Coping With Brain Fog When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

From everydayhealth.com

While rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not commonly thought to affect the brain, research shows that many people with the condition have some level of cognitive impairment.

“Brain fog is a pretty common symptom that a lot of my patients complain about,” says Nilanjana Bose, MD, a rheumatologist practicing in Houston. Cognitive functions in people with RA are often reduced and the impairment is worse in those with active disease compared with people in remission.

Learn what causes brain fog, what it feels like, and how you can minimize your cognitive symptoms.

What Does RA Brain Fog Feel Like?

People describe brain fog as a hazy feeling or cobwebs in their brain. It’s a non-scientific term that’s used to describe a range of cognitive symptoms, including trouble thinking clearly, focusing, remembering, and making decisions. It’s often associated with fatigue, a common symptom of RA.

When researchers study brain fog, they assess cognitive deficits in attention, working memory, processing speed, and executive function skills.

                                                                                                                             Getty Images

Causes of Cognitive Impairment in RA

The leading theory behind brain fog in RA, and in many chronic conditions, is inflammation. Chronic inflammation, specifically the activity of cytokines like tumour necrosis factor (TNF), is known to affect neural activity in the brain — the way brain neurons communicate with each other.

One study of people with RA found that those who had cognitive impairment had more inflammatory activity over the course of their illness than those without cognitive impairment. When RA is well controlled, meaning inflammation is kept at bay, symptoms like fatigue and brain fog tend to improve as well.

While the disease itself can cause inflammation, there are other conditions — some common in people with RA — that may also cause brain fog, as well as certain medications.

“Attributing the symptoms of brain fog to RA should be a diagnosis of exclusion as other possible causes should be investigated,” says Dallas-based rheumatologist Scott Zashin, MD. These include:

• Cardiovascular Disease Narrowed arteries from atherosclerosis can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain and this condition has been linked to cognitive decline. Likewise, major events like stroke and heart attack may also contribute to cognitive impairment.
• Fatigue Poor sleep or other chronic conditions can cause mental fatigue, which contributes to brain fog. “In my mind, low energy and brain fog are intertwined,” says Dr. Bose.
• Pain Chronic pain is a known contributor to brain fog. Some researchers have theorized that pain processing uses up mental resources, so your brain can’t carry out other functions as easily.
• Depression The prevalence of depression in rheumatoid arthritis has been shown to be two to three times higher than in the general population.
• Menopause has been associated with brain fog, and treatments like hormone therapy may help relieve symptoms.
• Medications Long-term use of certain medications, such as methotrexate and steroids, may contribute to cognitive impairment, while some medications that control the overall inflammation may help preserve cognitive impairment or decline. Speak to your healthcare provider about which medications are right for you.
• Obesity is known to increase inflammation, and obesity can also contribute to sleep apnoea, which can cause fatigue.
• Thyroid Disease An underactive thyroid can cause symptoms similar to brain fog. RA patients are at risk for thyroid disease, so it’s important to have your healthcare team review your entire history if you’re experiencing any memory impairment.

Treating Brain Fog in RA

It’s not easy to treat brain fog, often because it’s hard to determine the exact cause. But the first thing you can do is make sure that your RA is being treated aggressively, so that your RA is in remission or at the lowest disease state possible. Reducing inflammation is the most effective thing you can do, says Bose. That may mean increasing or changing medications if yours are not effective enough.

Your doctor should also check you for other conditions that may be causing brain fog. They can order screening or diagnostic tests for any of the conditions mentioned above. They should also check if any of your medications may be contributing to the RA.

Lifestyle Measures That May Help

While there’s limited research on how effective lifestyle measures are, several approaches are generally recommended to reduce inflammation or fatigue, both of which contribute to brain fog.

Nutritional Issues If you’re deficient in certain nutrients, it can exacerbate fatigue and brain fog, so it’s a good idea to check your levels of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron. Also, your doctor can check your electrolyte levels, which may contribute to brain fog, says Zashin. A few supplements are known to have anti-inflammatory properties, like fish oil, which is high in omega‐3 fatty acids. Check with your providers to see if these are appropriate for your condition.

Adequate Sleep When you’re sleep deprived, it affects your ability to focus and make decisions, and can also make symptoms like pain and depression worse. “Sleep is an issue in 90 percent of my patients with RA,” says Bose.

The first step is to treat any conditions that may affect sleep, like sleep apnoea, depression, pain, or night sweats from menopause. It’s also helpful to follow good sleep habits, like reducing screen time, dimming bright lights at night, and avoiding alcohol at night and caffeine after noon.

Healthy Diet An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is recommended for anyone with inflammatory conditions. These diets are usually rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Regular Physical Activity Exercise can reduce inflammation. It also has a positive effect on your energy and mood, and can ease pain and stiffness.

Stress Management Stress can lead to a number of risks for brain fog including poor sleep, increased pain, and mood disorders. Consider some stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

The Takeaway

• Effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through medication can reduce inflammation, which may, in turn, alleviate symptoms like brain fog and fatigue.
• Identifying and treating other underlying conditions, such as cardiovascular issues, sleep problems, or nutrient deficiencies, can address cognitive impairments associated with RA.
• Lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet like the Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques, may provide additional relief from cognitive symptoms.
• If you experience persistent or worsening brain fog, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure comprehensive treatment and rule out other serious health concerns.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatic-conditions/brain-fog-when-you-have-rheumatoid-arthritis/

How Loneliness Affects Your Patients With Arthritis

From physiciansweekly.com

The experience of loneliness profoundly impacts overall well-being and self-management in patients with inflammatory arthritis (IA), according to a study in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.

“Overall, there is a critical need to address loneliness as an essential issue for people with IA, highlighting the necessity for increased support and recognition,” wrote Bente Appel Esbensen, PhD, and colleagues.

Periodic pain, fatigue, and joint or back stiffness can make it challenging for patients to take part in social activities and build connections with other people. Studies show that patients with IA report more loneliness than the general population and patients with other chronic conditions.

The researchers conducted semi-structured phone interviews with 14 patients aged 25 to 75 years who reported loneliness. Among them, five had rheumatoid arthritis, five had psoriatic arthritis, and four had axial spondylarthritis. A nurse experienced in caring for patients with mental health challenges conducted the interviews, which averaged about a half hour each.

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed three themes from interviews: (1) loneliness amplifies the negative impact of arthritis; (2) patients feel forced to opt out of social activities; and (3) a longing for loneliness to be addressed by healthcare professionals.

“Irrespective of whether the experience of loneliness preceded the diagnosis of IA or not, participants described how loneliness made living with the arthritis diagnosis disheartening,” the researchers reported. “For some, loneliness and isolation were followed by a loss of meaning and direction, and they felt depressed about the way their lives had turned out.”

Pain and fatigue made socializing with other people difficult because patients lacked energy. They withdrew, sadly aware that the social withdrawal was hurting their psychological well-being, according to the study.

Patients also reported that during consultations with their rheumatologist or rheumatology nurse, the sole focus was on the clinical exam and test results.

“This frequently led them to perceive that their perspectives were overlooked, contributing to a prevailing emotional isolation and loneliness,” the researchers reported. “They expressed a desire to be recognized for more than their arthritis, aspiring to have their broader apprehensions acknowledged as well.”

https://www.physiciansweekly.com/post/how-loneliness-affects-your-patients-with-arthritis-2 

Physical activity found to cut depression in people with arthritis-related pain

From medicalxpress.com 

Physical activity may be particularly important to manage depression symptoms in people with greater osteoarthritis-related pain, according to a study published online July 18 in PLOS Global Public Health.

Michaela C. Pascoe, Ph.D., from the Institute for Health and Sport at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues assessed whether physical activity is associated with lower symptoms of depression irrespective of pain levels in individuals with osteoarthritis. Analysis included individuals with osteoarthritis who were waiting for an orthopaedic consultation.

The researchers found that the inverse association between physical activity and depression depended on the level of pain. The association was stronger in people with greater pain. Participating in physical activity is indirectly and inversely associated with symptoms of depression through lower levels of pain. The highest levels of pain were associated with the most potential benefit from engaging in physical activity in terms of reduction in symptoms of depression.

"This highlights the need for education of both health professionals and patients on the importance of regular physical activity for pain management and mental health and access to appropriate self-management or clinical interventions to increase and maintain engagement in physical activity," the authors write.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-07-physical-depression-people-arthritis-pain.html

Are people with arthritis or other inflammatory neurological diseases more likely to be depressed?

From breakinglatest.news

Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression, are often associated with inflammatory rheumatologic diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis

I have suffered from arthritis for years and now also from depression. I have changed several therapies, but without definitively resolving the mood disorder which has a strong impact on my life and perhaps also on the pain. What can I do?

Answers Charles Selmi
Head of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Humanitas Institute, Milan (VAI AL FORUM): 

Mood and anxiety disorders, especially depression, are the condition most frequently associated with inflammatory rheumatologic diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis. From an immunological point of view, it is known that some mechanisms of inflammation are also at the basis of depression and anxiety and above all that the presence of these disorders worsens chronic pain, often increasing the need for symptomatic therapy. 

The severity of depression and anxiety does not depend on the severity of the arthritis, although better control of rheumatologic disease also leads to improved mood. A recent study presented at the annual congress of the European society of rheumatology EULAR, held in Milan at the beginning of June 2023, demonstrated that out of over 42,000 patients with arthritis, 34% of those with ankylosing spondylitis and 22% of those with rheumatoid arthritis, suffered from anxiety while 27% and 19%, respectively, suffered from depression. The same study demonstrated that the presence of anxiety or depression is associated with a worse control of the rheumatological disease also due to a lower adherence to the prescribed therapy and therefore to less regular use of prescribed medications. 

The management of anxiety and depression is often unsatisfactory and the results of this study demonstrate that it is necessary to recognize these conditions to improve the management of rheumatological diseases. It is also necessary to remember that some therapies, especially in the case of psoriatic arthritis, must be used with caution or avoided in those suffering from depression because they could cause it to worsen. 

Rheumatoid arthritis and spondylarthritis represent systemic diseases that are associated with a high risk of other conditions, both metabolic and psychiatric, and in the case of the presence of depression or anxiety in arthritis sufferers, a combined management between rheumatologist and psychiatrist is certainly desirable for better control of both diseases and to improve the quality of life.

https://www.breakinglatest.news/health/are-people-with-arthritis-or-other-inflammatory-neurological-diseases-more-likely-to-be-depressed/ 

How Arthritis Can Impact Your Everyday Life

From localtalknews.com/

• Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort in the joints and can result in limited mobility, fatigue, and mental health issues.
• To help manage arthritis symptoms, engaging in light exercises like bowling can reduce pain and stiffness while maintaining a healthy diet can reduce inflammation.
• Taking supplements, and using herbs or essential oils can also help manage symptoms.
• Finally, having a supportive network of family and friends is an important part of managing arthritis successfully.

Arthritis affects millions of people all over the world, and it can have a significant impact on your everyday life. This particular type of chronic pain has been linked to numerous other health issues such as heart disease, depression, and obesity.

It’s essential to understand how arthritis works and how it can affect you to manage your condition effectively. Here are four ways that arthritis can affect your life.

Arthritis and Your Life

Arthritis can affect your life in various ways. Here are ways that can happen.

Pain and Discomfort

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes pain and discomfort in the joints. This pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of arthritis you have and its severity. Some people with arthritis experience periodic flare-ups where they experience more intense pain than usual. Pain management is an essential part of living with arthritis, so it’s important to talk to your doctor about what options are available to you.

Limited Mobility

The pain and discomfort associated with arthritis can make it difficult for some people to move freely. This can lead to limited mobility, which means that certain activities may become difficult or even impossible for someone with arthritis. If you’re having difficulty moving around due to arthritis, talk to your doctor about ways you can manage your condition and improve your mobility.

Fatigue

Many people with arthritis experience chronic fatigue as a result of their condition. Fatigue is caused by inflammation in the body, which can be exacerbated by physical activity or other triggers such as stress or certain foods. To help manage fatigue, it’s essential to get enough rest and eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and vitamins that will help reduce inflammation.

Mental Health Concerns

Living with chronic pain and limited mobility can take its toll on mental health as well as physical health. Many people with arthritis struggle with depression or anxiety due to their condition, so it’s vital to seek professional help if needed. Talk therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) are effective treatments for managing mental health issues associated with chronic pain conditions like arthritis.

Simple Tips to Avoid and Treat Arthritis

Arthritis can be a problematic disease. Thankfully, there are simple ways to reduce your chances of getting it or even help treat it while you have it. Here are some ways you can do that.

Go Bowling!

People with Arthritis can’t do extensive physical activities, but light exercises like bowling can help reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis. It can also help you reduce stress and depression. However, ensure that your local bowling centre is modernised. If not, ask your community to give it an upgrade. A robust bowling center modernization can ensure that everyone can bowl safely. It can also be safer for seniors who are at higher risk of getting injured.

Eat Healthy Foods

Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for anyone, but it’s even more crucial if you have arthritis. Eating foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Additionally, avoiding processed foods or sugary snacks can help keep your weight in check, as obesity can make arthritis symptoms worse.

Take Supplements

In some cases, supplementing with vitamins and minerals may be beneficial in treating arthritis. Talk to your doctor about which supplements might work best for you and follow their advice.

Additionally, research shows that certain herbs or essential oils may effectively manage arthritis-related symptoms. Talk to your doctor before trying alternative treatments, as they may interact with certain medications or be unsuitable for people with other health conditions.

Creating a Support System

Living with arthritis can be challenging, so it’s essential to have a good support system. Connecting with others who understand your struggles can help you feel less isolated and more supported. Additionally, having someone to talk to about your condition can help reduce stress and provide emotional support.

Arthritis can have a significant impact on your everyday life, but it doesn’t have to define you. With the right treatment and lifestyle changes, many people can successfully manage their condition and lead happy, healthy lives.

Take the time to learn about your specific condition and talk to your doctor about the best treatment options. With the right approach, arthritis doesn’t have to hinder your life.

https://www.localtalknews.com/arthritis-can-impact-your-everyday-life/ 

How to Manage Psoriatic Arthritis and Mental Health

From self.com

Real people explain how they cope

Psoriatic arthritis and mental health are deeply connected. Because the condition is so unpredictable, you may never know exactly how you’re going to feel when you wake up in the morning, which can trigger really complicated feelings of anxiety, depression, and even guilt.

Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic inflammatory condition that affects about 30% of people with psoriasis, causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as immense fatigue that can make the simplest tasks feel impossible, from brushing your teeth to chopping up vegetables for dinner. Especially in the midst of a flare, you might have to quickly change your plans to accommodate your condition or prioritize rest when your symptoms are hard to deal with.

How does psoriatic arthritis affect mental health? 

Understandably, managing all of this can affect how you feel about your body and your life, and the weight of these emotions can be a lot to navigate on your own on top of already painful symptoms. In fact, about 33% of people with psoriatic arthritis reported being at least mildly anxious and 20% experienced mild depression, according to a 2020 review of studies involving more than 31,000 people with psoriatic arthritis published in the journal Clinical Rheumatology.

So we asked people who have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) about how they take care of their mental well-being when day-to-day life starts to feel isolating, frustrating, or overwhelming. Here are some psoriatic arthritis strategies that make a true difference for them.

1. Consider talking with a therapist about your psoriatic arthritis if you don’t already.

Jocelyn Hall, 35, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis when she was 28, says her symptoms are well-managed and she is able to remain active thanks to medication. But she still feels anxious knowing there is a risk for unpredictable flare-ups. Plus, she sometimes feels judged by co-workers who don’t understand why she has difficulty moving some days, like when she has trouble carrying heavy plates at her job in a restaurant.

To process her emotions, she finds it helpful to talk with a therapist, who encourages her to think about being kinder to herself during stressful times. “She helps me maintain good expectations for myself, not ones that push me too far,” Hall tells SELF.

For Meaghan Ingram, 28, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at 26, the symptoms go beyond physical pain. “When I’m in a flare and I can’t move, the depression hits pretty hard and fast,” Ingram tells SELF. She has worked with a therapist who incorporated cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)—which involves reframing unhelpful thoughts and changing thinking patterns—in their sessions.

Now Ingram practices acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) strategies on her own, using The Happiness Trap book (Amazon, $8). This form of psychotherapy teaches her to observe and sit with her thoughts without trying to fix them. “It's about accepting where I’m at in that moment, and not trying to be anything else,” she says.

Even though it can be helpful, finding a therapist is a tricky process for many people, and it may not be accessible for everyone. If you have insurance, you can contact your provider for mental health professionals in your area. Websites like Open Path, Inclusive Therapists, and Thero.org include directories of therapists who accept reduced-fee payments if you don’t have insurance or don’t want to use your insurance benefits. And finally, you can check the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies for a therapist that specifically practices CBT.

2. Connect with other people who have psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis support groups can be invaluable, according to the people we talked to. “The thing that's gotten me through this change in my life has been the community that I've found online,” Ingram says. “There’s just something so special about being able to really connect with people that understand my day-to-day, what I feel, and what I’m going through.”

She found psoriatic arthritis support accounts on Instagram and Facebook by searching for hashtags like #arthritisawareness. “I’ve met some of the most supportive people in my life through Instagram,” Ingram says. Psoriatic Arthritis Warriors and Ingram’s own account are two helpful resources. Arthritis charity CreakyJoints is another community for people who have arthritis that publishes first-person experiences, in addition to a podcast with advice from other people with the condition, such as how to advocate for yourself at the doctor’s office.

3. Reconsider what kind of movement limits psoriatic arthritis pain and makes you feel your best.

Being active can help reduce the joint stiffness caused by psoriatic arthritis and give your mood a boost, but you may need to adjust what that looks like for you. Movement, no matter how small, shouldn't spur joint pain or make you feel worse.

“A big change for me was separating movement from exercise,” says Ingram. “I spent a lot of my life looking at exercise as a hard-core workout. When my body started to have a very hard time with that, I felt lost, especially because exercise helps relieve my anxiety.”

It took some time for Ingram to reframe her thinking, but she eventually realized that moving her body gently helps her feel better overall. “Setting realistic movement goals tends to be a really easy way to defuse some of that anxiety that I’m feeling when I’m having a bad day,” she says. During a bad flare, Ingram might just do some stretching in bed. “If that’s the best that I can do, that’s still movement and it makes me feel good that I’ve accomplished something that day,” she says. If she feels really mobile, then she might lift weights or swim.

On really tough days, music can also be a game changer. “I put on a good song and try to move to it, in whichever way feels good in that moment,” Ingram says. “It's very difficult for me to hold on to a bad mood when I’m listening to Motown or funk music.”

4. Do something for yourself each day if you can.

“I’m a big believer in doing small things that make you feel a little bit better about your day,” Deanna Kizis, 51, who was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis three years ago, tells SELF. The specific gesture can be unique to you; maybe you decide to treat yourself to the fancier ice cream at the grocery store or you spend five extra minutes to deep-condition your hair. As long as it’s something that prioritizes your happiness, try to give it space in your schedule as a part of your psoriatic arthritis self-care. 

For Kizis, picking flowers from her garden and finding the perfect spot for them in her home is a simple reminder that she’s deserving of beautiful things, even if her headspace is trying to tell her otherwise. “I’ve reminded myself that I’m worth a pretty flower in the middle of my day, and I’m showing myself that I’m worth a little bit of extra attention,” she says. “Little things like that really mean a lot to me, and I suggest them even to friends who don’t have chronic illnesses, but who are going through a hard time.”

5. Set boundaries with your family and friends regarding psoriatic arthritis fatigue, stress, and anxiety.

You may feel awkward asking for an accommodation, like requesting ergonomic office supplies, or explaining to your friend that you need to reschedule your plans because you’re in pain, but knowing that you’re protecting your body (and therefore your mind!) can be really empowering.

For example, Kizis’s boyfriend is very active and the two love riding bikes together. But sometimes they bike too far and Kizis is in pain by the time she gets home. Now the couple uses an app to monitor how many miles they’ve biked so they know when it’s time to turn around. “If he didn’t understand that I couldn’t keep up, then he just wouldn’t be the fella for me, you know?” Kizis says.

Bottom line: There is no single way to look after your mental health, but small, intentional changes can make a big difference over time when you’re living with the side effects of a chronic condition like psoriatic arthritis. As Ingram says, “It’s definitely a long process, and a personal process—and one that you have to be patient with yourself with.”

https://www.self.com/story/psoriatic-arthritis-mental-health

How Practicing Yoga Can Help Relieve Your Arthritis Pain Naturally

From prevention.com

Bonus: It will work wonders for your mood, too

Some who suffer from arthritis pain might assume that all types of exercise are off-limits, but yoga can help you feel better physically and mentally. Certified yoga therapist Steffany Moonaz, Ph.D., a professor and director of research at Maryland University of Integrative Health and the founder and director of Yoga for Arthritis, explains why it works.

How does yoga help with arthritis pain?

Pain is probably the biggest reason people with arthritis come to yoga—and pain is incredibly complicated. Physically, strengthening the supporting muscles around a joint may increase stability, which may reduce irritation within it. Or there could be nerve pain associated with degeneration—perhaps the spine is pressing on a nerve, leading to sciatica—and yoga may help alleviate it.

Some yoga practices affect the nervous system too. For example, research shows that deep breathing shifts us out of our stress response (which people with chronic pain are often in) and into the relaxation response, and that can reduce pain. There are also pain pathways between the body and the part of the brain where we interpret sensation; yoga may decrease pain by changing activity in those pathways.

Are there mental health benefits as well?

Yes. Arthritis includes more than 100 conditions that can affect just one joint or many. Some, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, are autoimmune inflammatory diseases associated with depressive symptoms.

Plus, living with chronic pain from arthritis can be incredibly frustrating, stressful, and depressing. Fortunately, several aspects of yoga, including the deep breathing mentioned above, can boost mental health. Another approach we use, progressive relaxation, can help calm muscles and our emotional state.

So what’s the best way to get started?

First, ask your doctor if there are any poses or movements you should be careful about. Then, if you’ve never done yoga before, ideally you want an instructor with experience and training in working with arthritis to guide you one-on-one (in person or over Zoom). They can offer specific tips on adapting a yoga practice for your body, which is going to be different if you have, say, rheumatoid arthritis in your hands than if you have osteoarthritis in your knees.

With these considerations, you can attend a class and let the instructor know about your condition. When choosing a class, look for descriptions like “gentle,” “beginner,” “therapeutic,” “restorative,” “adaptive,” “accessible,” and “for seniors.”

How long will it take to feel better?

There isn’t good research that says how much yoga you need to do, but think of yoga as a lifestyle rather than an activity. Proper posture, deep breathing, and morning stretches are things you can do all the time, and they’ll help more than if you do one class a week and nothing in between. It could take a month to see physical results, but you’ll likely feel better mentally right away.

This article originally appeared in the April 2021 issue of Prevention.

https://www.prevention.com/health/a35843625/yoga-for-arthritis/

Winter can exacerbate arthritis pain: Here’s how to deal with it

From thehealthsite.com

Cold weather can worsen arthritis pain. Here are some tips to combat joint stiffness, maintain your bone health and stay happy during the winters

Cold weather can have a significant impact on your health, particularly for those who are suffering from arthritis. As the temperature drops, bones usually become stiff, inflexible and creaking, which can heighten discomfort in the joints, making life of people with arthritis troublesome. In fact, anyone who suffers from arthritis pain can sense and predict the change in weather.

Not only the cold weather increase stiffness and joint pain, it can also lead to increased anxiety, depression and isolation for patients with arthritis.

Changes in the weather can have an effect on your joints. © Shutterstock

So, here are some tips to ease joint pain, maintain your bone health and stay happy during the winters.

Dress Warmly

Keep your aching hands, knees and legs warm with gloves, tights or leggings, and boots. Add extra layers of clothing, if needed and especially when you go out in winter. But make sure it doesn’t restrict your movement. More layers of clothes work better at trapping the body heat than wearing thicker clothes.

Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain, as revealed by a 2015 study published in Experimental Physiology. Water flushes toxins out of your body, which can help fight inflammation. Also, water helps keep your joints well lubricated. What’s more, drinking water before a meal can promote weight loss. Studies have found significant improvement in people with knee arthritis when they lost weight loss.

Exercise 

Many people tend to hibernate and laze around during the winters. But staying active is crucial for people living with arthritis. It can help ease pain, increase strength and flexibility, and boost energy. Doctors recommend adults with arthritis to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week and two weekly sessions of strength training. Note: This advice is for those who have normal physical function and no other severe health conditions. If you want to avoid the winter chill, workout indoors.

Try heat therapy

A warm shower or soak in a tub, swimming in a heated pool, using heating pads, hot water bag, electric blankets – these are some ways to reap the benefits of heat therapy. Heat can improve blood flow and help flush out pain-producing chemicals. It can also stimulate receptors in your skin that improve your pain tolerance. In addition, heat relaxes muscles, which in turn helps decrease spasms and reduce stiffness.

Supplement Vitamin D

Less exposure to the sun makes it difficult to get enough vitamin D or sunshine vitamin in the winter. Studies have linked lower vitamin D levels with more severe clinical manifestations of rheumatic arthritis. Low vitamin D levels may also increase sensitivity to pain. Therefore, Vitamin D supplement is often recommended for arthritis patients. Talk to your doctor about your need for supplements. Meanwhile, you can add foods that contains vitamin D such as fatty fish like swordfish, mackerel, salmon, and tuna, and fortified products like orange juice, milk, and breakfast cereals to your diet.

Up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for people who have an inflammatory type of arthritis.

A study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Disease in 2013 found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who took omega-3s supplements had a reduction in joint pain. Other studies suggest that omega-3s may help rheumatoid arthritis patients lower their dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). People with rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of heart disease, and omega-3s are known for their role in promoting heart health.

Fish oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. Plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include avocado, flaxseeds, and walnuts.

https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/arthritis/winter-can-exacerbate-arthritis-pain-heres-how-to-deal-with-it-784685/

5 Questions People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Should Ask Their Doctors

From self.com

Asking questions is one of the best things you can do

Learning you have rheumatoid arthritis can be scary, stressful, and overwhelming. If the illness is completely new to you, we wouldn’t be surprised if you have a million questions running through your mind after a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Instead of keeping your questions to yourself, don’t be shy about asking questions directly to your doctor.

Remember, your rheumatologist is an expert in this—it’s literally their job description to be one—and they have a wealth of information to help you understand and manage your condition, both now and in the future. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor after a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.

1. How advanced is my rheumatoid arthritis?

With rheumatoid arthritis, your body’s immune system mistakenly mounts a defence against your synovium, which is the incredibly important lining of the membranes that encase your joints, the Mayo Clinic explains. When your synovium becomes inflamed due to your immune system’s attack, this lining gets thicker, which can damage your cartilage and bones. This process is what leads to hallmark rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like painful, swollen joints, joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and more.

The severity of your rheumatoid arthritis when you’re diagnosed plays a critical role in figuring out your best course of treatment, Kevin Byram, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology and immunology and associate director of the rheumatology training program at Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, tells SELF.

In the early stages, rheumatoid arthritis is often limited to the smaller joints. But as it progresses and becomes moderate or severe, it can have a more widespread impact on the body. “Many times we'll know early on if somebody has really aggressive disease and might require some of the more advanced treatments,” Dr. Byram says.

                                                                 bortonia / Getty Images

2. What are my treatment options?

When treating rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor’s goal is to get you to a place where you’re experiencing as few symptoms as possible. With the right treatment, you might even achieve remission, which basically means your symptoms are so tame (or not even present at all) that rheumatoid arthritis isn’t affecting your day-to-day life.

The standard first treatment for many people with early rheumatoid arthritis is a drug called methotrexate, which is available as a pill or an injection. Methotrexate is from a class of drugs called conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or conventional DMARDs, according to the American College of Rheumatology. If blood tests and X-rays show developments like highly elevated inflammatory markers and advanced bone erosion, your physician may choose an alternative rather than start you on methotrexate. Or, if methotrexate or other conventional DMARDS don’t bring your illness under control, your physician may suggest other treatments including biologics, JAK inhibitors, and steroids.

When searching for a treatment that works, many different factors come into play, including the severity of your illness, treatment recommendations from the American College of Rheumatology, your response to different medications, existing and potential side effects, and your insurance coverage.

It may take trying a few different medications before finding one that’s effective, but the good news is that there are enough medication options available that if a treatment isn’t working, alternatives are probably available.

3. What side effects can I expect from treatment?

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment side effects vary depending on the type of drug you’re taking: You can experience anything from stomach irritation and nausea to visual disturbances and more, according to the Mayo Clinic. One key potential side effect to note is the increased risk of infection that comes with some rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

If you’ve experienced a lot of infections in the past, this will probably be a consideration when determining which treatment is best for you. “Overall, the medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis are aimed to bring down the inflammation that's overactive in the body,” Elizabeth Schulman, M.D., rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery, tells SELF. “So with that comes, oftentimes, an increased risk for infections.”

Often the infections are mild and the benefits of decreased pain and increased function are worth the risk, but for some people the immunosuppression can be problematic and the infections can be more severe, making this an important consideration, Dr. Byram says. “This was important before COVID-19, but even more in the forefront now,” he says.

4. How often do I need to check in with my doctor?

After a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, you can expect that your doctor will want to see you every few months for blood work and to talk about your symptoms. This may seem like a lot at first, but rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, and these frequent check-ins give your doctor a chance to re-evaluate your condition—making sure your medication is working and that side effects are minimal or manageable. This also allows them to include you in treatment decisions.

“An overarching principle in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is that this is really a shared decision making between the patient and the physician,” Dr. Schulman says. It’s important to make sure that the treatment feels comfortable to you and that you understand the physician is going to do their best to minimize all possible side effects, she adds.

Even if you reach a state of remission, you can still expect regular visits, Dr. Byram says. It’s possible to have relapses from remission for various reasons, including because your medication stops working or certain lifestyle factors, so it’s still good to have frequent check-ins with your doctor.

5. What lifestyle modifications do I need to make?

Along with starting medication, a number of lifestyle modifications, including stress management, prioritizing your mental health, making sure you’re getting enough sleep each night, exercising, and other healthy habits are all important in managing your rheumatoid arthritis.

And about that exercise bit, since there’s a lot of confusion: Many people with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis are unsure if they should exercise, but Dr. Schulman says you absolutely should consider it. Depending on how advanced your disease is, you may need to work with a physical therapist or trainer to find a program that works for you, “but we highly recommend a routine exercise program, both for cardiovascular health and joint health, and for mental health,” she says.

Gentle, regular exercise may actually help increase your strength and flexibility and specifically make your muscle and joint function better, the Mayo Clinic says, which can be key for people with rheumatoid arthritis. But it’s really important to exercise safely—in general, and especially when you have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis—so be sure to ask your doctor specific questions about your exercise plan if you think that insight would be helpful.

https://www.self.com/story/rheumatoid-arthritis-diagnosis-questions

How I Manage My Mental Health as Someone With Chronic Illnesses

From yahoo.com/lifestyle

In 2013 I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. Along with that, my anxiety and depression have appeared more than they used to; they come and go. My anxiety was the worst and it still creeps up on me from time to time. I sometimes have panic attacks from heartburn / indigestion / arthritis in the sternum.

These conditions have made me depressed, angry and frustrated, especially when my body won’t allow me to do something or won’t stop hurting even when I have done everything to try and stop it — pain killers, heat packs, massages. Sometimes while I am out, I will pick up a virus or a bug due to my low immune system.

I am only 33 and these conditions have really taken over my life. I worry that when I am out and about my hip will go out or I will fall over and seriously hurt my back. That gives me anxiety sometimes, so I normally grab a trolley when I can, even though I might be getting a few things it still helps me feel a little more stable and in control.

When I was dealing with everything at the start, a few of my GPs suggested I go see a counsellor. They did actually help by letting me get my frustrations out and talk about what is going on inside my head and my body without the judgment or the “I feel sorry for you” face.

I have found a few things that work for me, like laying down and listening to music, and going out for a walk (I usually try to do 5,000-10,000 steps a day depending on what my body allows). That has been helping to clear the hornets in my head, as well as doing Warm Water Movement Therapy class, which has definitely made a great change in not only my mental state but also my flexibility and weight loss. I have lost around 30 kgs since I started going to the pool at the end of January this year. My trainer Martin has helped me; I have put in the work, but he really has changed me in so many ways.

I also like to write down things or write blog posts. I will post most of them on my blog but there are some things I just write down and just to get things off my chest. I will also try doing some adult colouring books or a jigsaw puzzle (depending on if my hands allow me to do so).

The best thing I have found for me is to have rest days, as stress makes my condition worse, so I get rid of as much stress as possible from my life.

If I am having a moment of sadness or anger, I usually allow myself to feel it for a little while and then do something about it. I try to remember there are people in this world worse off than I am, and my condition is what it is. Nothing is going to change that and there is no cure. So I pick myself up, dust myself off and keep going to the next hurdle. I believe the key is to get yourself back up no matter what, because you always have a choice in life. You can wallow in self-pity or keep fighting and keep going. I believe no matter how hard things seem at that moment in time, it will get better.

https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/manage-mental-health-someone-chronic-060015331.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAD3fTa84uN5WCf0qZ2KnfASsMlcb5PM3i-W8XdRUdyDjuYwNX-E6hADrUeQ-wMXdcjwl5FSdlLpAApfoa5XOIp3NrvdiSQS9pXFzjWRtllssQLc0XtNWnRLQRwRULP_J4x2JNc73e_4rhtEwFhbDDLPhmNmu4z6ZU9-3gp7i5mnq