Returning to School with Juvenile Arthritis

From juvenilearthritisnews.com

The last two weeks of August have always been hard for me. Knowing that school was around the corner came with mixed feelings. As much as I enjoyed school and missed my friends, there were many aspects of school I wished I didn’t have to deal with. After a leisurely, restful summer spent with my mum, I wasn’t prepared to go back to structure, hours of sitting in a metal chair, and exhausting days.
Summer is a time for rest and relaxation, especially for kids with juvenile arthritis. They don’t have to be confined to an uncomfortable desk for hours on end. Instead of staying still, they exercise their joints while swimming, biking and playing. They can stay in and relax on painful days. But school marks the end of this time of self-care. And it can be a difficult adjustment.

Getting back on track

Parents, be patient with your child as they transition back to school. Going back to structured classes and afterschool activities is tough on any kid. But getting back into a routine may be especially hard for your child with JA. After a relaxing summer, they may come home from classes totally wiped out. They may struggle with extra stiffness from getting up early in the morning. Some kids may even find the sudden onset of stress from classes brings on flares.

Gentle transitions

It can help to get your child back into their school routine slowly. Try getting back into the habit of waking up and going to bed early. Before school starts, try to find ways to help your child deal with morning stiffness, such as taking a warm shower or taking medicine upon waking.

If possible, consider postponing entering your child in after-school activities. Fatigue from juvenile arthritis can make it hard to readjust to school hours. Many of my friends with JA and I needed a few weeks to adjust to the full school day without feeling exhausted and achy by 3 p.m. Usually, by the third week of school, we felt up to adding in activities. If that’s not an option, make sure that teachers, school nurses, and activities leaders know your child may need breaks during the day.

Patience

Regardless of whether I was going into the fourth grade or my final day of undergrad, I was always a little anxious about the stress, fatigue, and extra pain. But my mum made the transition easier. She let me rest as much as I needed and didn’t push me into activities until I was ready to go. When I was in college, she reminded me to take it easy for the first few weeks and rest until I got used to the routine. For kids with juvenile arthritis, a little patience can make a huge difference.

https://juvenilearthritisnews.com/2018/08/23/prevent-juvenile-arthritis-from-ruining-return-school/

Rheumatoid arthritis warning - four uncommon signs of joint pain

From express.co.uk

RHEUMATOID arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation and restricted movement. But the autoimmune condition can cause other warning signs in different parts of the body. These are the uncommon symptoms to watch out for.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common type of arthritis in the UK.
Around 400,000 people in the country have been diagnosed with the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the cells that line that joints.
While it can cause joint pain or restricted movement, these are some less common signs to watch out for.

Bruising easily

Some rheumatoid arthritis patients may find that they bruise easier than other people, said medical website Everyday Health.
It’s caused by the body’s platelet count in the blood to drop, as a result of the condition.
“Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can cause your blood platelet count to dip below the normal level,” it said.
“Essentially, your body uses or destroys platelets faster than they’re produced, which can cause you to bruise more easily.”

Anaemia

The second most common type of anaemia is anaemia of inflammation and chronic disease (AI/ACD).
The condition is caused by low levels of iron in the blood, despite the body having a normal of iron stored away.
“This occurs because inflammatory conditions like RA interfere with the way the body uses stored iron and iron from diet,” said the medical website.
“Common signs of AI/ACD include weakness, fatigue, pale skin, fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.”

               Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Skin rash could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis

                                                           (Image: GETTY Images)

Rash

A painful rash or skin ulcers could be a more serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
Around half of all patients develop rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue) under the skin.
These nodules can lead to itchy hands, feet or skin rashes.
But, if patients develop inflamed blood vessels, they may have painful skin conditions or mouth sores.

Dry eyes

Rheumatoid arthritis patients can often develop dry eyes.
The eye condition, which is known as keratitis sicca, may cause blurry vision or difficulty focussing.
“Dry-eye syndrome is a relatively common symptom in people who have rheumatoid arthritis.
“Talk to your ophthalmologist [eye doctor] about treatment if you have dry eyes. You may want to invest in a humidifier, or consider eye drops.”

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1004699/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-joint-pain-signs-skin-rash

Arthritis pain: Best supplements, diet and exercise - six ways to reduce joint symptoms

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS pain affects about 10 million people in the UK, and symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. This is how to avoid signs of arthritis, including supplements for your diet and the best exercises.

Arthritis is a common condition that affects people of all ages, including children.
The condition is often caused by a gradual wearing down of the smooth cartilage that lines joints.
Arthritis symptoms can include inflammation, joint pain, and having warm red skin over the affected areas.
Making some small lifestyle changes could help to reduce arthritis pain, according to naturopathic nutritionist, Amy Water, from Water for Health (www.waterforhealth.co.uk).
These are the best ways to lower your risk of joint pain.

Warm water

Soaking painful joints in warm water could provide arthritis patients with some relief, said Water.
“Warm water can be a great comfort if you have any type of pain, including joint pain, due to its soothing qualities,” she said.
“Heated pools, for example, can provide a form of relief by easing joint pain, as well as being a great way to exercise.
“Additionally, you can also gain relief from warm baths filled with Epsom salts, which will provide you with added comfort and will relax any muscles and joints that are painful.”

Vitamin D

Boosting your vitamin D intake could help to ward off any signs of joint pain.
Try either taking vitamin D supplements, or spending more time in direct sunlight.
“Vitamin D may play a vital role to help ease joint pain over the winter,” said the nutritionist.
“As there is less sunlight during the colder months, it’s very important to keep your vitamin D levels topped up.
All adults should consider taking 10mcg vitamin D supplements during the winter months.
“This will help reduce any muscular or joint pain, as vitamin D helps keeps your bones healthy and supports muscular functionality.”

     Arthritis pain: Best diet, exercise and supplements for joint symptoms (Image: GETTY Images)

Hydration

Drinking enough water will help to relieve muscle pain by flushing out any harmful toxins, said Water.
Everyone should drink at least two litres of water everyday to release any tension.
Water said: “Dehydration can make your muscles and joints more sensitive, which can cause excruciating pain.
“Excessive alcohol drinking is directly linked to inflammation which can also worsen any joint pain, by decreasing the amount of drink, it will help ease any pain.”

Supplements

Fish oil supplements could reduce inflammation, and reduce muscle or joint pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids - which are found in fish oil - work as an anti-inflammatory to counteract the symptoms of arthritis.

Exercise

It’s crucial that arthritis patients remain active throughout the year.
The best workouts for patients are light resistance training and low impact workouts, said the nutritionist.
“Yoga and Pilates are excellent sports to reduce any pain,” she said.
“Before any sport, always warm up beforehand to ensure no muscle strain or damage.”

Diet

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is extremely important for arthritis patients.
Following an unhealthy diet increases the risk of obesity. Being overweight puts extra pressure on joints and muscles.
“Keeping a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet will help you ease the pain within your joints,” said Water.
“Foods which are proven to have anti-inflammatory effects include tomatoes, olive oil and green leafy vegetables, like kale and spinach.”

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/996846/arthritis-pain-symptoms-supplements-diet-exercise

Hydration

Drinking enough water will help to relieve muscle pain by flushing out any harmful toxins, said Water.
Everyone should drink at least two litres of water everyday to release any tension.
Water said: “Dehydration can make your muscles and joints more sensitive, which can cause excruciating pain.
“Excessive alcohol drinking is directly linked to inflammation which can also worsen any joint pain, by decreasing the amount of drink, it will help ease any pain.”

Supplements

Fish oil supplements could reduce inflammation, and reduce muscle or joint pain.
Omega-3 fatty acids - which are found in fish oil - work as an anti-inflammatory to counteract the symptoms of arthritis.

12 Things That Make Rheumatoid Arthritis Worse

From everydayhealth.com

If you live with rheumatoid arthritis, you probably know of a few things that make you feel worse. But, you may be surprised by some of the lesser-known provokers.

We often discuss treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and we keep an eye on what’s in the pipeline. We are focused on what can help manage RA symptoms and disease progression, as you would expect. But it is equally important to be cognizant of what can make rheumatoid arthritis worse. You need to know what you shouldn’t be doing, just as much as what you should be doing.
I have compiled a list of a dozen things that can make you feel worse, cause your symptoms to flare, or cause your disease to progress. While you may be aware of about half of these, the rest are lesser known in terms of being linked to RA.

1. Non-adherence to Treatment

After you are diagnosed with RA, your doctor will recommend a course of treatment. The treatment regimen is prescribed to help manage RA symptoms and disease activity. If you fail to adhere to the treatment regimen — by not filling prescriptions, not taking medication as directed, not exercising, skipping appointments — there is an increased risk of worsening symptoms and disease activity. That’s the case even when the non-adherence is unintentional (for example, due to forgetfulness). While your reasons for non-adherence may be entirely valid, it is your responsibility to discuss those reasons with your doctor before you make changes to the prescribed treatment regimen on your own. A medication change may be indicated, or perhaps the addition of an adjunct treatment would be to your benefit. Be sure to have that conversation with your doctor and decide on your next move together.

2. Sedentary Lifestyle

Regular physical activity is necessary for everyone, including people with RA. There are numerous health benefits associated with regular physical activity. Improved muscle strength, as well as better bone and joint health, is essential for people with RA. Rest is also needed, to restore the body from episodes of intense pain and fatigue, which are characteristic of RA. Striking a balance between rest and activity is optimal. Rest can’t become a way of life. A sedentary lifestyle actually does the opposite of what you want, leading to increased pain, fatigue, and weakness.

3. Pro-Inflammatory foods

Certain foods are believed to increase inflammation in the body. Sugar, saturated fats, trans fats, omega-6 fatty acids, refined carbohydrates, MSG, gluten, aspartame, and alcohol are among the foods and additives thought to be pro-inflammatory. A diet for rheumatoid arthritis should include anti-inflammatory foods, while pro-inflammatory foods are reduced or avoided. Check out Dr. Andrew Weil’s anti-inflammatory food pyramid.

4. Overdoing Activities

Despite the importance of regular physical activity, which we already discussed, there is a limit. It is imperative for someone with RA to respect pain signals and to recognize and accept that they have a physical limit. Ideally, you will learn to recognize your limit and stop just before you reach it. If you overdo, you risk a flare of symptoms.

Did you overexert yourself on a shopping spree? Overdoing activities can worsen RA symptoms

5. Smoking

In research published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism, the authors concluded that both current and past smokers had worse symptoms and more joint damage than those who never smoked. A more recent study, published in July 2014 in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, compared radiological progression for RA patients that were never, past, and current smokers, and found a significant association between smoking and more severe joint damage.

6. Stress

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you don’t need me to tell you that stress makes it worse. You know because you live it. Interestingly, many rheumatoid arthritis patients are able to point to a stressful or traumatic event that occurred just before the onset of their RA. According to a study published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, both immune mechanisms and nonimmune mechanisms may be responsible for increased disease activity and increased symptoms during stressful periods. Still, the association is real.

7. Negativity and Pessimism

Simply put, it takes a positive attitude to achieve positive results. The opposite is true of a negative or pessimistic attitude. It is logical that you need a positive approach to stay on track with your treatment regimen, exercise routine, diet, and more. You must believe in the goal. In 2015, researchers at Penn State University concluded that greater positive mood in the moment is associated with less pain and fewer arthritis-related activity restrictions in the moment. Negative mood was associated with more activity restrictions.

8. Dehydration

We are often reminded to drink water and stay well hydrated. But for some reason, we often don’t. Dehydration is linked to fatigue, slower metabolism, worse cognitive functioning, and the formation of kidney stones. You may be surprised to learn that lack of hydration is also tied to increased joint pain.

9. Failure to Protect Joints

Joint protection is recognized as an important part of any treatment program for RA. The goal of joint protection is to reduce pain, prevent deformity, stabilize the joints, and reduce stress on the joints. This is accomplished through the use of splints, braces, assistive devices, exercise, proper body mechanics, pacing your activities, and modifying your environment if necessary. Failure to protect the joints can make RA worse.

10. Neglect of Oral Health

Research suggests that tooth loss may predict rheumatoid arthritis and its severity. Researchers who have studied the connection between RA and periodontal disease discovered similarities in the joint and oral tissues, and in the inflammatory processes that affect them. The types of cells that infiltrate tissues of the mouth in periodontitis and the tissue of the joint in RA are similar. Also, the levels of pro-inflammatory proteins (such as tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6) are also similar in both RA and periodontitis. There are potential consequences when oral health is neglected.

11. Quack Cures

A quack cure is essentially “hope in a bottle.” A quack cure is an unproven remedy that at best is ineffective, and at worst is potentially harmful. It is a waste of time and a waste of money. Usually, while someone is wasting time and money on quack remedies, they stop the prescribed treatment from their rheumatologist. If you abandon your prescribed treatment for an unproven remedy which is cloaked in deception, you risk making your RA worse.

12. Ignoring Early Symptoms of RA

It is not unusual when you experience the first symptoms of RA to think you somehow injured yourself. You hope it will go away, given a little time. When it doesn’t go away, you find yourself in the drugstore aisle that’s devoted to over-the-counter pain relief products — and you begin to self-treat. How long you spend in this phase of waiting and self-treating is crucial because, with RA, early diagnosis and early treatment is imperative to slowing disease progression and preventing joint deformity. Waiting too long can make your RA worse.

https://www.everydayhealth.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/things-that-make-ra-worse/

Arthritis pain - ‘wonderful’ exercise to relieve joint symptoms revealed

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS pain affects about 10 million people in the UK. You can relieve symptoms of arthritis, including joint pain and inflammation, by doing more of this “wonderful” exercise.

Arthritis is a common condition that affects people of all ages, including young children.
The condition is often caused by a gradual wearing down of the smooth cartilage that lines the joints.
You could relieve signs of arthritis by keeping active, according to the NHS.
Swimming is one of the best exercises for arthritis patients, it’s been revealed.
It helps to work all of the muscles in the body, while not putting extra pressure on joints, said the Arthritis Foundation.

Joints are supported while underwater, it said. That makes it a great choice for arthritis patients.
Swimming could also enhance cardiovascular function, while improving posture.
Patients considering swimming should start slowly, and build-up to further distances and higher intensities, the foundation added.
“Swimming is a wonderful zero-impact sport for people with arthritis,” said the Arthritis Foundation.
“It works all your muscle groups and builds cardiovascular endurance.

      Arthritis pain: The best exercise for joint symptoms is swimming (Image: GETTY Images)

“It also stretches and lengthens your body, improving your posture.
“Water can have a gentle, soothing effect on the body.
“Swimming laps can be very meditative; there is no pounding music, no clanging weights – it's just you and the water.”
Each swimming stroke uses different muscles and joints, so it’s important to find the stroke for you.
Using kickboards or pull buoys can help patients to modify their strokes to suit their joints.

Around 10 million people in the UK have arthritis, said the NHS.
Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, restricted movement, and joint stiffness.
Making some small diet changes could help to alleviate arthritis joint pain.
If you’re overweight, losing weight may help to reduce some of the pain.
Too much weight puts extra pressure on the joints in your hips, knees, ankles and feet.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/995392/arthritis-pain-symptoms-exercise-swimming

5 Ways to Minimize Pain While Travelling With Rheumatoid Arthritis

From newsmax.com

Vacation is one of the most exciting times of the year for most of us, but for people with rheumatoid arthritis, traveling can mean pain, discomfort, and inflammation. Though it may be harder for those with a chronic disease to take to the skies or hit the road, it’s still possible for them to have an enjoyable vacation by following five tips on how to minimize pain.

A chronic disease that affects all of the joints in the body, rheumatoid arthritis is what Dr. Grace Wright, rheumatologist and author of several publications on rheumatology, calls a “systemic disease.”

“This is a [disease] that can affect every aspect of your life,” she tells Newsmax. “You can have joint pain, but you can also have inflammation in certain internal organs, as well.” She also notes that people living with rheumatoid arthritis often struggle with overwhelming fatigue, feeling “like they’d just run a marathon” when they wake up in the morning.

Travelling can present a slew of problems for those with rheumatoid arthritis. “When travelling by plane, car or train, you end up sitting in seats for a long time, which can cause a lot of discomfort, because all the joints get really stiff and sore,” Wright explains. Sitting in cramped conditions for an extended period of time can cause rheumatoid arthritis to flare, or worsen its symptoms.

So what can you do to make your summer vacation less stressful and pain free? Dr. Wright outlines a few simple steps that anyone can take to decrease joint stiffness and manage arthritis pain while travelling.

Move around. “It’s important to get up and walk around, massage, and move,” Wright explains, “not to just stay seated in this frozen position.” If you’re on a plane or a train, take a few minutes to move around and stretch, and if you’re driving, stop every few hours to do the same. Staying sedentary can make your joints stiffen, so it’s vital that you take some time to get them moving.

Travel light. When preparing for vacation, it can be easy to over pack your suitcase, throwing in anything you “might need.” This can make your suitcase extremely heavy, which will take its toll on your joints. “Get rid of the heavy luggage,” Wright urges. “You can check the luggage, or pack exactly what you need, so that you’re not dragging heavy items, putting extra strain on those joints.”

Talk to your doctor. Depending on the intensity of your symptoms, some trips might be more feasible than others. Before making any plans, it’s important to talk to your physician and see what kind of trip is possible for you. “A 12-hour trip is very different from a two hour one,” Wright notes.

Pack your meds. “Don’t skip your medicines — travel with them!” Wright says. “Make sure to take them as your prescribed to prevent flares while you’re on the trip.” If your rheumatoid arthritis does flare up, depending on your treatment regiment, you can also try to take pain relief medication to manage the pain and discomfort.

Drink lots of water. Sometimes, when you’re hitting the road or heading to the airport, you forget to drink your recommended daily 64 ounces of water. But as Wright explains, hydration is vital to managing joint stiffness, so make sure to pack or buy water bottles as you travel.

https://www.newsmax.com/health/health-news/minimize-arthritis-travel-pail/2018/07/20/id/872884/

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Are you at risk? Five signs you could have the condition

From express.co.uk

RHEUMATOID arthritis symptoms and signs are caused when the immune system starts to attack the body’s joints. Watch out for these warning signs of the condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are often related to joint problems, although they can also cause other difficulties in the body.
The condition occurs when the immune system starts to attack joints, causing inflammation and pain to the sufferer.
It is the second most common form of arthritis in the UK, with Osteoarthritis being the most common, according to Arthritis Research UK (ARUK).
“Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis tend to come and go,” said the charity online.
“You may have flare-ups when your symptoms become worse than normal.”
Watch out for these five signs of the condition.

Joint pain
This is one of the “main symptoms” of the condition, according to the NHS.
The type of pain tends to be “throbbing” and “aching”, and is worse in the mornings or following a period of inactivity.
“A few joints - often your fingers, wrists or balls of your feet - become uncomfortable and may sell, often intermittently,” said ARUK online.

Stiffness
Problems moving joints can also happen due to rheumatoid arthritis.
“You may also feel stiff when you wake up in the morning,” said ARUK. “If you have painful, swollen joints and stiffness in the morning that lasts for longer than half an hour, you should see your doctor.”

Tiredness
Feeling general fatigue, depression or irritability could be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
The NHS described this as a “lack of energy” saying some people with the condition experience “a range of more general symptoms”.

Anaemia
Anaemia, or iron deficiency, can be caused by the condition.
“The underlying causes of this are not well understood,” said medicinal website Everyday Health, “but the inflammation that occurs throughout the body in rheumatoid arthritis may contribute to it”.
“Inflamed tissues in the joints release proteins that compromise the body’s ability to use iron and produce red blood cells, leading to a low red blood cell count.”

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Joint pain and stiffness is a warning sign for this type of arthritis

Signs of flu
“Flu-like symptoms, such as feeling generally ill, feeling hot and sweating,” are also warning signs for the condition said ARUK.
The NHS added a poor appetite and weight loss could all be warning signs.
“Research shows that the sooner you start treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, the more effective it’s likely to be, so early diagnosis is important,” said ARUK.
“For about one in five of those with rheumatoid arthritis the condition develops very rapidly, with pain and swelling in a lot of joints, sever morning stiffness and great difficulty doing everyday tasks.”
There’s currently no cure for the condition, but some treatments may relieve pain or slow down joint damage.
If you are concerned you have the condition, contact your GP.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/990088/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-signs-pain-what-are-the-symptoms-do-i-have-inflammation

Arthritis pain: Three easy tricks to help soothe agonising joint pain

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS pain is caused by problems in the joints leading to inflammation. Treatment for this tends to involve diet changes, more exercise and medications. Try these three tips to treat pain in joints caused by arthritis.

Arthritis pain could be soothed by following these steps, recommended by experts

Pain and inflammation in joints may be reduced by exercising more regularly or making diet changes

Arthritis pain treatment can help reduce pain and soothe joint issues

Arthritis pain affects around 10 million people in the UK, according to the NHS.
It can be caused by several different types of the condition, including osteoarthritis, which affects four fifths of sufferers, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks joints.
“Osteoarthritis most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older,” said the NHS online.
“It’s more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.”
Dr Dawn Harper, GP and Dr Sarah Brewer, said these three tips could help reduce arthritis pain.

Exercise
“It’s important to keep as active as you can to reduce arthritis pain,” said Dr Harper.
Exercises such as water aerobics can help ease arthritis pain, by improving strength and mobility in muscles and joints.
“Many people are afraid to exercise because they believe it damages their joints,” said Arthritis Research UK online.
“But keeping active will help to keep your joints moving easily and reduce pain.
“Your body is designed to move and not doing so can harm the tissues in and around your joints.”

                  Arthritis pain: Try these three tricks to reduce inflammation and aches in joints

Try these supplements
“Omega-3 supplements (especially if you don’t eat much oily fish) and glucosamine may also help,” said Dr Harper.
“Rub-in treatments such as glucosamine gel are popular,” continued Dr Brewer. “Glucosamine and chondroitin are among the most popular as they stimulate the production of new joint tissues.

“The latest approach is to take cannabidiol (CBD) oil to relax muscles, reduce pain perception, lift mood and promote general wellbeing.”
Arthritis Research UK said: “As well as having a healthy, balanced diet, getting additional nutrients from food supplements may help if you have arthritis."
Benefits of taking CBD oil can help treat pain as it has analgesic effects, meaning it acts to relieve pain.

Arthritis pain: Fish oil supplements could also help reduce joint aches and inflammation
Medication
As well as these methods, taking medication could also help relieve arthritis pain.
“Anti-inflammatory medication will help ease the pain,” said Dr Harper.
As well as the medication, supplements could also help.
Dr Brewer recommended trying Omega-3 fish oil, turmeric or Boswellia, a herbal extract from tree resin, as an “excellent” way to treat inflammation and reduce pain.
You could also reduce arthritis pain by eating foods such as broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/986813/arthritis-pain-inflammation-treatment-joints-osteoarthritis

Old wives’ remedy helped arthritis pain

From chron.com

Q: Several years ago, I read about a study done at Cardiff University in Wales. The scientists gave patients scheduled for knee-replacement surgery either 1,000 milligrams of cod-liver oil or placebo. The volunteers took these pills for 10 to 12 weeks and then had their surgery.

Samples of cartilage and joint tissue at the time of surgery showed that 86 percent of the patients on cod-liver oil produced less of a cartilage-eroding enzyme or none of it. The pills also reduced levels of other enzymes that cause pain.

I decided to try adding cod-liver oil pills to the glucosamine and chondroitin I was taking already. I marked my calendar, as I'd decided that if I had no reduction in pain in 10 to 12 weeks, I'd discontinue the cod-liver oil. My pain was so bad that it would wake me from a sound sleep every night, and I would be up for hours. Nothing helped. I felt it was just a matter of time until I would need to have the knee replaced.

One morning, I realized that I had slept through the night with no pain! I checked the calendar and discovered that it had been only 21 days since I started the cod-liver oil.

I have recommended this to many people who have gotten the same wonderful results. I wonder how many knee-replacement surgeries could be avoided if people tried taking cod-liver oil first.

A: Thank you for alerting us to an interesting, though small, study. It included 31 people and was presented at the Third Congress of the European Federation for the Science and Technology of Lipids.
Many doctors perceive the use of cod-liver oil for joint pain as an old wives' tale. It is a shame that there has not been more research to investigate the potential benefits of cod-liver oil for osteoarthritis. Anyone who is interested in nondrug approaches to easing joint pain may be interested in our online electronic resource, “Alternatives for Arthritis.” Links to the product may be found at peoplespharmacy.com.

https://www.chron.com/life/article/Old-wives-remedy-helped-arthritis-pain-13038316.php

Supporting a Healthy Diet for Juvenile Arthritis

From juvenilearthritisnews.com

Fad diets for arthritis have recently become popular. People have praised the benefits of cherries and turmeric. Some people insist I needed to cut out processed food completely. One person even reassured me I’d be cured by eating only white vegetables. Over the years, I’ve begun to realize everyone was on the right track but missed the big picture. Diets for people with juvenile arthritis don’t need to consist of only one or two healthy options, they need a variety of nutritious food!

Beware of fad diets

Many websites advertise so-called “arthritis diets” that are free of nightshade vegetables, gluten, dairy, and so many other foods. And while it’s true that some people have found these foods to trigger flares, it’s not the case for everyone. In fact, entirely cutting out these foods may mean your child misses out on important nutrients.
If you’re truly concerned that a certain food group is causing your child’s pain, talk with their rheumatologist about it. Together, you and their doctor can come up with a plan to try an elimination diet safely. This often means either taking supplements or making sure your child eats a lot of new foods to replace nutrients they may be missing. For example, when I tried cutting out milk to see if it helped, my doctor made sure I was taking sufficient vitamin D and calcium.

Supplements

While cutting out some foods might be helpful for some, it’s important that all children and teenagers with JA get enough vitamins and minerals. Many children with JA struggle with bone loss caused by the disease and certain medicines. Among other things, vitamin D and calcium are critical in helping kids protect their bones!
Care teams commonly prescribe supplements for kids with juvenile arthritis. While parents might not be too keen on them, they can be extremely helpful. In this day and age, it can be hard to maintain a proper diet, especially for a picky eater. Supplements can really fill in the gaps. It’s also a lifesaver for when your child doesn’t have an appetite because of a flare.

Healthy variety

Regardless of whether or not your child is using supplements or elimination diets, it’s good to offer them a healthy variety. Many kids with JA struggle with their weight due to steroid loss and lack of exercise. Eating nutritious foods low in calories can help keep off the weight that might bother their joints. Of course, this is easier said than done. But try to work with your child to find healthy and enjoyable snacks: apples and cheese, celery and peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and blueberries were some of my favourites!

Family effort

In my opinion, the best way to help children with arthritis eat better is to get the whole family in on it. When it’s a family effort to get healthy, things are a lot better. Make sure the focus is for everyone to “get healthy” and not “lose weight,” which can be an unhealthy message.
Over the years, I’ve heard every dietary suggestion under the moon. And while I have tried a few in vain, the best thing I ever did for my condition was eating clean. While I do treat myself here and there, I do my best to pick foods that are great for bone health and energy. By focusing on enjoying the healthy foods I enjoy rather than cutting out major food groups, I’ve been able to enjoy what I eat and feel good knowing I’m doing what’s best for my body

Note: Juvenile Arthritis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Juvenile Arthritis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to juvenile arthritis.

https://juvenilearthritisnews.com/2018/06/28/juvenile-arthritis-symptoms-dulled-healthy-diets/

Severe joint pain could be a symptom of gout - what you need to know

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS types include osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout. Although the former is the most common, there are other types to be aware of. These four symptoms, including severe joint pain, may indicate gout.

Arthritis causes pain and stiffness in affected joints

The condition can affect any joint in the body, including elbows, hips and knees

There are several different types of arthritis including psoriatic arthritis, osteo-arthritis and gout

The third type can be caused by being overweight, having diabetes or high blood pressure which can cause small crystals to develop around joints, causing severe pain

Symptoms of gout include a sudden severe pain that can last for a long time

Arthritis happens when there are problems in joints, causing pain to the sufferer.
Gout, a type of arthritis, happens when small crystals form inside and around joints.
These can grow when a waste product, called uric acid, builds up in the body causing pain to intensify.
Being overweight, having diabetes and high blood pressure all increase your risk of developing gout.
These four symptoms could be a sign of gout, according to the NHS.

Sudden attack of severe pain
The national healthcare provider says that this is the “main symptom” of the condition.
It can be described as “a sudden attack of severe pain in one or more joints, particularly in your big toe”.
These attacks are more likely to occur at night, develop quickly over a few hours, and last between three and ten days.

Tender joints
If you have a joint that feels “hot” or “very tender”, this could also be a sign of gout.
The NHS says the feeling could be “to the point of being unable to bear anything touching it”.

Arthritis: Symptoms and signs can appear anywhere in the body, but are more likely in the big toe

Swelling in joints
You should also watch out for an expansion/enlargement of your joint, which could indicate the condition.

Skin changes
Your skin may become “peeled”, “itchy” and “flaky” if you have gout.
It may also become “red and shiny” over the affected joint.
These symptoms can affect anywhere on the body, but may be more likely in the big toe, mid foot, ankles, knees, fingers, wrists and elbows.

“The intense pain can make getting around difficult,” continued the NHS. “Even the light pressure of a bed cover or blanket can be unbearable.”
“If gout is left untreated, it’s likely to affect more joints over time.”
The Arthritis Foundation, says that the first symptom of gout is often “excruciating pain”.
“Gout usually affects one joint at a time, but if left untreated it can affect many joints.
“Joint pain that used to resolve in a week to 10 days could become a milder, but constant pain,” the American organisation added.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/974796/arthritis-gout-symptoms-signs-severe-joint-pain

Musings of a Matriarch: When my ankle aches, there’s rain comin’

From miningjournal.net

I never dreamed I’d utter the same words my grandmother used to say when the sky clouded up and threatened rain. Her arthritis caused her hands to ache and she knew a downpour wasn’t far off. Of course, I didn’t believe her. In my young mind nobody could predict the weather by the pain in their bones. Whoever heard of such a silly thing?

Well, fast forward 60 years and you know perfectly well who. The writer of this musing, that’s who. In 1998 I broke my ankle in two places. I didn’t cry until I saw the X-rays. My poor little bones were dangling by a thread. The doctor took one look and said he would pin and plate them.
When I told him I didn’t have health insurance, he never missed a beat. He said a cast would be just the ticket. He wrapped and plastered and sent me home telling me to keep off my feet for six weeks.
I spent all those weeks on my back. I hired someone to cut the grass. I asked another Avon lady to deliver my orders. A friend brought groceries and washed our clothes. My daughter acted as nursemaid. My buddy, Roger Pilon, planted the oak seedlings I ordered a few weeks prior to my fall. Everyone was kind.
When the doctor sawed off that cast and replaced it with another, I hobbled around on crutches. When that cast came off, I wore a gigantic boot for six weeks and continued to use the crutches. Finally after almost three months, I felt normal again, or at least as normal as I ever feel.
People asked me how I endured the itch when I was wearing the cast. I told them there was no itch. The whole process was fairly painless. I took a tumble in July and it wasn’t until March that the bones gave way. When I fell in the summer, I heard two clicks but as there was no pain, I didn’t pay much attention to the sound. However, when I tripped coming out of the garage, I knew I wasn’t getting up without help. My daughter called a neighbour and he got me upright and drove me to the emergency room. Thankfully, there wasn’t much to me in those days so there was no need for the aid of a Sherman tank.
It took at least a decade for my ankle to predict the weather. Maybe some bones are smarter than others, I don’t know, but my bones didn’t wise up for at least ten years. Even then it didn’t occur to me that the ache in my ankle meant rain. I didn’t immediately connect the two until a few years ago so I guess I’m just as dumb as my bones.
Last week the sky opened up and rain poured down in buckets. By 8:00 a.m. my back yard had a number of little ponds, my front yard looked like a small lake, and my leaky garage was about to float away. As for my ankle, it did what mended, arthritic ankles are supposed to. It ached. It throbbed. It caused me discomfort and it did all this long before even one tiny drop of rain fell.
So there you have it. What was bizarre and foreign to me as a child has now become common place. Some of you probably know what I mean. If you predict the weather by the ache in your bones, your grandchildren might think you are losing your marbles. I can only imagine the look of surprise on a child’s face when rain falls on cue. It’s nice to know our bones only let us down when they break. Otherwise, they’re often more accurate than Karl Bohnak when they predict what’s going to fall from the sky.
The summer I was 17 I worked at a restaurant just this side of the Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The Bunny Bread man fell “in love” with me. Don’t ask me why, but he thought I was the cat’s meow. He was from Newberry and was a few years up on me. His name was Pat and I think he attended NMU. His plan was to get engaged, wait another year until I graduated high school, then get married. In my mind, the plan was so full of holes it was more like a sieve than a well-thought out strategy. I had no more affection for him than I did for the weather. When school started and I ignored his letters, he sent me a postcard saying “Time Wounds All Heels.” I guess I broke his heart, but he made a full recovery and married someone else.
According to a Facebook post I read a year or two ago, Pat died. Time never did “wound” me, but it sure played havoc with my ankle. Just thinking about all that rain Pat is sending from heaven brings a throb to my mended bones. I’m well aware he’s not responsible for my pain, but you know how it is. We have to blame someone for our discomfort.
Pat called me a “heel” because I didn’t return his admiration. At the time I questioned the strength of his “love.” I guess it evaporated faster than the puddles in my yard. Broken bones are excellent weather predictors, but nobody comprehends matters of a romantic heart.

Editor’s note: Sharon M. Kennedy of Brimley is a humourist who infuses her musings with a hardy dose of matriarchal common sense. She writes about everyday experiences most of us have encountered at one time or another on our journey through life. Her articles are a combination of present day observations and nostalgic glances of the past. She can be reached via email at sharonkennedy1947@gmail.com. In addition, Sharon has compiled a collection of stories from her various newspaper columns. The title of her book is “Life in a Tin Can.” Copies are available from Amazon in paperback or Kindle format.

http://www.miningjournal.net/life/thursday-boomers-beyond/2018/06/musings-of-a-matriarch-when-my-ankle-aches-theres-rain-comin/

Rheumatoid arthritis pain: This 27p food could help eradicate agonising symptoms

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS pain is caused by problems in the joints, such as the knee, leading to discomfort for the sufferer. You could relieve the symptoms of most forms of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, by adding this fruit to your diet.

Arthritis pain is caused by problems in the joints.
The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, can be caused by the thickening of tissue in your joints and inflammation in the area, causing the symptoms of arthritis.
Signs that you have the condition include joint stiffness, swelling and pain.
You’re more at risk of developing arthritis if you’re older, overweight or female, among other factors.
Dr Sarah Brewer, a medical consultant, recommends adding apples to your diet on her website.

A 2018 review found that polyphenols are “able to inhibit the expression and the release of a number of substances which cause inflammation”.
“Studies on animal models of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout show interesting results in terms of reduced tissue damage and others.”
Published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, the authors called for more tests to determine whether further polyphenol consumption should be used as a way to treat arthritis.
Apples can be purchased for as little as 27p each in most UK stores.

Alongside consuming apples, Dr Sarah Brewer also recommended eating other fruits and vegetables to fight off arthritis pain.
“My first Golden Rule for arthritis is to eat at least five (and preferably more) servings of fruit and vegetables per day.
“The provide an array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial for all types of joint pain and swelling, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout.”
The NHS recommends eating a “healthy, balanced diet” if you suffer from arthritis.
“Eating healthily will give you all the nutrients you need and help you maintain a healthy weight.”

The national healthcare provider says you should aim for five portions of fruit and veg every day, each at about 100 grams.
“Almost all fruit and vegetables count towards your five a day,” says their website
“So it may be easier than you think to get your recommended daily amount.”
Other ways to reduce arthritis symptoms include taking glucosamine tablets.
Dr Josh Axe, an American Clinical Nutritionist, recommends these as they can help you get helpful nutrients for “repairing joints”.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/968520/arthritis-rheumatoid-pain-uk-knee-symptoms-diet-apple