10 frequently asked questions about Rheumatoid Arthritis

From d1softballnews.com

Early on, rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints first, especially those that connect the fingers to the hands and the toes to the feet.

It is the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis that can also damage other parts of the body.

When a patient is diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) it is natural for them to feel concerned, for that reason it is important to ask their rheumatologist.

However, here we share some of the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

1. What is Rheumatoid arthritis? It is an inflammatory condition of the synovium and the membranes that surround the joint. It is the inflammation that causes the symptoms of swelling, increased temperature and pain. In addition, it can cause stiffness, anaemia, tiredness and affects other organs.

2. What causes the disease? We don’t know, but we do know that environmental and genetic factors are important. There are genetic factors that together with environmental factors, bacteria, viruses can trigger the development of RA.

3. Is this condition hereditary? Rheumatic diseases in general they are caused by the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors. Although there are studies that show that identical twins are more likely to develop RA if one of them has it; however, in the general population, the interaction of multiple factors is necessary. It means that if you have RA, your children are not necessarily going to have it.

4. Can RA be cured? RA is an incurable disease, but with the treatments we have today we can control the symptoms and signs of the disease. We can’t cure it because we don’t know what causes it.

5. What can I do to improve my condition? It is recommended that you get good rest, eight hours of sleep at night, a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Exercise should include: stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercises. Aquatic exercises are also very helpful.

6. What is the most recommended diet to follow? There is no particular diet that has strong scientific evidence. However, in recent years it has been found that a low-gluten diet improves the inflammatory process.

7. Can I continue working with AR? The answer to this question is a bit complex and must be individualized, according to the patient, the severity of the condition and the type of work they do. In general terms I have to say that at the beginning of the disease it is a little more difficult to work because of morning stiffness, swelling, pain and tiredness. But as your treatment progresses and your disease improves, you may be able to stay at your job, although in some cases, small changes may be necessary.

8. What type of medications are used to treat the condition? The treatment plan is individualized according to the condition of each patient. Treatment is usually started immediately after the diagnosis is made. Medications range from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, steroids, or cortisone as they are usually known). Biological agents (etananercept, infliximab, adalimumab, anakinra, abatacept, golimumab etc.) are also used. The medication your doctor chooses for you depends on the stage of the disease, your general health, lifestyle, health insurance, and use of other medications that may interfere.

9. How long should I use the medications? The use of medications is variable, but in general terms they are medications that are going to be used for life. Yes, we can have episodes in which we can change the doses or frequency of medications, but removing them completely is unlikely.

10. Can I get pregnant with the condition? Rheumatoid arthritis does not affect fertility or the chances of getting pregnant. In fact, the disease usually improves during pregnancy, but it can have an exacerbation in the first three months postpartum. However, the pregnancy should be planned and discussed with the obstetrician and rheumatologist to be sure that the medications you are using do not affect the baby. Remember that in these cases we ensure both the well-being of the mother as well as the baby.

https://d1softballnews.com/10-frequently-asked-questions-about-rheumatoid-arthritis/ 

Arthritis: The 30p food that could help ‘maintain healthy joints’ - symptoms to spot

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS describes a common condition characterised by inflammation and pain in your joints. Fortunately, some of the unpleasant symptoms of the joint condition can be reduced by dietary changes. This includes a 30p food that targets two aspects of arthritis.

Arthritis or similar joint conditions affect more than 10 million people in the UK. This joint condition usually develops in your mid-40s or later but it can also target children. Here’s one dietary tweak that could help prevent inflammatory arthritis and maintain healthy joints.

Perhaps the worst aspect of arthritis is the pain characteristic for the condition. What you eat and drink can play a part in managing symptoms, according to Arthritis Foundation. Like any diet for boosting your health, the principles of the arthritis diet aren’t much different.

However, there’s one specific food that can cost as little as 30p and target problems that come with the condition - orange.

        On top of that, vitamin C can also help maintain healthy joints. (Image: GETTY)

Orange is known for its rich content of immunity-boosting vitamin C. In fact, the round fruit packs around 53 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams. And this vitamin is the potent part when it comes to arthritis, with the “right amount” offering aid in preventing inflammatory arthritis.

On top of that, vitamin C can also help maintain healthy joints, the charity reports. Other good fruit choices that offer vitamin C include grapefruits and limes.

If you want to go wider than just one food, there’s a whole diet that is packed with fruit and known for its beneficial effects on arthritis.

Mediterranean diet is thought to lower inflammation and even “lessen” joint pain, according to Arthritis Foundation. As the name gives away, the Mediterranean diet brings together the healthy habits of people who live around the Mediterranean Sea.

Although it can vary from country to country, it usually contains vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains and fish.

Perhaps the best-known part of this diet is the golden liquid used to season Mediterranean foods - olive oil.

This healthy diet is also characterised by a low intake of meat and dairy foods. From anti-inflammatory effects to reducing pain, the individual components of the Mediterranean diet offer various benefits for arthritis management.

                          Arthritis: Orange could help ‘maintain healthy joints’. (Image: GETTY)

As there are many different types of arthritis, the symptoms can differ based on the exact type. However, some general signs include:

• Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
• Inflammation in and around your joints
• Restricted movement of your joints
• Warm red skin over the tricky joint
• Weakness and muscle wasting.

The NHS stresses the importance of getting “an accurate diagnosis” if you suffer from these.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1568709/arthritis-diet-orange-maintains-healthy-joints-symptoms

 

Exercise and Rheumatoid Arthritis: How Much Is Enough?

From orlandohealth.com

If you suffer from joint pain and stiffness because of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), exercise can be difficult — but it’s essential. Not being active can worsen your symptoms. 

This autoimmune and inflammatory disease is a malfunction of the body’s own immune system that results in limited joint mobility, pain and swelling. 

Usually RA affects the joints in your hands, feet and knees but can progress to other tissues and organs, including lungs and blood vessels. The chronic condition occurs when your body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissues. 

Affecting 1 percent of the population, RA has no specific cause, but there are factors that appear to increase risk: 

• Age. RA can begin at any age, but onset is highest among adults over 60.

• Sex. Women are two to three times more likely to develop RA.

• Genetics. People born with genes called HLA (human leukocyte antigen) are at increased risk.

• Smoking. Smoking (and exposure at a younger age to second-hand smoke) increases susceptibility.

• Obesity. Being overweight increases both risk and pain associated with RA. 

How To Manage RA Symptoms 

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are steps and treatments that can increase your joint mobility, lessen pain and help with your normal daily activities: 

• Corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory drugs can decrease inflammation and help control pain.

• Medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow the disease and prevent joint deformity.

• Weight loss reduces the stress on your joints.

• Quitting smoking and dietary changes can minimise inflammation. 

To improve your overall function, studies have shown that RA patients who have an exercise plan that includes flexibility, aerobic and resistance training see the best results. 

Motion Is the Lotion 

It may feel counterintuitive to make movement a priority when your joints already hurt, but inactivity can actually make many RA symptoms worse. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends adults get 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, and this includes those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. 

There are four types of exercises that can deliver positive results for reducing RA symptoms: 

• Flexibility. Stretching and range-of-motion exercises not only warm up muscles before any workout but improve flexibility and function of the affected joints.

• Aerobic. “Joint-friendly” activities such as biking, walking and swimming can improve heart, lung and muscle function, plus deliver the added benefits of weight control, better sleep and even overall increased happiness.

• Strengthening. Resistance training works your muscles (especially those near the affected areas), providing greater joint support and improved function.

• Balance. Body-awareness exercises such as yoga or tai chi assist with posture and coordination and help to reduce the risk of falling (especially important if RA is affecting the knees and ankles). 

Work with your medical team to assess your condition and create a plan that addresses your specific limitations and helps control flare-ups. And as with any exercise program, listen to your body and stop any activity if you feel sharp or acute pain.

https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/exercise-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-how-much-is-enough 

Can you get arthritis after Covid-19? Here's what you need to know

From hindustantimes.com

Are you troubled by severe joint pain with swelling post Covid-19? It could be reactive arthritis. Here's what you need to know

Recovered Covid-19 patients may continue to experience symptoms like body ache and fatigue in many cases. While most post-Covid complications ease on their own, for others you need to be watchful of specific symptoms. For instance, severe joint pain and body stiffness in the early morning are signs that you may be suffering from reactive arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis.

Reactive arthritis occurs post infection, associated with bacteria causing infective diarrhoea or urinary tract infection. The body's immune system seems to overreact to the infection and starts attacking healthy tissue, causing it to become inflamed. But the exact reason for this is unknown. People who have a gene called HLA-B27 are much more likely to develop reactive arthritis than those who don't but it's unclear why.

Covid-19 is known to cause certain autoimmune diseases which includes reactive arthritis. The symptoms start a week after Covid infection and affects males more than females.

Symptoms of reactive arthritis

"The joint pains mainly affect knees, ankles and feet though occasionally may also involve wrist and shoulders. The intensity of pain in reactive arthritis tends to be moderate to severe in intensity, associated with joint swelling, early morning stiffness lasting for more than half an hour," Dr Puneet Mashru, M.D (Medicine); S.C.E Rheumatology (U.K), Consultant-Rheumatologist at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital told HT Digital.

How to diagnose reactive arthritis

"The diagnosis of reactive arthritis is a clinical diagnosis. We generally recommend blood tests for signs of inflammation, antibodies associated with other types of arthritis and genetic marker linked to reactive arthritis (HLA b27)," adds Dr Mashru.

How to manage reactive arthritis

* The arthritis can be managed by using painkillers in most patients and the disease may resolve by itself over a few weeks.

* Using icing may also help to alleviate the pain and reduce inflammation.

"If these agents are insufficient then joint injections or arthritis medications (disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs) like sulfasalazine or occasionally a short course of oral steroids may be needed," says the rheumatologist.

A physiotherapist can provide you with targeted exercises for your joints and muscles once the acute inflammation starts reducing. Strengthening exercises increase the joint's support by developing the muscles around the affected joints. Range-of-motion exercises can increase your joint's flexibility and reduce stiffness.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/can-you-get-arthritis-after-covid-19-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-101644391299728.html

When to See a Rheumatologist for Arthritis

From tahoedailytribune.com

Arthritis is a common condition most people will struggle with at some point in their life 

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, or “wear and tear” arthritis, that happens as we age or may occur earlier in areas of prior injury.

Other causes of osteoarthritis include obesity, a family history of osteoarthritis, and joint deformities, such as unequal leg length, bowlegs, or knocked knees. This type of arthritis will usually affect weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees, as well as hands and spine.

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the joint, especially with use. You may also experience stiffness, cracking, and a bony enlargement or swelling of the joint.

Management options will often include diet, exercise (including physical therapy), medications to help with pain, medicines injected into the joint itself, or surgery with a joint replacement. These management options are most often discussed with your primary care provider who may then refer you to a physical therapist, physiatrist (physical medicine & rehabilitation specialist), or an orthopaedic surgeon.

However, there are less common types of arthritis caused by autoimmune issues, called “inflammatory arthritis,” that include rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body. It is a chronic arthritis that most commonly affects the hands, wrists, and feet, and causes inflammation that can destroy and deform the joints. RA may also involve systemic inflammation that can affect your heart, lungs, or eyes.

Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people with psoriasis. It is an inflammatory arthritis that can affect small joints (fingers and toes), as well as large joints and the spine. It is also caused by a malfunction of the immune system, where it attacks the skin and the joints.

Management of both rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis may include many of the same options as osteoarthritis. However, there are special types of medications used in the treatment of these types of arthritis, called disease modifying agents, or “DMARDs.” These medicines work on the immune system to decrease pain and inflammation, as well as prevent damage and deformity to the joints. Such medications are prescribed by a rheumatologist trained in autoimmune issues, which is why it is important to be aware of the different types of arthritis and know when to see a rheumatologist.

Signs that you may have an inflammatory/autoimmune type of arthritis often include joint pain associated with a red, hot, and swollen joint (without a known injury), morning stiffness of more than one hour, or other concerning systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or fatigue.

Your healthcare team, including your primary care provider, are able to help navigate such symptoms and determine when further testing and/or referral to a rheumatologist is necessary.

https://www.tahoedailytribune.com/healthy-tahoe/when-to-see-a-rheumatologist-for-arthritis/

Seven ways to manage your arthritis symptoms

From fiftyplusadvocate.com

There is unfortunately no cure for arthritis, but it can be successfully treated, and the symptoms managed. The term arthritis actually refers to a wide variety of ailments (over 100) related to the body’s joints and surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. Symptoms usually include joint pain and stiffness. 

Nearly 60 million adults in the US suffer from arthritis, a number that is expected to rise as the country’s population ages. Arthritis is the third highest cause of worker disability, after back and neck problems and mental health issues.

Here are seven ways to help manage your arthritis symptoms:

1) Consult with your doctor

This should be your starting point if you have not already done it. While you can do a lot of self-management of symptoms, you need to start with a solid medical diagnosis. A physical exam and questions from your doctor can help determine the cause of your joint pain, since there are so many types of arthritis, and the extent of any damage. Your doctor can help you come up with a treatment plan, which will likely include some of the same suggestions included here. You may also be referred to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other related ailments.

2) Stay active with the right kinds of exercise

All exercise is not created equal. While being active is one of the best things you can do to decrease your symptoms, the wrong types of exercise can actually make things worse. You want to do exercise that strengthens the muscles that support your joints but doesn’t damage the joints. Do stretches, and low-impact cardio work such as bike riding, walking, or swimming or pool exercise classes. Stay away from running, anything that involves jumping, high-impact aerobics, and high amounts of repetitive motion. Besides being good for your joints, exercise will improve your mental state and help with weight control.

3) Weight loss

Excess weight puts additional stress on joints. If you are overweight or obese, try to get down to a healthier weight for your height and body type. It doesn’t have to be a drastic weight loss; losing even 10 to 15 pounds can reduce your arthritis symptoms.

4) What you eat

Diet can be very helpful in managing arthritis symptoms. Many of the foods to minimize or avoid are the ones you’ve heard about before to improve your overall health. They include foods with added sugars, like candy and sweet baked goods, and sugary soft drinks, processed foods, saturated and trans fats, and alcohol. Foods that will help with arthritis symptoms include green vegetables, such as spinach, broccoli, and brussels sprouts, whole grains, and fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, which contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help with inflammation.

Dr. Barry Taylor, a naturopathic doctor in Weston, had this to say about diet. “One of the biggest things is to minimize animal food and eat more vegetables. Minimize acid foods and maximize alkaline foods,” he emphasized. “Drink minimal coffee and consume minimal sugar and alcohol.”

Also, stay hydrated. Try to drink two quarts of water a day. Joint cartilage is mostly water, and when it’s dehydrated it breaks down more easily and makes injury more likely.

5) Medications and supplements

The most common medications used to treat minor arthritis pain and swelling are over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Cortisone shots by a doctor are sometimes used to reduce pain and inflammation, but they are used sparingly because they can reduce bone density and increase the risk of fractures.

The Arthritis Foundation mentions several supplements on its website that appear to offer benefits for arthritis sufferers. Curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, often found in curries, acts as an anti-inflammatory. One study of several hundred people with knee osteoarthritis found that 1500 milligrams daily of curcumin extract was as effective as 1200 milligrams a day of ibuprofen.

The polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids in fish, which are available in pill form as a supplement known as fish oil, have also been cited as helpful for arthritis due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

“Alfalfa supplements alkalize the body and are very inexpensive,” added Taylor. “They also seem to really help.”

6) Therapies

Traditional physical therapy, usually thought of in relation to recovering from an injury can also be helpful for treating arthritis symptoms. PT can help increase range of motion, improve muscle strength to support the joints, and help target the source of joint pain. Other helpful therapies include hydrotherapy, such as hot tubs, massage, and acupuncture.

7) Adaptive devices

There are also a wide variety of adaptive devices and equipment, much of it inexpensive, that can make everyday tasks easier for someone with arthritis. These range from canes for walking, to grab bars in the bathroom, jar openers and long-handled grippers to retrieve items stored high or low, to wide key holders to make it easier to turn a car ignition. There’s likely something for nearly any task that is difficult or painful for an arthritis sufferer if you do your research.

It’s not inevitable

Are there factors besides aging itself that increase your risk of developing arthritis? “As people get older, many develop poor nutrition habits and move less,” explained Taylor. “People tend to get entrenched in their mind and their body follows.”

Taylor stressed that misconceptions about arthritis make some people believe that it’s a natural part of aging. “It’s not inevitable,” said the 71-year-old, especially if you eat right and stay physically active. “It doesn’t come with Social Security.”

https://www.fiftyplusadvocate.com/2022/02/01/seven-ways-to-manage-your-arthritis-symptoms/ 

The #1 Best Food for Arthritis, Says Dietitian

From eatthis.com

This food can greatly reduce painful swelling and inflammation 

The pain and frustration from having arthritis can be enough to drastically affect your day-to-day life. The stiffness and swelling that it can cause in your joints can make it difficult to do everyday tasks, as well as participate in your favourite activities. And unfortunately, the pain usually grows with age. 

However, if you have arthritis, there are things you can do to help alleviate some of the pain and swelling. And one major way of reducing the inconvenience caused by arthritis is eating healthier foods. 

According to Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD a registered dietitian at Balance One Supplements, the best food you can eat if you have arthritis is any food that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be something like "fatty fish, walnuts, or chia seeds."

                                                        Shutterstock

Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory

According to the Mediterranean Journal of Rheumatology, an omega-3 fatty acid-rich diet can not only help prevent certain types of arthritis, but it can also make your experience of rheumatoid arthritis less painful.

Omega-3 fatty acids are mainly known to help reduce inflammation, something that is key in living with arthritis. "An anti-inflammatory diet is an ideal diet for those living with RA," says Best, "and this is primarily due to arthritis being an inflammatory condition."

Balancing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Many people have heard of omega-3 fatty acids, but omega-6 fatty acids are less commonly known. These polyunsaturated fats, which you can find in vegetable oils, as well as most types of nuts and seeds, are pro-inflammatory when consumed in excess.

And according to Best, "when there is an imbalance between the two (omega-3 and omega-6), the body will be chronically inflamed." So finding a balance of omega-3 and 6 is key for reducing inflammation. 

The takeaway

The foods that are going to be highest in omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. You can also get these fatty acids through walnuts, chia seeds, soybean oil, and canola oil.

And if you're not into eating these foods, you can always talk to your doctor about taking an omega-3 supplement. 

https://www.eatthis.com/best-food-for-arthritis/