toe

From verywellhealth.com

Exercises can help with arthritis in the big toe because they increase range of motion and strength. Stretching and strengthening exercises can also help your toes become more flexible and relaxed, effectively reducing stiffness and risk of injury and improving joint function. Depending on your arthritis severity, you may be restricted to shorter and gentler exercises at first, but sticking to an exercise routine will help increase your joint mobility. Once your active range of motion (AROM) is better, you will be able to increase exercise length and intensity. 

Exercises

Your doctor or physical therapist will help you determine which exercises are safest and most suitable for your big toe pain caused by arthritis. They will also offer guidance as to how many sets and reps you should aim for initially and over time. 

The American College of Rheumatology recommends the following for exercising with arthritis:  

• Active range of motion exercises should be performed for at least two sets of 10 repetitions.
• Stretching exercises should be performed at least four to five days a week, with each stretch lasting for about 20 to 30 seconds and repeated two to three times. 
• Strengthening exercises for most people should be done four to five days a week, with eight to 10 repetitions for each exercise. Older patients may find 10 to 15 repetitions with less resistance to be more appropriate. 

Peter Dazeley / Getty Images

Toe Pulls

Toe pulls are basic stretching exercises that help increase mobility in the big toe joints. Mobility here is essential for maintaining a normal walking pattern, or gait.

To perform this exercise:

• Put your affected foot up on a stool or a chair. 
• Stabilize your foot by holding it just proximal to (nearer to the centre of) the area where the toes meet the foot. 
• Using your other hand, hold your big toe and gently pull it forward and flex it down toward the sole until you feel a gentle stretch. Hold this for 10 to 20 seconds before letting go. You can also hold it for longer, as long as you don’t get cramps in your fingers.
• Optional: Gently massage the arch of your foot with the other hand during the stretch.

Big Toe Extension Stretch

This exercise is particularly useful for people with big toe stiffness and heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis. The end goal is being able to stretch your big toe at a 90-degree angle toward your ankle. Achieving this may take several days or weeks of exercise.

To perform this exercise:

• While sitting in a chair, put your affected foot up on your other knee. 
• Hold the heel of the affected foot in one hand and use your other hand to pull the big toe back toward the ankle until you feel a gentle stretch along the bottom of your foot. 
• This stretch should be held for at least 15 to 30 seconds at a time. If you’re having difficulty, try shorter hold times where you put the pressure on and off more frequently. 

Towel Curl

The towel curl helps build strength in the big toe and should be attempted when you have reasonable joint mobility. After you’ve adapted to this exercise while sitting, you can increase the intensity by doing the exercise while standing.

To perform this exercise:

• While sitting, place a small hand towel on the ground and rest your affected foot on top of it. 
• Scrunch the towel toward you by curling your toes, and then push the towel away from you by spreading out your toes.

Toe Press, Point, and Curl

This exercise engages your whole foot, and helps improve mobility, strength, and overall balance. Research has shown that toe curl exercises can improve quality of life, reduce pain, and improve ability to perform daily activities. 

To perform this exercise:

• Sit in a straight-back chair with your feet flat on the floor. 
• Press your toes into the ground and raise your heel. 
• Point your toes while keeping your heel raised (first and second toes stay touching the ground). 
• Curl your toes under so the tops of the toes are touching the ground, and keep your heel raised.
• Cycle through the three movements, pausing to hold each position for five seconds. (You can do this one foot at a time or with both feet.)

Toe Splay

Toe splaying targets the muscles within your foot, helping you gain control and strength in this area.

To perform this exercise:

• Sit in a straight-back chair with your feet resting on the floor.
• Spread your toes out as wide as you can and hold for five seconds. (You can do this with one foot at a time or with both feet.) 
• If that’s too easy, you can loop a hair tie or rubber band around your toes before you spread them out to add some resistance. 

Marble Pickup

This strengthening exercise can also be done with small household items such as dice. Begin with four or five and perform the exercise on each side, eventually working your way up to the below mentioned 10 to 20 marbles.

To perform this exercise:

• Sit down in a chair. 
• Set 10 to 20 marbles out in front of you to one side of the chair (either in bowls or on a carpet). 
• Using the toes of one foot, grab one marble at a time and move it to the other side of the chair. 
• Once you’ve moved all the marbles, do the same thing to return them one by one to where they were when you started.

Toe Salutes

This is another great stretch that builds strength. The goal is to go slowly to remain in control of your other toes, which should remain on the ground. 

To perform this exercise:

• Sit in a chair with your feet relaxed on the ground under your knees.
• Raise the big toe of your right foot off the ground and hold it there for five seconds while keeping the other toes on the ground. 
• Return your big toe to the ground. 
• Then lift your other four toes off the ground while keeping your big toe on the ground and hold them there for five seconds. 
• Finally, return them to the ground. Repeat the exercise with your left foot.

Toe Squeezing

Toe squeezing targets the muscles within your foot and strengthens them. These muscles play an essential role in overall foot flexibility, stability, and shock absorption when walking or running. 

To perform this exercise:

• Place foam or flexible plastic separators between your toes (you can find these online sold as pedicure toe separators). 
• Squeeze your toes together for 10 seconds, then relax.

Resisted Toe Flexion

This strengthening exercise may require some mobility work before attempting. If you experience pain while trying this, stop and return to gentler exercises aimed at increasing range of motion. If you find this exercise too easy with a light-resistance band, trade up for a higher-resistance option.

To perform this exercise:

• Wrap a light-resistance band around the back of your big toe. 
• Hold the ends so that there’s light tension on the band when your toe is pointed up toward your ankle.
• Push your toe against the band, back toward the floor to be in line with the other toes.

A Word From Verywell

Exercises can help you improve the mobility and range of motion of your big toe if you have arthritis in this joint. It can even help relieve some of your pain. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine, and always listen to your body when engaging in physical activity. It’s better to start slowly rather than try everything at once and risk injury or making your condition worse. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist. They will be able to suggest different kinds of exercises or modify them to fit your needs.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/arthritis-big-toe-exercises-5115689

5 Diet Tips for People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

From yahoo.com

Food isn’t a cure-all for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it plays a surprisingly big role when it comes to managing the condition. Research, including a study published in 2020 in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, shows that making smart diet decisions can help control the inflammation that wreaks havoc in the body. Of course, the same food choices won’t be “right” for everyone—but these five tips may help put you on the right track.

Choose anti-inflammatory foods

This one could have been called: “Head to the produce section.” Fruits and vegetables are rich in natural antioxidants, which help stabilize molecules called free radicals that can trigger inflammation. They’re also packed with polyphenols, micronutrients thought to help lower C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

Other foods to include on your grocery list? A review of studies published in 2017 in Frontiers in Nutrition found that whole grains, probiotic-rich foods, as well as specific spices, oils, and teas can reduce the progression and symptoms of RA. An ideal RA meal, suggests the researchers, might include raw or moderately cooked vegetables sauteed in olive oil with a sprinkling of turmeric or ginger, whole rice or whole wheat bread, whatever fruit is in season, yogurt, and a cup of green tea.

“Keep in mind that diets are not a one-size-fits-all scenario,” says Soumya Reddy, MD, co-director of the NYU Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Centre and Assistant Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City. “Specific foods that may trigger RA or be beneficial for RA can vary from person to person so it’s important to observe what works best for your particular situation.”

Monitor your portion sizes

It’s important for everyone to maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI), but especially so for people with RA. “Excess ‘fat cells,’ or adipose tissue, produce cytokines in the body that promote inflammation, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce this additional inflammatory burden,” says Reddy. “In addition, studies have suggested that excess weight may make some RA drugs less effective. Being overweight or obese also places additional strain on weight-bearing joints.”

What’s more, according to a review of studies published in 2016 in Arthritis Care & Research, obesity decreases the odds of achieving remission in RA. “Weight loss is challenging, but the good news is even small amounts of weight loss—five to 10 pounds—can be beneficial,” adds Reddy.

To that end, try practicing portion control. Some visual clues to keep in mind: A three-ounce serving of fish is about the size of the palm of your hand; a two-ounce serving of cheese equals the size of a pair of dominoes; and a one-cup serving of veggies is the size of your fist.

Tame your sweet tooth (or try to, anyway)

No one expects you to swear off your favourite treats, but moderation is key. In a study published in 2017 in Arthritis Care & Research, researchers surveyed more than 200 patients with RA and asked whether 20 foods made their RA symptoms feel better, worse, or unchanged.

“The 20 foods on the survey were selected based on popular beliefs about them being ‘inflammatory,’ ‘anti-inflammatory,’ or because we thought that some patients might report worsened RA symptoms after eating them,” says the study’s lead author Sara Tedeschi, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and rheumatologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. “About 25% of participants reported that at least one food affected their RA symptoms.”

Sugary soda and desserts were most often reported to make RA symptoms worse. To cut back on the sweet stuff, don’t forget: Sugar goes by many names so check ingredient labels for words ending in “ose” (as in fructose, glucose, sucrose).

Eat fatty fish

No anti-inflammatory diet would be complete without omega-3-rich fish. In a study published in 2018 in Arthritis Care & Research, people with RA who ate non-fried fish at least twice a week reported significantly lower disease activity than those who ate fish less than once a month. Study participants ate tuna, salmon, sardines, trout, and other fish that are high in inflammation-fighting omega-3 fatty acids.

Tedeschi, the study’s lead author, notes that those participants were likely doing other things that positively affect their RA disease activity, and so fish intake alone was probably not the single explanation. But there’s little doubt those omega-3's are tough on inflammation, and hey, that’s why there are multiple tips on this list—improving your health is never about doing just one thing.

Not a fish lover? “Clinical trials of high-dose omega-3 fish oil supplements have shown benefit for RA disease activity,” adds Tedeschi.

Go nuts

Walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts, almonds—they’re all packed with good-for-you fats. A study published in 2016 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that subbing nuts for red meat, processed meat, eggs, refined grains, potatoes, or potato chips was associated with healthier levels of inflammation.

And research suggests they can also play a key role in any weight loss plan, thanks to their satiating combination of protein, fibre and fat.

Just keep in mind: Nuts are high in fat and calories, so limit the amount you eat to one ounce daily (about a handful). If possible, reach for raw, unsalted nuts, recommends the Arthritis Foundation.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/5-diet-tips-people-rheumatoid-150000290.html

Having chronic back pain? It could be rare inflammatory arthritis

From tnp.sg

Ankylosing spondylitis, a form of inflammatory arthritis, can be diagnosed early

When Mr Tan Chun Hau first started experiencing back pain in March 2019, he dismissed it as a typical muscle ache.

As recommended by a polyclinic doctor, he took painkillers and applied plasters, expecting the discomfort to ease. Instead, the pain persisted and spread from his lower back area to his chest.

The 35-year-old mechanical engineer told The New Paper: "The pain in my chest made it very, very hard to breathe. I couldn't sleep well at night."

Over the next three months, Mr Tan had two X-ray tests, four electrocardiogram tests and one computerised tomography scan, but received inconclusive results.

It was only after a blood test in June 2019 that he was given a confirmed diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a rare type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine, back joints and pelvis.

Dr Stanley Angkodjojo, a rheumatologist at Sengkang General Hospital and Mr Tan's specialist, told TNP that if left untreated, AS can cause the spine to fuse together, bringing about a progressive loss of spinal mobility and limitations in movements.

BREATHING DIFFICULTIES

Fusion can also cause the rib cage to become stiff, affecting chest expansion and create difficulties in breathing.

Of delayed treatment, he said: "None of the medication I could give would reverse the damage done to the spine".

In 2016, only around 7,900 patients were diagnosed with AS in Singapore, but there are still those struggling because of alack of a proper diagnosis, sub-optimal treatment, or poor control of their condition.

Around 90 per cent of AS patients suffer from sleep disturbance awakened by inflammatory pain. And the prolonged inability to control AS symptoms not only causes work disability, but leads to decreased quality of life and leaves patients in poor psychological health.

As an engineer, Mr Tan's working hours can be long. Before receiving treatment, he sometimes had to stand in place for 30 seconds after getting up in order to "warm up" his back before he could walk. He said he was often stressed by his inability to perform well at work because of his health.

His struggle with AS also took a toll on his relationship with his family - his wife and five-year-old son could not understand his frequent mood swings.

He and his wife now attend consultations together, and his son helpfully reminds him to take his medication.

While AS cannot be cured, symptoms can be alleviated.

Mr Tan's condition greatly improved after taking the biologic drugs that Dr Angkodjojo prescribed in May last year, and he can now jog and play light sports again.

With World AS Day taking place last Saturday, both men hope Mr Tan's story will raise awareness about AS so that people living with chronic pain would not have to do so in silence any longer and can identify the symptoms quicker.

Dr Angkodjojo said: "Have a conversation with your primary doctor, who can be a great resource to help you navigate the growing landscape of information available out there."

As for Mr Tan's advice for others like him, he said: "Just be positive... (and) don't give up."

https://www.tnp.sg/lifestyle/health/having-chronic-back-pain-it-could-be-rare-inflammatory-arthritis

How does psoriatic arthritis affect the eyes?

From medicalnewstoday.com

Psoriatic arthritis, or PsA, is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. PsA affects the joints and the areas of the body where tendons and ligaments connect to bones.

The National Psoriasis Foundation states that about 30% of individuals with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis during their lifetime.

Sometimes, people living with PsA may develop eye conditions, which can range from irritation to vision loss.

This article explains how PsA affects the eyes and how to treat and prevent these complications.

Chronic dry eye

One eye condition that people living with PsA may experience is chronic dry eye, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Experts believe that about 2.7% of people with PsA have this condition. However, some studies suggest that the number may be as high as 18.75%.

In a person with this condition, the tear ducts lose their ability to produce tears, which are vital for proper lubrication of the eyes. A lack of adequate lubrication increases the risk of eye infections and can damage the cornea.

In cases where over-the-counter artificial tears prove ineffective, prescription eye drops may help increase tear production and lower inflammation. For some people, steroid eye drops may offer short-term relief to control inflammation.

Uveitis

Uveitis is a type of eye inflammation that affects the middle layer of tissue within the eyeball, called the uvea. The symptoms of uveitis include redness in the white parts of the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, pain, and floaters.

There are four types of uveitis:

• Anterior uveitis: This type involves the front of the eye and can cause inflammation of the iris.
• Intermediate uveitis: This type occurs in the middle of the uvea and involves inflammation of the vitreous.
• Posterior uveitis: Posterior uveitis involves the back of the uvea and can affect the retina.
• Panuveitis: In people with this type, inflammation affects all parts of the eye.

The treatment for uveitis usually starts with corticosteroid eye drops to reduce inflammation. If these do not work, an eye doctor may recommend injecting the eye with a corticosteroid. In cases of infection, an eye specialist may recommend antibiotics.

Cataracts

Cataracts are the result of cloudy films developing over the eye lens, leading to impaired vision. The Arthritis Foundation notes that inflammatory conditions such as PsA may advance the formation of cataracts.

Symptoms include:

• cloudy vision
• difficulty seeing colours
• increased glare from artificial lights and sunlight
• double vision
• reduced night vision

People with cataracts require surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the term for a group of eye disorders that damage the optic nerve. It can lead to vision loss.

Chronic inflammation from arthritic conditions, including PsA, can contribute to glaucoma by increasing the pressure in the eyes.

This eye condition has no symptoms in the early stages when it is the most treatable. However, an ophthalmologist may detect it when they are carrying out a regular eye examination.

Symptoms that a person may experience include pain, blurred vision, and seeing blank spots or halos around lights. A doctor may prescribe eye drops to reduce the pressure in the eyes. Some people may require surgery.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis causes the cornea, which is the transparent outer layer at the front of the eye, to become inflamed, which makes it prone to thinning.

The symptoms of peripheral ulcerative keratitis include:

• pain
• redness
• reduced vision
• light sensitivity
• tearing

Artificial tears and antibiotic drops can promote healing and prevent infection.

Management and prevention

A person can mitigate the risk of developing PsA-related eye problems by reducing inflammation in the body.

As PsA is an inflammatory condition, a doctor may prescribe medication to control inflammation within the body, improving eye conditions related to PsA.

When to see an ophthalmologist

Anyone with PsA should consider undergoing annual eye examinations and regular doctor visits to discuss any new or existing eye-related symptoms.

Some eye conditions do not have any signs in the beginning stages. Due to this, it is vital to get regular eye check-ups to detect any problems as soon as possible.

The takeaway 

Living with PsA can be challenging. In addition to the joint pain that PsA can cause, many people may develop related eye problems.

The good news is that many PsA-related eye conditions are highly treatable.

As some conditions do not have early warning signs, an eye examination is the best way to detect any abnormalities. A doctor can help a person manage any symptoms related to PsA and eye health.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-does-psoriatic-arthritis-affect-the-eyes

Arthritis Awareness: You’re ‘Never Too Young or Too Old’ to Seek Treatment, Surgery – But Don’t Delay Consultations

From baptisthealth.net

To say that arthritis is a widespread health condition in the U.S. may be an understatement. It is a leading cause of disability, and contributes to pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. Yet, it doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging.

It affects about one in four adults overall, and while arthritis affects more people as they get older, it can affect just about anyone at any point in life.

“You’re never too young and you’re never too old to see an orthopaedic surgeon because we see patients of all ages,” says orthopaedic surgeon Alexander D. Gaukhman, M.D., with Baptist Health Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, a part of Baptist Health South Florida. “Early intervention is always best. For the majority of patients that have undergone a total joint replacement, their biggest complaint is that they didn’t do it sooner.”

To highlight the toll this condition takes on the health of an estimated 55 million men and women, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Arthritis Foundation and other partners observe Arthritis Awareness Month in May.

Dr. Gaukhman, who specializes in total joint replacement surgery, particularly of the hip and knee, says many patients “think they’re too old for surgery.” That’s just one major misconception about arthritis.

Total Hip Replacement on a 93-Year-Old

“Patients are living longer healthier lives and want to enjoy a high quality of life,” he adds. “The goal of total joint replacement is to decrease pain, increase function and improve patient’s quality of life. When it comes to risks factors, patients have to be evaluated by their surgeon to see if they’re an appropriate candidate for surgery.

“There’s age and then there’s age with a lot of comorbidities. The majority of patients that have undergone a joint replacement or are waiting for surgery are usually been 70-90 years of age. They are typically active, may have a few comorbidities but are overall great candidates for surgery.”

However, age is only a number since arthritis can span the spectrum from teenagers to octogenarians, he says. In the same week, Dr. Gaukhman performed surgery on a patient in their early 40s and another in their early 90s.  “So, getting in early for a consultation and getting educated about your condition is the best possible thing you can do.”

Dr. Gaukhman is fellowship-trained in adult hip and knee reconstruction. His practice focuses specifically on conditions of the hip and knee in the adult population with a particular interest in complex primary and revision surgeries.

Revision hip and knee replacement surgeries are on the rise across the nation. They involve replacing part or all of a previous knee prosthesis with a new prosthesis. Unfortunately, failure can occur after a total joint replacement surgery necessitating a second surgery known as “revision surgery.”

“Revision surgeries are quite common nowadays because there are so many primary surgeries being done,” explains Dr. Gaukhman.

“Patients that have pain after a total joint are usually very disappointed, frustrated and are looking for an answer to their problem,” he adds. “Often times, making a diagnosis is challenging in these patients and requires advanced testing and imaging. It may take weeks to months to correctly identify the issue. However, when the correct treatment is implemented, patients are eternally grateful.”

Prevalence of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis It has been called “wear and tear arthritis.” It develops when the smooth cushion between bones (cartilage) breaks down and joints get painful, swollen and hard to move. 

“There are obviously other types that are inflammatory and traumatic types, but osteoarthritis, affects all the joints,” says Dr. Gaukhman. “It is more prevalent in the hip, knee, and hands. I would say another big misconception is that someone with arthritis immediately needs surgery. A lot of patients are very hesitant to see a surgeon because a surgeon to them means surgery. But there are non-surgical ways to treat osteoarthritis – but that’s usually best instituted in the hands of a surgeon.”

Weight, Other Risk Factors, and Exercise

People who are overweight or obese are more likely to get knee osteoarthritis than people who are not overweight. Moreover, physical activity can decrease pain and improve physical function by about 40 percent, says the CDC.  Still, 1 in 3 adults with arthritis are inactive.

“Exercise is a great way to improve your general health, whether it’s cardio, weightlifting or playing sports,” says Dr. Gaukhman.  However, there’s some exercises that are higher impact, such as a running, that may affect the joints more.”

He adds that there’s an ongoing debate in the orthopaedic community as to whether long-time running can lead to arthritis. There is a large genetic component associated with arthritis. Furthermore, radiographic evidence of arthritis may not necessarily manifest as painful symptoms.

“Some patients have very bad arthritis on X-rays,” he says. “However, they have very little pain, and vice versa. We always treat the patient and not the X-ray. Therefore, depending on the level of activity, arthritis can present in various forms. Patients who are highly active may notice symptoms sooner than those are generally more sedentary.”

Having osteoarthritis can decrease function, weaken muscles and increases the likelihood of falling. Side effects from pain medications, such as dizziness, can also contribute to falls.  However, a key message during Arthritis Awareness Month is that everyone, no matter the age, should seek medical advice, says Dr. Gaukhman.

https://baptisthealth.net/baptist-health-news/arthritis-awareness-youre-never-too-young-or-too-old-to-seek-treatment-surgery-but-dont-delay-consultations/

Arthritis: The best type of diet to ease inflammation in the body – what to eat

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS caused by misdirected inflammation include rheumatoid, psoriatic, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout and ankylosing spondylitis. Could an anti-inflammatory diet help ease symptoms?

Pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth in the joints, as well as morning stiffness are all tell-tale signs of inflammatory arthritis. Is it possible to reduce flare-ups intentionally? The charity Arthritis Action said: "The relationship between arthritis severity and dietary manipulation has gained considerable interest with people living with the condition." Emerging data has suggested that a Mediterranean diet may play a role in helping people with arthritis.

Research has been so promising that the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines encourage people with a form of inflammatory (rheumatoid) arthritis to follow this diet plan.

What is a Mediterranean diet?

A Mediterranean diet consists of plenty of fruit and vegetables, pulses and beans, olive oil, nuts and fish.

Furthermore, this type of diet doesn't contain much sugar, red meat, or saturated fat.

There are many health benefits associated with a Mediterranean diet, such as:

1. Reduced risk of heart disease
2. Lower blood pressure
3. Reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
4. Long-term weight control
5. Supporting healthy gut bacteria

                  One type of diet might help to relieve arthritis symptoms (Image: Getty)

"The Mediterranean diet also contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, and is high in anti-oxidants," said Arthritis Action.

Another charity, Arthritis Foundation, agreed that the Mediterranean diet can help fight inflammation caused by arthritis.

"Studies confirm that eating foods commonly part of the Mediterranean diet can help arthritis by curbing inflammation," the charity said.

Fish, especially those rich in omega-3, are also part of the Mediterranean diet.

Arthritis Foundation cited research that revealed that participants who consumed the highest quantity of omega-3 fatty acids (in fish) had the lowest levels of inflammatory markers:

• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Interleukin-6

"More recently, researchers have shown that taking fish oil supplements helps reduce joint swelling and pain, duration of morning stiffness and disease activity among people who have rheumatoid arthritis (RA)," it said.

The charity continued to say that people who benefited from fish oil supplements took between 600mg to 1,000mg daily.

The best sources of dietary omega-3:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Herring
• Anchovies
• Scallops

Nutritional impact of nuts

The director of nutrition and genomics at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Centre on Ageing at Tufts University in Boston summed it up in one sentence.

"Multiple studies confirm the role of nuts in an anti-inflammatory diet," he said.

One research paper highlighted how participants with low levels of vitamin B6 – found in most nuts – had higher inflammatory markers in the body.

The more inflammatory markers there are in the body, the more easily affected the body is affected by inflammation.

Fruits and vegetables

Forget your five-a-day target, Arthritis Foundation recommend "nine or more servings daily". This is because they're high in antioxidants, which act as the body's natural defence system.

Antioxidants help neutralise unstable molecules, known as free radicals, that would otherwise damage cells.

Fruits and vegetables can also decrease inflammatory markers in the body and can help prevent painful joints.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1432504/arthritis-diet-ease-inflammation-mediterranean

6 Signs Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Progressing

From self.com

How to know when it’s time for a checkup

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and discomfort that are impossible to ignore. With the right treatment plan, some people achieve remission, meaning they have few symptoms and low disease activity. But rheumatoid arthritis progression can happen even after years of managing your condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that impacts the lining of the joints, causing pain and swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Left untreated, the disease can progress and damage your joints or spread to other tissues in your body, including your heart, lungs, eyes, kidneys, and blood vessels.

The good news is that there are medications available that can improve and even resolve symptoms entirely, putting you into remission, says Beth Wallace, M.D., assistant professor of internal medicine at the University of Michigan and staff rheumatologist at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare Centre. Being in remission means that you have very few tender or swollen joints and no markers of elevated inflammation in the blood. Some doctors may also use scans like MRIs and X-rays to confirm there’s no visible inflammation, Dr. Wallace says. When you’re in remission and have no signs of disease activity, doctors feel pretty confident that the disease is not progressing.

But for many people, controlling rheumatoid arthritis to the point of having zero symptoms or flares is really difficult. Finding the right treatment protocol is often a long journey. And even if treatment is working enough to where you live comfortably with very minor symptoms, you may experience long-term joint damage if you still have some degree of inflammation, says Karmela Chan, M.D., rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

People who have a hard time controlling their rheumatoid arthritis with medications are at a higher risk of progression and need to be the most vigilant about tracking symptoms, Dr. Wallace says. That said, anyone with the condition should pay close attention to how they feel and talk with their physician about any changes in their symptoms or new health concerns even if they seem unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis.

Here are some signs to watch for that your rheumatoid arthritis may be progressing, despite treatment.

1. Your pain and swelling have returned.

For starters, pain is always a good indicator of rheumatoid arthritis progression, Dr. Chan says. “It’s especially telling if you start on medication and you get better, and then later on you start to develop pain again,” Dr. Chan tells SELF. However, some patients may have trouble noticing or admitting their pain has increased if it’s still at a bearable level, Dr. Wallace says. After you’ve experienced a lot of rheumatoid arthritis pain and finally got it to a tolerable place with medication, small increases may be a blip on your radar. Furthermore, Dr. Wallace says some individuals don’t want to acknowledge new pain if it’s minimal because it saves them from going through the process of figuring out a new treatment strategy.

But it’s never a good idea to ignore your pain, as it can signal that your body still has a moderate amount of inflammation or disease activity. And getting your condition under control and into remission will keep the disease from progressing and preserve your joints. Treating your arthritis quickly can prevent irreversible damage and allow you to do the things you love for years to come.

2. Your range of motion changes.

“Commonly, people will say their fingers don’t straighten anymore or they can’t bend or straighten them all the way,” Dr. Wallace says. “Their fingers don’t necessarily hurt more, but they don't work like they used to work." Any range of motion or function changes like these can indicate rheumatoid arthritis progression, even without accompanying pain or tenderness.

Most people with active rheumatoid arthritis have a limited range of motion in the joints most affected by the disease, Dr. Wallace says. For many people, this includes the joints in their hands, which makes it hard to do everyday things, like drink coffee. “A lot of people with active rheumatoid arthritis have problems with things like holding coffee cups, gripping steering wheels, chopping vegetables, things that require a tight grip,” she says. This is often worse in the morning and gets worse when a person is experiencing a flare.

Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend using supportive devices, like finger splints, to correct mild deformities. In situations where you have scar tissue or your joint function is severely limited, surgery may be necessary to regain proper functioning, according to Merck Manual.

3. You change your habits or activities to accommodate your joints.

Be mindful of how you move and feel while doing various activities throughout the day, such as yoga, standing, or cooking. For example, are you suddenly making adjustments so that your hands feel comfortable while making dinner? Are you avoiding clothes with buttons because you can't button them? These subtle behaviour changes can indicate rheumatoid arthritis progression, Dr. Chan says. “You might think that [these changes] are not a big deal because you can easily adjust how you do things and feel fine, but you want to bring that to your doctor’s attention,” she says.

Even if rheumatoid arthritis isn’t necessarily more painful, and the limitations are easy enough to work around, adjusting your treatment plan to address any underlying inflammation can help the disease from progressing.

4. You have pain and tenderness in new joints.

Typically, the joints that get worse during rheumatoid arthritis progression are the same joints that were most affected at the beginning of your diagnosis. “But people can develop changes in new joints that hadn’t been affected before,” Dr. Wallace says. So if you suddenly have chronic neck pain, then you may want to ask your doctor if it’s related to your rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis affects the smaller joints first, like those in the fingers and toes, and impacts larger joints like the knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders as it progresses, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Chan says it’s important that your doctor knows about any new joint symptoms. One of the ways your physician can monitor your rheumatoid arthritis is by counting how many swollen and tender joints you have during each visit, Dr. Chan says. It’s a sign the disease has progressed whenever new joints are added to the list.

5. Your joints look different.

Looking at your joints can help detect rheumatoid arthritis progression. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause visible distortions as the condition damages your tissues and bones. There are various ways that your joints may look different. For example, your finger or wrist joints may deviate to the side and bend toward your pinky if you developed an ulnar deviation, Dr. Chan says. It’s worth notifying your doctor any time your joints look different because these structural changes could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis progression, Dr. Chan says.

6. You develop new and unusual symptoms unrelated to your joints.

“Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect multiple tissues in the body, not just joints,” Dr. Wallace says. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 40% of people with rheumatoid arthritis experience symptoms in other areas of the body beyond the joints. (The eyes, lungs, heart, skin, kidneys, and blood vessels are common areas that can become inflamed because of rheumatoid arthritis.) “A lot of people develop inflammation in these other areas later in the disease as it progresses,” Dr. Wallace notes. You may not always notice symptoms, or even realize that a change in your eyesight or shortness of breath is in any way related to rheumatoid arthritis. This is why it’s really important to tell your doctor about any new symptoms or changes in your health, even if it seems unrelated. Uncontrolled inflammation in these areas can lead to more serious health impacts—like increasing cardiovascular disease risk, for example—so it’s important to keep your physician in the loop so it can be addressed, Dr. Wallace says.

It’s easy to think of these changes as no big deal. But being mindful of your pain levels, mobility, and overall health can help you spot the signs of rheumatoid arthritis progression. Understandably, experimenting with new medications can feel stressful, but finding a treatment plan that helps you feel your best will allow you to move and live better in the long term.

https://www.self.com/story/rheumatoid-arthritis-progression