Foods to help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation

From dnaindia.com

List of foods to reduce arthritis pain and inflammation

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are many ways to manage the pain and inflammation, including making changes to your diet. Here are four foods that may help with arthritis pain and inflamed joints:

Fish: Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Eating fish regularly may help reduce joint pain and swelling in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Some good options include salmon, mackerel, and sardines.

Fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. Some options to consider include leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, as well as berries, tomatoes, and peppers.

Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are another good source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as other anti-inflammatory compounds. Some options to try include almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.

Turmeric: Turmeric is a spice that contains curcumin, a compound with potent anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that taking curcumin supplements can help reduce joint pain and swelling in people with osteoarthritis. You can also add turmeric to your meals for a flavourful and healthy boost.

In addition to adding these foods to your diet, it's also important to maintain a healthy weight and to get regular exercise. Excess weight puts extra strain on the joints, which can make arthritis pain worse. Exercise, on the other hand, can help to strengthen the muscles around the joints and improve flexibility.

Overall, incorporating these four foods into your diet may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the joints. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

https://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report-foods-to-help-reduce-arthritis-pain-and-inflammation-3014116

 

Does weight loss help in the management of arthritis?

From daijiworld.com

New Delhi, Dec 30 (IANSlife): Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis can be difficult because of the chronic pain, swelling in the joints, and limited mobility that can lower one's quality of life. Although the disorder cannot be reversed, maintaining a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle can help moderate the illness. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your immune system begins to attack your own healthy body tissues, just like any other autoimmune disorder.

As the disease worsens, RA causes the synovium to inflame and eventually erodes the bone and cartilage that make up the joint. As the tendons and ligaments holding the joint in place deteriorate, RA causes the joint to become misaligned and out of shape. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis are between the ages of 30 and 50, and women are found to be more susceptible than men.

Can weight loss help in managing arthritis?

Arthritis can make you susceptible to weight gain, due to reduced physical activity. Losing weight is one of the most critical things that your doctor may advise you as it can prove to be highly beneficial in managing arthritis. Research has proven that obesity and arthritis do not go well together and have established that extra weight can create havoc for your joint health. However, since RA patients have body aches, swelling and fatigue, shedding kilos often becomes difficult for patients suffering from arthritis. Reducing the stress on your joints by losing weight will improve your mobility, decrease pain and prevent future damage to your joints.

How can arthritis patients lose weight?

Lack of physical activity and use of certain medications make it difficult for people with RA to lose weight. Due to this, many patients struggle to effectively manage the condition. By following some simple tips and practices, patients suffering from RA have a better chance of losing weight.

Avoid crash dieting - People should avoid having unrealistic expectations of their bodies and must not fall for internet fads like "crash dieting" which often do more harm than any good to their bodies. It is important to understand that losing a little weight at a time is a healthier approach and will help you maintain balance. With short-term approaches, they may lose weight initially but results will be short-lived and may weaken their metabolic rate, affect their immune system, disturb bowel habits, heighten immune response and reduce their energy levels that can ultimately cause more inflammation. So, it is advisable to get a fitness regime and adapt a structured diet instead of crash dieting.

Intermittent fasting: Develop an eating pattern and create a cycle between the periods of eating and fasting. A balanced cycle can be where you fast for 16 hours and then eat for 8 hours. During these fasting windows your body will get plenty of time to rest leading to reduced inflammation. It is recommended that you discuss your diet plan with your doctor before adopting it.

Autoimmune Protocol Diet: This is a relatively new food-based approach that helps in eliminating unwanted inflammation in a person's body. It is a very restrictive diet which mainly includes meat and vegetables that improves gut health, builds proper nutrient density, determines food sensitivities and regulates blood sugar and the immune system to reduce inflammation and balance hormones. If this diet is followed for almost a month, then it can help you get rid of inflammatory foods, gut irritants, and immune stimulants.

Consume adequate water and nutritious foods - Patients suffering from arthritis need to be mindful while eating and should observe their body cues and eat only when they are feeling hungry. Such patients should also keep a strict check on their portions as it can prevent them from emotional eating. Additionally, arthritis patients must consume at least 4 to 5 litres of water to lose weight, boost energy and postpone muscle fatigue. Consuming adequate amount of water can help in feeling full for a longer duration without adding any additional calories.

Reduce Sodium intake: For an average adult, only 2,300 mg per day of salt or about a teaspoon of ordinary iodized table salt is recommended. If the consumption is higher, then you will feel bloated and will gain weight. One should limit their sodium intake to 1,500 mg per day to avoid weight gain. For middle-aged and older adults with high blood pressure, about two-thirds of a teaspoon of salt per day is recommended.

Other measures such as getting adequate sleep, consuming foods rich in vitamin B, D, Omega 3 acids and magnesium and supplementing the body with glutamine can help with the cramps and can ensure proper muscle function.

https://www.daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=1034674 

Damages That Arthritis Can Cause If It Is Left Untreated For A Long Time

From news.abplive.com

In Rheumatoid Arthritis, joints of the hands, wrists, feet, and knees are mainly affected. Typically, the disease causes your joints to swell and shows an array of symptoms including joint pain and stiffness

New Delhi: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease wherein your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues of the body causing inflammation. In RA, joints of the hands, wrists, feet, and knees are mainly affected. Typically, the disease causes your joints to swell and shows an array of symptoms including joint pain and stiffness. RA affects the lining of the joint called synovium, causing inflammation of the synovium, and destruction of the joint cartilage, leading to chronic pain and deformity.

If not treated early, the effects of RA can go beyond your joints and may spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.

What Complications Can RA Cause In Different Organs?

When RA is not treated properly it can lead to a host of serious complications and can develop in several organs including lungs, eyes, skin, and heart.

Lungs: Rheumatoid Arthritis can cause interstitial lung disease that presents as chronic cough and breathlessness during exertion. Airway involvement can also lead to reactive airway disease and bronchiectasis.

Eyes: When you get diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, you can feel severe dryness or inflammation in your eyes. If you often have dry eyes, it is recommended to get them checked by a doctor and get them properly treated.

Skin: Skin rashes and ulcers on arms and legs can be seen among people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart: Long-standing untreated rheumatoid arthritis can put patients at a 2-fold risk of developing cardiovascular disease and strokes.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The signs and symptoms of RA include pain and swelling in multiple joints, severe early morning stiffness in joints, joint tenderness, weight loss, fever, fatigue, weakness, and tiredness. Since RA is a progressive disease, these symptoms typically get worse. However, with timely treatment, the progression of RA can be managed effectively.

What Causes RA?

While the exact cause of RA is unknown, certain factors like age, sex, genetics, and illicit habits like smoking, pregnancy, and obesity can increase the risk of developing the disease.

Even though RA can begin at any age, its incidence increases with age. The onset of RA is highest among senior citizens of the age group 60 years and above. People with a genetic background of RA, smokers, and people who are obese are also at a higher risk of contracting RA.

Several studies have also indicated that women are more prone to develop RA than men and carry a 2-3 times higher risk. These studies have also highlighted that women who have never given birth or have late pregnancies are also at a greater risk of developing RA.

How Is RA Diagnosed And What Is The Treatment Method?

If you have the signs and symptoms of RA, you should consult a doctor (Rheumatologist) who will diagnose the disease by reviewing your symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and doing X-rays and lab tests. It is recommended that you get it diagnosed within 6 weeks of the onset of the symptoms, to stop or slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatments can suppress or control the inflammation that can help in reducing the damaging effects of RA.

The treatment of the disease involves the use of medications called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that slow the disease and prevent joint deformity. Biologic DMARDs are an effective second-line treatment. Additionally, people can also adopt several self-management strategies that can reduce pain, prevent disability and allow them to pursue the activities that they want to engage in.

How Can You Manage RA And Improve Your Quality Of Life?

While RA can significantly affect your daily living, fortunately, there are multiple strategies through which you can improve your quality of life:

Physical Activity: Getting moderate physical activity for 150 minutes per week, like walking, swimming or cycling for 30 minutes a day for five days a week can not only improve your quality of life but can also reduce your risk of developing other chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and depression.

Participate in self-management education class: You can gain confidence by participating in such classes as they will provide you with information on how you can control the symptoms, and live well with the disease.

Quit Smoking and Maintain a Healthy Weight: Cigarette smoking can make the disease worse, reduce responsiveness to medications, and can further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence, quitting smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight can have a positive impact on you and can help you manage the condition better.

https://news.abplive.com/lifestyle/damages-that-arthritis-can-cause-if-it-is-left-untreated-for-a-long-time-1572276

Explained: Hip Osteoarthritis And Hip Replacement Surgery: All You Need To Know

From indiatimes.com 

Highlights

The most common type of arthritis affecting the hip is osteoarthritis, simple wear and tear on the joint over time, and it is most common in people over 60.The joints that become affected, how badly they are affected, and when they become affected vary from person to personUnfortunately, once arthritis advances, it is extremely hard to control.

Hip arthritis occurs when cartilage in the hip joint wears down or is damaged, causing the joint bone surfaces to grind together and become rough. This causes pain and stiffness, making the movement of the leg difficult.

There are various types of hip arthritis, but all involve a loss of cartilage in the hip joint, which eventually leads to bone rubbing on bone and joint destruction.

Contributing factors of hip arthritis

Hip Osteoarthritis | Stock

The most common type of arthritis affecting the hip is osteoarthritis, simple wear and tear on the joint over time, and it is most common in people over 60. The risk of developing hip arthritis rises with family history and age. Overweight patients and those who have had hip joint trauma may experience increased cartilage wear.

The joints that become affected, how badly they are affected, and when they become affected vary from person to person, depending on other factors unique to each individual, such as:

- Hip anatomic structure (a person's natural bone strength/ angles)

- Weight

- Level of activity

Unfortunately, once arthritis advances, it is extremely hard to control. These processes result in cartilage loss in the hip joint, resulting in bone-on-bone rubbing in the hip. The degree of pain and disability experienced by people with arthritis, on the other hand, varies greatly.

Hip Osteoarthritis | Stock image

Symptoms of hip osteoarthritis

- Aching groin, outer thigh, and/or buttock pain

- Joint stiffness

- limited range of motion (for example, difficulty putting on shoes and socks)

Walking and other motions that stress the diseased hip cartilage usually increase pain symptoms and reduce a person's ability to be active levels in people with hip osteoarthritis. Simultaneously, inactivity - not moving the body much - can weaken the hip joint muscles, making daily activities even more difficult.

Surgical treatment

Hip arthritis can be managed in various ways, depending on the severity of arthritis, the patient's age, anatomy, and underlying condition. Hip arthritis surgery options range from operations that preserve the hip joint to those that completely rebuild it, with treatment options including nonsurgical, surgical, or a combination of the two. If non-operative treatments have failed to alleviate a person's condition, surgery may be the best option for treating hip arthritis.

Joint replacement surgery, either total or partial

Hip Osteoarthritis | Istock image

Total hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is the removal of the damaged parts of the hip joint and socket and replacement with artificial implants made of metal, ceramic, or very hard plastic. This artificial joint (prosthesis) aids in the reduction of pain and improvement of function. This surgery may be an option if hip pain interferes with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments haven't helped or are no longer effective.

Partial hip replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, involves replacing only one side of the hip joint, the femoral head, rather than both sides, as in total hip replacement. This procedure is mostly performed on elderly patients for hip fractures Hip resurfacing: was developed as an alternative to total hip replacement (which may be appropriate for some patients), the arthritic cartilage and acetabulum (socket) are replaced while the person's natural femoral head is preserved. Because of higher failures of some designs usage of hip resurfacing is now drastically declined.

Recovery

• Physical Therapy: Daily activity and exercise can help you regain joint and muscle function. A physical therapist can advise you on strengthening and mobility exercises and teach you how to use a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches. You'll gradually increase the weight you put on your leg as therapy progresses until you can walk without assistance.

• Home rehabilitation: Before you leave the hospital, you and your caregivers will provide instructions on how to care for your new hip. To ensure a smooth transition, follow practices like getting help from a friend or relative to prepare some meals ahead of time, placing daily items at waist level to avoid bending down or reaching up, etc.

About the author: Dr. Narayan Hulse is the Director - Department of Orthopaedics, Bone and Joint Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author. 

https://www.indiatimes.com/explainers/news/explained-hip-osteoarthritis-and-hip-replacement-surgery-all-you-need-to-know-588462.html

‘Trying not to overdo it’: What to tell patients about gout flares and holiday feasts

From healio.com

The holidays for many people represent a time of indulgence in food and drink, but for patients with gout, these feasts can be veritable minefields that can trigger painful flares.

What’s worse, there is often a social pressure to take part.

And although data illustrating the connection between diet and many rheumatic diseases is sparse, there is an undeniable connection between gout and the food people consume. 

Healio sat down with Kenneth Saag, MD, the division director of clinical immunology and rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to discuss the biggest dangers related to food for patients with gout during the holiday season, and offer insight into counseling patients on how to mitigate the risks for flares.

Healio: How can a person’s diet impact rheumatic diseases?

Saag: Diet has some minimal impact on rheumatic diseases, particularly gout. Diets that are high in purines can influence a risk for developing gout flares. It is very common for people to indulge in a high-purine diet and to experience a flare in their gout. That is probably the most consistent association.

The other effects of diet on rheumatic diseases are slightly more circumspect. There is interest, for example, in various anti-inflammatory products like fish oil as potentially having some mild immunomodulatory effects in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, but the data is more sparse. Also, the quantities that would need to be consumed are quite substantial to see any sort of mediating effect.

Healio: Other than gout, are there any other diseases where diet may have an impact?

Saag: Not really. I would just use rheumatoid arthritis as an example of a systemic, inflammatory illness where very potent anti-inflammatory food products, such as high concentrations of fish oil, could have a benefit. I would not generalize that, though.

Healio: What holiday foods spring to mind as items patients with gout should avoid indulging in?

Saag: The most common holiday food product that people indulge in is alcohol, and that is a clear risk factor for developing gout flares. Overindulgence in beer, liquor and perhaps even wine, can precipitate gout attacks.

Healio: What about shrimp and other types of shellfish? Are there other foods patients should be aware of?

Saag: Those are good ones. Foods that are rich in purines, which include seafood and meat, are the ones that can potentially contribute to gout attacks. The associations that patients report in studies confirm that associations are quite profound around things like shellfish and substantial intake of meat products.

Healio: What do you tell patients who are seeking counselling on this topic around the holidays?

Saag: I would tell them about the specific foods, but also about the quantities. The holidays tend to be a time of some overindulgence. Trying to not overdo it is probably the main thing to keep in mind. Weight gain is also a risk factor for developing gout, ultimately, and exacerbating things like osteoarthritis.

Healio: What would you tell other rheumatologists who are counselling patients on diet and gout flares around the holidays?

Saag: This is counselling they likely do all the time. Patients often bring this more to rheumatologists than rheumatologists bring to patients. They are often very tuned in to different dietary factors and are concerned about what impact that might have on their rheumatic diseases. With the exception of gout, that data is a little sparse about what actually helps or hurts various rheumatic diseases.

Healio: Do you believe food counselling is something that should be brought up by rheumatologists to discuss with their patients?

Saag: Making sure that people are consuming a general, healthy diet is important. Patients with many inflammatory diseases are also at risk of accelerated cardiovascular disease, so heart-healthy diets can be of some benefit. Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet is of a general health benefit as well. In patients who are overweight, the risk for osteoarthritis may increase, putting stress on joints that are enflamed.

Healio: If a flare occurs during the holidays, what should a patent do to alleviate their symptoms?

Saag: People with gout flares should follow the advice of their physicians regarding how to manage those. Treatment approaches are personalized to individual patients based on their other medical conditions. Anti-inflammatory drugs or backing off of the dangerous activity would be the starting point for those things.

https://www.healio.com/news/rheumatology/20221222/trying-not-to-overdo-it-what-to-tell-patients-about-gout-flares-and-holiday-feasts 

Arthritis pain may trigger in winter; Ice vs heat therapy- what is better?

From indiatvnews.com 

Arthritis and joint pain go hand in hand in winter. Know how ice and heat therapy might help in relieving stiffness and inflammation

Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Though there’s no cure, one can use natural treatments such as ice and heat therapy to slow its progression and manage symptoms. Doctors and physical therapists often recommend hot and cold therapy to soothe the aching or stiff joints of arthritis and to increase mobility. Heat and cold therapy are common treatments for arthritis due to their ability to alleviate pain, discomfort, and stiffness in joints, muscles, and soft tissues. 

Both ice and heat therapies work in reducing the pain, we can say that for some types of injuries, heat treatment is best but for some ice packs is the way to go. It can’t be stated which is the better of the two. Whether to apply hot water or an ice pack, it totally depends on the type of injury and pain a person is suffering from.

One can use a combination of heat and cold therapy based on the symptoms and which treatments one finds most effective, convenient, and enjoyable. Depending on time, convenience, and preference, arthritis patients may add some of these therapies to their routine. 

                                           Know whether to use ice or heat therapy for Arthritis   Image source: FREEPIK

Types of heat therapy

Heat therapy improves circulation and causes your blood vessels to expand. This helps your body to deliver more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected area, which may reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

• Swim or exercise in warm water
• Saunas and steam rooms
• Warm compress
• Hot shower

Types of cold therapy

Cold therapy is best for painful, inflamed joints, making it the best option for acute pain, inflammation, or swelling. It may be beneficial to do cold therapy after exercise or physical activity that causes discomfort.

• Ice massage
• Ice bath
• Ice pack
• Cold bath or shower

Heat and cold therapy may help ease arthritis symptoms. Heat therapy increases blood flow and may help to soothe stiff joints. In contrast, cold therapy constricts blood vessels and may be useful in reducing stiffness and inflammation.

Disclaimer: The article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute as medical advice. Please consult a doctor before starting any treatment.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/health/arthritis-pain-may-trigger-in-winter-ice-vs-heat-therapy-what-is-better-health-tips-2022-12-20-832703

Myths and Facts About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

From everydayhealth.com

Proper diagnosis and treatment are key when it comes to this autoimmune condition, the most common form of arthritis affecting children and teens. Clearing up misconceptions can help 

The term juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a mouthful, and it can easily be misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about the condition.

JIA, the most common form of arthritis that affects children and teens, is an autoimmune disorder in which a person’s body attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovial membranes, and causes inflammation. It can lead to pain, swelling, and joint deformity, as well as issues such as eye inflammation, enlarged organs, and other problems. Also called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, JIA is the preferred term. There are several forms of JIA, including oligoarticular arthritis, which affects up to four joints in the body; polyarticular arthritis, which affects more than four joints; and systemic arthritis, which affects the entire body. All forms are considered idiopathic, meaning it’s unknown exactly what is causing the problem, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

How much do you know about JIA? Here are five common myths and facts about JIA:

1. Myth: Arthritis Is Just For "Older People"

Fact: JIA is diagnosed in kids; it’s even got “juvenile” in its name. “But most children don’t outgrow it,” says Yukiko Kimura, MD, chief of the division of paediatric rheumatology at the Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital in Hackensack, New Jersey, and a professor of paediatrics at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley, New Jersey. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, for a long time it was believed that many children would eventually outgrow juvenile arthritis. It is now known that the “majority of the children diagnosed with juvenile arthritis will continue to have active arthritis 10 years after diagnosis, unless they receive aggressive treatment.” 

JIA is diagnosed in children up to age 16, and it affects about 1 in 1,000 children, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It may go into remission, according to the Arthritis Foundation, or last a lifetime, depending on different factors.

2. Myth: JIA Is No Big Deal

Fact: Getting a proper diagnosis and the right treatment can prevent serious health problems. According to the Cleveland Clinic, such problems can include permanent joint damage; bone problems that inhibit a child’s growth; long-term arthritis and loss of function; eye problems that can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, or potential blindness; and inflammation of the heart or lungs.

“JIA can cause a lifetime of chronic pain, limb deformity, joint disability, and poor growth, if not treated rapidly and properly,” says Dr. Kimura. Fortunately, newer medications that are now available have significantly improved patient outcomes and reduced pain, she adds.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, treatment for JIA can help “relieve pain, reduce swelling, increase joint mobility and strength, and prevent joint damage and complications. Treatment generally includes medications and exercise.”

3. Myth: My Child's Paediatrician Will Know What To Do

Fact: JIA is best managed by a paediatric specialist who understands arthritis and related immune-related diseases and conditions, says Kimura. That kind of practitioner will know about the latest drugs for treatment, which tend to be more effective. “Since newer treatments are available that work so well, it is important that children and adolescents who may have arthritis are seen as soon as possible by a trained paediatric rheumatologist,” she says.

One way to find out about current research on JIA is to enrol in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry and Biorepository, which collects and analyses information from patients with paediatric rheumatic conditions, in an effort to prevent and treat those diseases.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is best managed by a paediatric specialist who understands arthritis and other immune-related diseases and conditions              Getty Images

4. Myth: My Child Is Too Young To Be On JIA Medications

Fact: Children are not too young for JIA medications, says Kimura. “If they are not treated soon and properly, they can face a lifetime of health problems, which are a terrible reality.” She adds that “medications to treat JIA depend on the type of JIA, which is why proper diagnosis is so important.”

The doctor will discuss which treatment is best for your child’s particular diagnosis, and common medications include methotrexate and newer biologic medications such as several TNF inhibitors, abatacept (Orencia), tocilizumab (Actemra), and JAK inhibitors such as tofacitinib (Xeljanz), says Kimura. Other newer medications to treat specific types of JIA include secukinumab (Cosentyx) and ustekinumab (Stelara). Systemic JIA can be treated with IL-1 inhibitors such as anakinra and canakinumab (Ilaris) as well as tocilizumab and other IL-6 inhibitors.

“These newer medications have worked wonders to rapidly improve pain and other symptoms in JIA and have drastically improved outcomes in JIA in the past 10 to 20 years,” says Kimura.

Kimura recently presented research at the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting that showed that people with polyarticular JIA who began taking biologics and other newer medications early, within months of diagnosis, were more likely to show clinical remission of their JIA than those who waited longer to start treatment. Kimura’s study observed 297 people with the condition and followed up with them 12 months and two years after treatment began. After three years of treatment, of those who began taking a conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug and a biologic drug together early in their treatment plan, 67.1 percent reported reaching clinical remission of their JIA. In a group that began methotrexate monotherapy and then added a biologic drug after three months if needed, only 47.3 percent were in clinical remission. The study will continue to follow up with these subjects over a 10-year period.

The side effects of these medications can vary and should be discussed with the treating rheumatologist, says Kimura.

5. Myth: I Can Easily Find A Doctor To Help My Child With JIA (United States)

Fact: Unfortunately, one of the reasons these myths persist is that “there is a terrible shortage of paediatric rheumatologists, substandard knowledge and training about JIA in medical schools, and not enough specialists to see these patients,” says Kimura. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are only about 350 such specialists throughout the United States.

If you live near a major city or academic medical centre, you’ll likely have options, the Arthritis Foundation notes. But if not, you may need to drive to another town or even another state to see a paediatric rheumatologist or an adult rheumatologist who also treats kids.

To find a paediatric rheumatologist:

• Talk to parents of other kids who live with JIA; there are online support groups where you can meet them.
• Search the American College of Rheumatology’s online directory to look for a paediatric specialist.
• Ask your health insurer for a list of recommended or covered specialists in your area.
• Check in with your local office of the Arthritis Foundation and area medical centres.

It may be challenging, but getting a timely diagnosis and proper treatment is crucial when managing this condition. 

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/myths-and-facts-about-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/