'I'm a Rheumatologist, and These Are 2 Things You Should Never, Ever Do If You Have Arthritis'

From parade.com

Find out what works better, straight from a doctor 

Arthritis isn't just painful. It’s disruptive and can get in the way of living life fully. Arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in the U.S., can cause swelling, pain and stiffness. It can make simple actions like walking or typing difficult.

What can help take this type of pain away? As a rheumatologist explains here, there are some treatment options people seek out that truly can help, but there are two popular treatments he warns against.

                                                                                    MoMo Productions/Getty Images

2 Things You Should Never Do If You Have Arthritis, According to a Rheumatologist

Dr. Julius Birnbaum, MD, MHS, is an associate professor of rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and author of Living Well with Autoimmune Diseases: A Rheumatologist's Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health. He hears from patients regularly about how the pain of arthritis is impacting their life.

Even though the pain can be debilitating, Dr. Birnbaum warns against using opioids to manage it. “In most cases, the use of opioid medications should not be the first-line medication used. Furthermore, opioid medications should not be used before conservative strategies are tried,” he says.

The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons has this stance as well. On their site, they explain that opioids do not provide long-term relief for arthritis. Additionally, people who take opioids and have joint replacement surgery are at an increased risk for complications after surgery, including infection, needing a second surgery and becoming dependent on opioids.

There is something else Dr. Birnbaum warns people with arthritis against. “During the treatment process, a physician might decide that corticosteroid injection into an affected joint is warranted. This is referred to as an ‘intra-articular’ joint injection. However, patients should avoid intra-articular injection of glucosamine,” he says. According to scientific research, there is insufficient evidence that injecting glucosamine (a natural compound found in cartilage) into the joint is beneficial.

What To Do Instead

What does Dr. Birnbaum recommend instead? He recommends exploring options that include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and exercise, such as tai-chi or yoga. “In many situations, there can be topical use of NSAIDs that can be applied to a few joints and does not carry the risk of systemic absorption,” Dr. Birnbaum says.

It’s important to talk to your doctor about which treatment method is the best fit for you. For example, Dr. Birnbaum says that NSAIDs can be beneficial for some people with arthritis, but people with kidney disease or bleeding disorders shouldn’t take them. He adds that duloxetine is another medication that can also be used, especially if there is a contraindication to NSAIDs.

Scientific research shows that gentle movement, like tai chi, is linked to reducing pain and improving physical functioning in people with knee arthritis. It’s also associated with lower rates of depression. Similarly, scientific research shows that yoga can help people with arthritis safely increase their level of physical activity and improve overall physical and mental health.

If you have obesity, Dr. Birnbaum says that weight loss can be a beneficial part of an arthritis treatment plan. Weight loss reduces the amount of stress put on joints and also increases physical function. Scientific research shows that obesity is associated with a faster profession of osteoarthritis compared to people at a healthy weight.

Treating arthritis doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all plan. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what treatment option is the best fit for you. But turning to opioids or an intra-articular injection of glucosamine as a first treatment option isn’t a good idea for anyone. An alternative treatment plan may take longer to work, but it will be safer and more successful long term.

https://parade.com/health/what-not-to-do-if-you-have-arthritis

Experts Now Reveal Proven Tricks to Play Golf Despite Arthritis

From newswire.net
By Michelle O'Sullivan

Experts also recommend doing some warm-up exercises and this could be as simple as a brisk 5- to 10-minute walk or light jog prior to going to the practice range

(Newswire.net -- May 25, 2020) Orlando, FL -- Painful conditions like arthritis continue to hinder people from working, doing household tasks, and even playing their favourite sports. The good news is that for golfers, there are actually ways to play despite having the condition.

According to research, around 40 percent of golfers play with injuries, mostly to the elbows, lower back, or shoulders. Having arthritis aggravates possible injuries on the hips, knees, and hands.  

One of the best ways to play golf despite arthritis is to have a condition program, which can be made with the help of a golf professional or golf-specific physical therapist. It is similarly important for players to maintain their target weight.

Being overweight has been found to place significant impact loads on various joints, and this does not just cause pain but also worsens arthritis.

Experts also recommend doing some warm-up exercises and this could be as simple as a brisk 5- to 10-minute walk or light jog prior to going to the practice range. There are many helpful steps that could enable players to perform well.

It is wise to stay hydrated and eat before playing. It can be helpful to consume complex carbohydrate foods and low-fat, lean protein. 

Osteoarthritis affects millions and millions of people in the United States alone. This condition often necessitates the use of pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is worth noting that NSAIDs may be obtained via prescription or over-the-counter.

These medications can also produce side effects, and this is why experts also warn against its use. In some studies, it’s linked with the increased odds of stroke, heart attacks, and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Golfers who want to manage their condition better in a natural way may take into account using certain all-natural, widely-studied remedies like glucosamine. 

This naturally-occurring compound can be obtained through the use of highly potent formulas like VitaBreeze Glucosamine. 

Scientists say glucosamine may be helpful in repairing joint cartilage damage, and this is highly beneficial in cases of osteoarthritis. The use of this natural remedy is actually linked with various benefits, such as its ability to enhance mobility.

It reduces physical limitations and this is one of the reasons why it could be helpful for golfer OA sufferers.

VitaBreeze Glucosamine could be a cost-effective, remarkable choice for individuals who want to experience the therapeutic goodness of this natural remedy. 

This triple strength formula offers 1500mg Glucosamine (obtained from shellfish), 1000mg Chondroitin, 600mg MSM, 300mg Turmeric for optimal joint health.

Aside from being loaded with super therapeutic ingredients, every capsule is free from unnecessary, unwanted, and nasty ingredients and substances like GMOs, binders, fillers, additives, sodium benzoate, lead, mercury, PCBs, titanium, preservatives, and heavy metals (https://www.amazon.com/Glucosamine-Chondroitin-Turmeric-Dietary-Supplement/dp/B00DUMO9X4).

https://newswire.net/newsroom/pr/00119626-experts-now-reveal-proven-tricks-to-play-golf-despite-arthritis.html

Best supplements for arthritis: Three supplements to help prevent painful joints

From express.co.uk

Arthritis is a common condition that can have debilitating symptoms. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, but what can you do to reduce your risk of developing it? An expert says supplements may help.

Osteoarthritis affects nearly 9 million people in the UK, according to the NHS, and can occur at any age. The condition is caused by the wearing away and less repair of the cartilage lining of the joint, and can make movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. So is there anything you can do to reduce your risk of developing the condition? LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist Matt Courtney-Smith said taking one of three supplements could help.

He said: “If you’re concerned that vitamin or mineral deficiencies may be impacting your joint health or is increasing your risk of developing osteoarthritis, supplements may help.

According to Matt, glucosamine, boswellia and omega-3 may be effective.
He explained: “There is research into Glucosamine’s ability to help maintain and repair cartilage in the body, which is important in staving off the onset of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine supplements are available as tablets, capsules and powders and can be found in most pharmacies.
“Boswellia is an ancient natural supplement which has also been shown to slow down cartilage damage, and there are targeted joint supplements which contain this ingredient.
“You could also consider Omega-3 supplements as they are well-known to help reduce inflammation, including around the joints, helping to prevent inflammatory arthritic conditions.”

Matt also recommends setting healthy weight goals, maintaining strong posture and staying active to reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.

     Best supplements for arthritis: Supplements could help prevent painful joints (Image: GETTY)

Set healthy weight goals

Excess weight can place additional pressure on the joints, which can sometimes increase the risk of wear and tear of the cartilage around the joints, according to Matt.
He said: “A little weight loss may help to relieve pressure on the joints, particularly the knees and hips, helping to prevent osteoarthritis or reduce the symptoms if you already have the condition.
“There are some simple lifestyle changes that you can make to help support your weight loss such as eating plenty of fruit and veg and drinking plenty of water. Try to eat high-fibre foods as these can help to keep you fuller for longer, and be sure to cut down on alcohol – a glass of wine can have as many calories as a piece of chocolate.”

        Best supplements for arthritis: Boswellia has been shown to slow down cartilage damage

                                                        (Image: GETTY)

Maintain strong posture

Your posture is important for a number of reasons, including preventing the onset of osteoarthritis, said Matt.
He added: “Maintaining good posture will help your body naturally distribute weight evenly across your body, instead of putting unnecessary pressure or stress on particular areas of the body.
“If you have a desk-based job, try to ensure that you don’t slouch and take regular breaks. When standing you should try and distribute weight evenly on both legs, avoiding leaning on just one leg. You should ideally keep your shoulders back, with your feet hip width apart, relaxing your knees whilst keeping your legs straight.”

       Best supplements for arthritis: Omega-3 is well-known for helping reduce inflammation

                                                                   (Image: GETTY)

Stay active

Regular exercise is extremely important to help increase the strength of the muscles surrounding the joints, which helps protect the bone and cartilage from wearing down, said Matt.
He warned: “However, the type of exercise you do can affect your risk of osteoarthritis. Too much running and weight training can put unnecessary strain on your joints, increasing the impact of wear and tear on the joints, potentially increasing your risk of the condition.
“If you’re concerned about your risk of osteoarthritis, choose activities such as walking and cycling, which will help build muscle strength, without as much impact. Yoga is also a great gentle exercise for those concerned about their risk.”

Weight-bearing exercises such as walking could help to increase the strength of the muscles surrounding the joints, which could help to prevent and reduce the severity of arthritis.
Matt added: “This is due to the fact that muscles can help support joints, alleviating stress and associated pain.
“If you do start experiencing niggles, or are concerned about your joints, drug-free gels such as Flexiseq Osteo help to restore lubrication in the joints, maintaining healthy joints and supporting mobility.”
Supplements are recommended to help protect against a range of ailments.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1168465/best-supplements-arthritis-osteoarthritis-glucosamine-boswellia-omega-3