A common misconception about arthritis is that it is an aging process, but age — also known as time — is only one of three factors. Our physicians at PC Medical Centres hear it all of the time. Patients are told by other providers, “You have the knee joint of an 80-year-old,” or, “You have the spine of a 90-year-old.” However, we see 60, 70, 80 and 90-year-olds all of the time with joints that look great. So, what are the other factors? First, let’s look at what degenerative arthritis is.
Degenerative arthritis — inflammation of a joint causing degenerative change — is a process in which a joint in the body has repetitive inflammation either in or around the joint, which causes the joint to start to degenerate. This repetitive inflammation generally comes from malfunction. Simply put, if the joint is not working correctly, damage will occur, and inflammation will be the result. If the inflammation occurs either constantly or on a regular basis, the joint will start to degenerate.
There are three factors that create degenerative arthritis. First is time, also known as age; second is function or how the joint is working; and third is use or pressure on the joint. This is why you can have one knee that looks great but the other knee has degenerative arthritis. Or, you can have one spinal joint that has zero injury but the next spinal joint has degenerative arthritis.
Basically, if you have a joint in the body that is not functioning very well (function) and you use it a lot (pressure), it will degenerate quicker.
The answer is to improve the function of the joint as much as possible and heal the previous damage. This is done by improving the joint mobility, improving the muscle balance and using joint injections to improve the healing response.
WEDNESDAY, April 26, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Could golfing be good medicine for arthritis?
Yes, according to researchers who found that for people with osteoarthritis, golfing lowered psychological distress and improved general health when compared with the general population.
"Golf is a health-enhancing source of physical activity, particularly for older adults," said lead researcherBrad Stenner, an occupational therapist at the Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity at the University of South Australia, in Adelaide. "Golf is fun, affordable and a sport for life, with clear physical and mental health benefits."
For people with osteoarthritis (often called the "wear and tear" form of arthritis), golf helps maintain joint range of motion, strength and endurance, and contributes to mental health and well-being. Playing golf is also associated with lower levels of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease, Stenner said.
"We found that golfers both with and without osteoarthritis had higher quality of life and, significantly, lower levels of psychological distress, which is an indicator of anxiety and depression," he noted. "Golf appears to help improve well-being via a number of factors, including exercise, community, friendship and a sense of belonging."
Many people with arthritis stop playing sports altogether, but the impact of arthritis on playing golf is unknown, Stenner said.
"Our study looked at benefits for those with arthritis, not factors that may be barriers. It would appear from our findings at least, that those with osteoarthritis can continue to play golf given its relatively low impact on the joints, and enjoy the benefits of doing so," he added.
For the study, Stenner and his colleagues surveyed 459 golfers with osteoarthritis. More than 90% of golfers rated their health as good, very good or excellent, compared with 64% of those in the general population who didn't golf, the investigators found.
Moreover, among people with osteoarthritis, 22% of non-golfers reported high to very high levels of psychological distress, compared with just 8% of golfers.
It may seem counterintuitive that physical activity can help reduce pain and improve the well-being of people suffering from osteoarthritis, but that's exactly what doctors recommend, said Dr. Ariel Goldman, an orthopedic surgeon at Northwell Health in Great Neck, N.Y.
"Because osteoarthritis ... is a degenerative disease of the cartilage in the joints, which provides gliding and shock absorption, you wouldn't expect patients to have better reports of their pain if they're more physically active," he said.
"But actually patients with arthritis who play golf have lower reports of arthritic pain than those that don't, and that goes along with other studies that show that more activity allows patients to deal with their osteoarthritis better," Goldman explained.
Regular physical activity can help improve pain, quality of life and reduce risk factors such as obesity, he added.
Golf is a relatively low-impact sport and can play a role in maintaining mental health and overall well-being, especially if you walk the course and don't use a golf cart, Goldman advised.
Other low-impact activities that may have the same benefits as golf include yoga, Pilates, tai chi, bowling, pickleball and just taking a walk, he said.
"This study, like many other studies, shows that low-impact physical activity helps the physical and emotional well-being of patients suffering from osteoarthritis," Goldman said.
When I took up running in college, a friend of mine scoffed at the idea. He hated running and was convinced runners were "wearing out" their joints. He liked to say he was saving his knees for his old age.
So, was he onto something? Does running really ruin your joints, as many people believe?
Runners can get arthritis, but is running the cause?
You may think the answer is obvious. Surely, years of running (pounding pavements, or even softer surfaces) could wear out your joints, much like tires wear out after you put enough miles on them. And osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, usually affects older adults. In fact, it's often described as age-related and degenerative. That sounds like a wear-and-tear sort of situation, right?
Maybe not. Sure, it's easy to blame running when a person who runs regularly develops arthritis. But that blame may be misguided. The questions to ask are:
Does running damage the joints and lead to arthritis?
Does arthritis develop first and become more noticeable while running?
Is the connection more complicated? Perhaps there's no connection between running and arthritis for most people. But maybe those destined to develop arthritis (due to their genes, for example) get it sooner if they take up running.
Extensive research over the last several decades has investigated these questions. While the answers are still not entirely clear, we're moving closer.
What is the relationship between running and arthritis?
Mounting evidence suggests that that running does not cause osteoarthritis, or any other joint disease.
These are just a few of the published medical studies on the subject. Overall, research suggests that running is an unlikely cause of arthritis — and might even be protective.
Why is it hard to study running and arthritis?
Osteoarthritis takes many years to develop. Convincing research would require a long time, perhaps a decade or more.
It's impossible to perform an ideal study. The most powerful type of research study is a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Participants in these studies are assigned to a treatment group (perhaps taking a new drug) or a control group (often taking a placebo). Double-blind means neither researchers nor participants know which people are in the treatment group and which people are getting a placebo. When the treatment being studied is running, there's no way to conduct this kind of trial.
Beware the confounders. A confounder is a factor or variable you can't account for in a study. There may be important differences between people who run and those who don't that have nothing to do with running. For example, runners may follow a healthier diet, maintain a healthier weight, or smoke less than nonrunners. They may differ with respect to how their joints are aligned, the strength of their ligaments, or genes that direct development of the musculoskeletal system. These factors could affect the risk of arthritis and make study results hard to interpret clearly. In fact, they may explain why some studies find that running is protective.
The effect of running may vary between people. For example, it's possible, though not proven, that people with obesity who run regularly are at increased risk of arthritis due to the stress of excess weight on the joints.
The bottom line
Trends in recent research suggest that running does not wear out your joints. That should be reassuring for those of us who enjoy running. And if you don't like to run, that's fine: try to find forms of exercise that you enjoy more. Just don't base your decision — or excuse — for not running on the idea that it will ruin your joints.
Arthritis affects over 50 million people in the U.S., according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are several types of arthritis, some of which include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, and all of which can cause pain and discomfort.
While arthritis treatment methods may vary based on the specific type and severity of the condition, there are multiple ways to help manage and reduce arthritis pain, including nutrition and supplements. Read on to learn more about the best supplements for arthritis pain and which nutrients might be helpful for your health needs.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation in one or more joints or the connective tissue surrounding the joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, of which osteoarthritis is the most common. Also referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage within a joint breaks down and most often occurs in the hands, hips and knees.
Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type and the severity of a particular case, but common symptoms among most types usually include joint stiffness, pain and swelling. Symptoms typically present when the affected joint becomes inflamed.
Arthritis is not a single disease but can be a symptom of another condition stemming from somewhere else in the body, such as the gastrointestinal system, heart, skin, eyes or kidneys, says Abayomi Ogunwale, geriatric specialist and assistant professor at the UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School.
“Sometimes when we think of arthritis, we think of the inflammation starting from the point of pain. That’s not necessarily the case,” says Maude Morin, a registered dietitian with JM Nutrition, a nutrition counselling service based in Canada.
For example, in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the body’s immune system triggers joint inflammation rather than a specific issue with the joint. In instances such as this, treatment may orient around gut health rather than directly treating the joint, as some evidence shows that a healthy gut microbiome can help eliminate or reduce how much inflammation is produced in regard to RA, says Morin
Best Supplements for Arthritis Pain, According to Experts
A healthy gut microbiome may support inflammation prevention, according to Morin, and individuals who eat a well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods might experience less arthritis-induced pain. Foods that contain probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir and kimchi, can also help contribute to a healthy gut microbiome.
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Research suggests a Mediterranean diet—which consists of large amounts of fruits, vegetables, fish, seeds and nuts and moderate amounts of dairy, eggs, poultry, red wine and olive oil—may help relieve arthritis pain, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
For individuals who’d rather not adhere to a specific type of diet, adding certain supplements to a daily health regimen may similarly help decrease arthritis symptoms.
Monounsaturated Fatty Acids
Monounsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory benefits and may help suppress the number of swollen joints or tendons and help decrease a person’s perceived pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, research suggests.
High-quality olive oil is one of the best food sources of monounsaturated fatty acids, says Morin, as one tablespoon of olive oil contains roughly 10 grams of monounsaturated fatty acids. To incorporate olive oil into a daily diet, Morin suggests aiming to consume at least two tablespoons a day in the form of a salad dressing, a dip for bread or as a substitute for butter in recipes. For people interested in taking a monounsaturated fatty acids supplement, she recommends 2 to 4 tablespoons a day, or 20 to 40 grams.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and maintain bone strength. Alternatively, research shows vitamin D deficiency may influence the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. One 2012 study in Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism observed that rheumatoid arthritis seemed to be more prevalent in participants with vitamin D deficiency. Additionally, research suggests vitamin D inadequacies in a person’s diet may increase their risk for knee osteoarthritis.
Vitamin D supplementation may be beneficial for the prevention of osteoporosis and pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The most bioavailable form of vitamin D is sunlight, though it’s also present in foods like salmon, tuna, egg yolks and products fortified with vitamin D, such as orange juice and dairy products. People who need additional vitamin D may consider using supplements, which can be purchased at drug stores or prescribed by a primary care provider.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends a dietary allowance of 600 international units (IUs) per day of vitamin D. For older adults, the NIH suggests between 400 IU to 800 IU of supplementation for older adults.
“In many cases, higher quantities [of vitamin D] can be safe and effective,” says Morin. However, it’s important to speak with your health care provider before increasing your dose of Vitamin D, as providers can check blood work to help determine the appropriate amount of Vitamin D for your needs, she adds.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated, essential fatty acids that help make hormones that regulate inflammation in the body, potentially helping control conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. More specifically, studies show that omega-3 fatty acids may help control the autoimmune response and reduce swelling and tenderness in joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Fatty, coldwater fish like salmon, sardines or mackerel are plentiful sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Tuna is also a plentiful source of omega-3 fatty acids, but may contain more mercury content than some other fish. Morin suggests consuming two 100-gram servings of fatty fish per week and supplementing with flax, chia and walnuts for additional plant-based omega-3s.
When consuming omega-3s in supplement form, Morin suggests starting with 1 to 2 grams per day. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 1.6 grams for adult males and 1.1 grams for adult females.
Fibre
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate most commonly found in whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables that helps regulate the body’s blood sugar, normalize bowel movements and lower cholesterol levels. People with high-fibre diets may have lower levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammation marker often linked to rheumatoid arthritis.
“Whole grains, beans and lentils are wonderful because of their fibre content,” says Morin. “They help to nourish your gut microbes like the probiotics in your digestive system. Different varieties of fibre help the [microbes] thrive and grow in terms of diversity and total population, which can reduce the amount of inflammatory compounds that [enter] the system.”
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends 38 grams of fibre for adult males and 25 grams for females.
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may relieve arthritis pain, says Morin. Research also finds curcumin beneficial for pain management and joint function in people with knee osteoarthritis.
However, to obtain enough curcumin for its health benefits, a person needs to consume excessive amounts of turmeric, says Morin. Instead, she recommends trying a curcumin supplement.
“The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, so ideally we are looking for this active compound,” explains Morin. “Whether it says “turmeric” or “curcumin” on the package doesn’t really matter, as long as the company has identified the active ingredients. If it only says turmeric on the side, I would keep looking.”
Many people experience benefits when taking 1,500 milligrams of curcuminoids daily, divided into doses of about 500 milligrams per meal, she adds.
What to Look for When Buying Supplement for Arthritis Pain
When looking at a supplement for arthritis pain, it’s important to understand the source of the supplement, its country of origin and how it’s made, says Morin. “Countries regulate supplemental products differently.”
Morin also recommends looking for a product with a third-party laboratory seal, as these supplements are lab-verified to contain the ingredients listed on their labels.
Avoid shopping for supplements in mega doses, or doses over 100% of the recommended daily value, adds Morin. “More is not necessarily better and rarely do we need those supermax doses,” she says. “The goal should be to take as little as possible and then increase as needed.”
Dr. Ogunwale warns against any supplements claiming to be a replacement for prescription medication or that claim to provide all the nutrients a person needs from a single supplement.
“The bottom line is that all these supplements are just support,” says Dr. Ogunwale. “They don’t replace standard pharmacologic treatment for the different types of arthritis. It’s best to eat well, and [let] whatever supplements we take support our nutritional needs.”
MONDAY, April 24, 2023 (HealthDay News) -- Most people have heard of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. But for some, psoriatic arthritis is the new kid on the block. Here’s what you need to know about psoriatic arthritis, including symptoms, types and treatments.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis(PsA), a progressive inflammatory condition of the joints and enthuses (places where the tendons and ligaments attach to bones), occurs when the immune system goes into overdrive and creates inflammation. This leads to pain and swelling. It is related to the skin disease psoriasis. Most people with psoriatic arthritis suffer from psoriasis first, although some don’t have skin issues until after the other symptoms begin.
Asymmetrical arthritis in the hands and feet of one side or the other
Symmetrical polyarthritis: similar to rheumatoid arthritis and affects both sides equally in multiple joints
Arthritis mutilans: rare, destroys and deforms joints
Psoriatic spondylitis: arthritis of the lower back and the spine.
Psoriatic arthritis causes and risk factors
While the causes of psoriatic arthritis are not completely understood, there are several known factors, according to the American College of Rheumatology.
Genetics: 40% of people with PsA have a family member with psoriasis or arthritis
Strep throat: It is suspected that the strep infection may be a trigger.
Some other factors that may put people at high risk or trigger PsA include:
Obesity
Severe psoriasis
Stressful events
Trauma to the joints or bones
Infections.
Some scientists believe genes and an environmental trigger such as a trauma or virus might have a part in the development of PsA, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
According to a study published recently in the journal JAMA Dermatology, there seems to be a causal effect between inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis/PsA. “These findings have implications for the management of inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis in clinical practice,” the researchers said when the study was published.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health,symptomsof psoriatic arthritis vary greatly from person to person. They may include:
Scaly, inflamed patches of skin (psoriasis) on the scalp, elbows or knees
Joint stiffness, pain and swelling of one or more joints. Joint stiffness is often worse in the morning or after resting
Tenderness in areas where tendons or ligaments attach to bones. Two commonly affected spots are the back of the heel and the sole of the foot
Painful, sausage-like swelling of a whole finger or toe
Frequent fatigue, abnormal tiredness, or a lack of energy
Nails that pit, crumble, or separate from the nail bed
Eye inflammation, resulting in eye pain, redness, and blurry vision. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent vision loss
Inflammatory bowel disease may occur in some people.
Psoriatic arthritis treatments
Because it affects both the skin and joints, psoriatic arthritis is a complex condition to treat, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Treatments include a combination of therapies comprised of medications and non-drug therapies such as exercise, massage, heat and cold.
Psoriatic arthritis medications include the following:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory meds such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
Biologics, such as TNF inhibitors such as Humira (adalimumab), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Enbrel (etanercept), Simponi (golimumab) and Remicade (infliximab)
Corticosteroids, which are injected into the joint for temporary relief during a flare-up.
Exercise -- as with other types of arthritis, staying active helps
Massage -- stress can cause flare-ups and massage helps with stress
Heat and cold -- may help decrease the inflammation
Physical and occupational therapy -- to strengthen muscles, protect joints from further damage and increase flexibility
Water therapy -- some people find it easier to move while in the water, which partly supports the body’s weight.
While psoriatic arthritis can be a life-altering diagnosis, with proper treatment and lifestyle adjustments, many people with this condition can continue to live an active, fulfilling life.
Arthritis refers to the swelling in one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness. Additional symptoms might include tenderness, redness, and decreased range of motion. Treatment for arthritis will depend on the arthritis type and aims to reduce pain, improve quality of life, and prevent joint damage.
Arthritis conditions can affect different joints in the body. Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are the most common types. The most commonly affected joints in OA are the weight-bearing joints (i.e., knees, hips, and feet). RA mainly affects the joints of the hands, wrists, and knees.
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For noninflammatory arthritis, like OA (which occurs with age), you can get pain relief with over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, exercise, rest, and heat and cold therapies.
Inflammatory arthritis conditions like RA, which occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues, require prescription treatment. Such treatments include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, OTC pain relievers, exercise, hot and cold therapies, and other natural or nonmedicinal options.
You will work with a healthcare provider to determine what pain relief options might best manage your pain based on your arthritis type and unique health situation.
The article will cover arthritis pain relief options, including physical activity, heat and ice therapy, OTC and prescription pain relief medicines, complementary remedies, and more.
Physical Activity
Physical activity is a great way to manage and reduce arthritis pain. It can also help improve joint function.
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for people with arthritis. This can include low-impact physical activities, such as walking, biking, swimming, and water activities that might ease arthritis pain and are safe for most adults.
Physical therapy is also helpful for managing symptoms, increasing your mobility, and improving your function. A physical therapist can teach you specific exercises to help you move easier and with less pain.
Heat, Ice, or Both
Both heat and ice can manage your arthritis symptoms. Heat can increase blood flow to promote joint, muscle, and tissue healing and ease aches and stiffness. In contrast, cold can help ease pain and swelling.
Heat treatments for arthritis pain can include warm showers or baths to ease stiffness and soreness. An electric blanket or heating pain can reduce aches and pain and ease discomfort so you can sleep better at night.
Ice treatment options for arthritis pain include gel ice packs or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel. Apply the ice to painful joints.
Over-the-Counter Arthritis Medication
You have many different OTC options for arthritis pain and discomfort. These can help manage arthritis, especially in its early stages, and include oral medicines and topical pain relievers (lotions, creams, patches, etc.) that can be applied directly to the skin above the affected joint.
Oral Medicines
According to the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the most effective OTC remedies for managing OA pain.They can also help manage inflammatory arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation.
Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) can be purchased without a prescription and work by reducing the body’s production of prostaglandins—hormonelike substances that, in response to injury or illness, lead to inflammation, swelling, and pain.
But these drugs have side effects, mainly when used in high doses for long periods. Side effects include ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, reduced clotting, kidney function troubles, and allergic reactions.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is another OTC pain-relief medication to manage arthritis. It works by reducing how the brain perceives pain. It does not decrease inflammation but can be an option for people who cannot use NSAIDs.
Acetaminophen can cause side effects, including skin reactions and liver damage, if taken in large doses over prolonged periods or when used with too much alcohol.
Topical Pain Relievers
Topical pain relievers are applied directly to the skin to dull joint pain. They can sometimes make skin feel hot or cold. Because they do not affect the whole body, they have fewer side effects than oral pain relievers.
Your OTC topical pain relief options include:
Capsaicin, a substance found in chili peppers, is an ingredient in some topical pain relief lotions and creams. Capsaicin can provide warmth to soothe affected joints and is available for purchase OTC without a prescription.
Counterirritants or pain relief topicals can contain menthol, eucalyptus, camphor, or wintergreen.
Lidocaine is a topical numbing agent that interrupts the brain’s pain signals.
Salicylates are chemically similar to aspirin and have a mild anti-inflammatory effect.
Voltaren (diclofenac) can ease joint pain in the knees, ankles, feet, elbows, wrists, and hands.
Follow Directions
Read the product labelling for OTC pain relievers carefully and measure doses according to those directions.
A healthcare provider can also prescribe stronger versions of available OTC topicals if needed to manage your joint pain.
Pain Relief Without NSAIDs
Pain and inflammation can be managed using NSAIDs. But these medicines, especially when taken in high doses and for long periods, can eventually lead to liver and kidney problems, heart attacks, strokes, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, and other serious health issues. Alternative therapies, including topical pain relievers, complementary remedies, herbs, and supplements, can help you avoid these risks.
Complementary Arthritis Remedies
Complementary arthritis remedies are healthcare practices that are not part of traditional medicine. Many of these have evidence and safety studies behind them and are sometimes combined with conventional therapies.
Acupuncture
This ancient Chinese medical practice uses thin needles inserted at specific points in the body. Research shows it offers short-term relief for people with arthritis. While there is little evidence of its long-term benefits, the risk of harm with acupuncture is low.
Omega-3 Fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for reducing inflammation, and an increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids might reduce your pain and stiffness. They may even protect your joints from damage. The most common sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fish oil and flaxseed. You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from your diet or supplements.
Herbal and Dietary Supplements
Some herbal or dietary supplements might reduce joint pain, but there is not enough research evidence on which supplements best treat arthritis pain or inflammation.
Herbal and dietary supplement options that might reduce arthritis pain include:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor herbal and dietary supplements for quality and safety, so buying your supplements from a reputable source is important. Talk to your healthcare provider before you try a new supplement, as some can cause serious side effects or adverse drug reactions.
Massage
The research on massage shows some evidence that massage is superior to nonactive therapies for reducing pain and improving function. Your options for massage include going to a day spa, getting a massage as part of physical therapy, and using handheld devices or massage chairs.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Therapy
Research on mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, and relaxation training shows these therapies can improve function and offer higher pain tolerance in people with arthritis. These therapies are designed to bring about relaxation or mindful responses, resulting in a reduced negative response, slower breathing, reduced heart rate, and lower blood pressure, which is the opposite of a stress response.
You can learn about mindfulness meditation, biofeedback, or relaxation techniques through educational videos and websites or from a mental health professional.
Mental Health and Arthritis Pain
The symptoms of anxiety and depression are common in American adults with arthritis, says the CDC. These symptoms can lead to reduced treatment responses and a poor quality of life. But improving your mental health and treating mood disorders might lead to less joint pain.
Let your healthcare provider know if you experience symptoms of anxiety or depression or seek out treatment or referrals to therapists or other mental health services.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and uses movements and positions to slow down the body and mind. Some studies have found it to help reduce pain and stiffness and improve physical function in people with arthritis. You can learn about tai chi by taking a class or locating educational videos online.
Yoga
Like tai chi, yoga is an ancient practice that brings together the mind and body through breathing exercises, meditation, and poses that encourage relaxation and stress reduction.
Regular yoga training has been found to help reduce arthritis symptoms, promote physical function, and improve general well-being. Studies have also found some benefits for reducing RA pain and inflammation.
Can CBD Help Arthritis Pain?
Cannabidiol (CBD) products, including CBD oil, might help relieve arthritis pain and inflammation, improve sleep, and reduce anxiety. CBD oil contains extracts from cannabis plants, and many people use it to manage chronic pain conditions. Unfortunately, there has been a lack of scientific evidence to date proving CBD can be an effective arthritis treatment for humans.
If you want CBD to manage your pain, being cautious and educating yourself on the risks is crucial. Inform your healthcare provider so they can monitor you and ensure you are not at risk for adverse drug interactions.
Corticosteroids: These drugs, available as oral pills and injections, reduce inflammation by behaving in the same way that natural cortisol works. They work quickly and are given for short periods because of the risk of severe side effects with long-term use.
DMARDs: Conventional DMARDs, like methotrexate and sulfasalazine, stop or slow down inflammation that leads to joint damage. A conventional DMARD drug is one of the first treatments you will get for inflammatory arthritis. Two other subsets of DMARDs are biologics and targeted synthetic DMARDs and can be combined with a conventional DMARD.
Biologics: These potent drugs work well for many people with inflammatory arthritis. They are given as an injection you give yourself or by intravenous (IV) infusion. But they are expensive drugs and can make you more vulnerable to infections. Your healthcare provider will prescribe these medicines after carefully weighing the benefits and risks of such treatments.
Targeted DMARDs: These medicines slow down arthritis disease processes by tapering down the overactive effects of the immune system. Targeted DMARDs are known as small-molecule DMARDs and are taken by mouth. Two targeted DMARDs are available for treating inflammatory arthritis: Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors and phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE 4) inhibitors.
Prescription pain relievers: If you are experiencing severe pain related to arthritis and treatments are not helping, your healthcare provider might prescribe an opioid medication. Some commonly prescribed opioids for arthritis pain are tramadol, codeine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone. These medicines should be taken cautiously because they pose risks of overdose and addiction.
Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can make tasks easier on your joints. These products keep joints in the best position for functioning so you can avoid injury and extend your range of motion without pain. Simple devices, such as jar openers, reachers, zipper pulls, and easy-grip utensils, are available to purchase online and can make your life with arthritis a lot easier.
If you have mobility troubles, a therapist, such as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or orthotist, can recommend mobility devices and aids can help you determine what might best help you. Mobility devices and aids that can be helpful for people with arthritis include:
Canes
Crutches
Walkers
Knee braces
Air splints
Shoe inserts
Orthopaedic shoes
Arthritis Surgery
If arthritis leads to severe joint damage, you may need surgery to fix or replace damaged joints, reduce pain, and improve joint function.
Surgical options for people with arthritis include:
Synovectomy (removing the synovial membrane lining a joint)
Total joint replacement (TJR) or minimally invasive TJR (removing all or part of a joint and replacing it with other materials)
Surgery is considered when all other options for treating arthritis pain have failed or joints no longer work because they are too damaged.
Summary
The term “arthritis” covers a range of conditions that affect the joints and lead to pain and inflammation. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common types of arthritis.
If left untreated, arthritis can lead to joint damage and mobility and function troubles. Fortunately, you have plenty of pain relief options. Some are available over the counter as oral medicines and topical therapies. Others require a prescription and are available as pills, topical medicines, injections, and IV treatments.
Physical activity and physical therapy are safe and easy options to manage arthritis and reduce pain and stiffness. Your healthcare provider might also recommend natural options for managing pain, from ice and heat therapy to supplements and herbs, massage, acupuncture, mindful meditation, yoga, and more. It is also vital to protect your joints by using assistive devices and mobility aids.
Surgery might be considered for damaged joints, especially when all other therapies have failed.
Discuss all your treatment options with your healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider before trying natural remedies because some of these may pose harm or affect how prescription treatments work.
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