Welcome to helpwitharthritis.net where you can find information and resources to help you deal with this all too common condition.
You are not alone! Millions of people worldwide suffer from some kind of arthritis and many lead full and pain free lives. It is important to find the best arthritis treatment for YOU. Everyone is different and there are many arthritis treatments available as well as aids to help you manage your arthritis.
Deciding which arthritis treatment is best for you requires consultation with medical professionals. This site is not to be mistaken for professional medical advice, more a helpful resource to help you know more about your condition.
LATEST ARTHRITIS NEWS
New study claims Chondroitin is ineffective against severe arthritis symptoms - Swiss researchers have dismissed the ability of dietary supplement Chondroitin to help fight the symptoms of severe arthritis. Sales of the over the counter supplement top $1 billion a year and many arthritis sufferers swear by it to ease pain and discomfort. However, the Swiss study found that of the 4000 plus patients included, most weren't helped by Chondroitin. More Info
New program provides free advice on dealing with arthritis - The Indiana State Department of Health and Clarian Health have partnered on a new booklet for people with arthritis. Movement is Medicine: Relieve Your Joint Pain contains stretches and exercises to relieve joint pain. It is free and available at more than 275 CVS stores across the state and all Indiana YMCA branches More details
U.S. vet conducts study to help alleviate the pain of dog arthritis - Dr. Thom Myers, DVM of Overgaard, Arizona recently revealed results of a survey on the effects combining a natural joint remedy with prescription pain relievers to relieve severe, even crippling arthritis pain in dogs. His goal was to document the safety and effectiveness of treating severe arthritis pain using combined therapies as opposed to using only prescription drugs, which can produce unwanted side effects in older more vulnerable dogs. Popular arthritis drug pain side effects can include liver damage, liver failure and even death Full story
Electronic knee pad could ease arthritis pain - The device consists of two pads, a Velcro wrap and a generator that provides electrical pulse stimulation. The electronic pads were tested in Indiana at the U.S. University Medical Centre on almost 300 patients who had failed to respond to other non-surgical treatments. The research showed that improvement occurred in 59 per cent of patients who used it for less than 750 hours, and for 73 per cent of those who used it for more than 750 hours. Analysis of a smaller group of patients showed that 45.3 per cent reduced their non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use by 50 per cent or more Full story
Strong quadriceps muscles may ease pain of knee osteoarthritis - Quadriceps muscles (the muscles at the front of the thigh) are instrumental in walking, jumping, cycling and many more daily activities, and a new study has revealed that strengthening these muscles can help beat osteoarthritis pain in the knee. The study, carried out at the Mayo clinic in Minnesota suggests that the muscles help stabilise crucial areas of the knee resulting in less cartilage loss from friction.
There are conflicting studies in this area, with some studies suggesting there is no benefits for knee osteoarthritis from strong quadriceps muscles. However many studies back up the theory that strong quadriceps muscles prevent joint damage More info
Rheumatic arthritis linked to depression - An Australian study published in the March issue of the Arthritis Care and Research journal showed that physical deformities and disability caused by Rheumatoid arthritis can increase psychological distress Read more
Obese women experience more complications after hip surgery - Swiss researchers conducted a study of obese men and women to determine whether there were differences between the success of total hip replacement surgery. The study showed that out of 589 hip replacements on obese patients, women suffered more complications and less satisfaction. The authors of the study went on to say that gender differences such as body fat distribution and metabolic response may be a factor Full story
UK study finds rheumatoid arthritis cancer link - The study followed 2,105 patients with recent-onset inflammatory polyarthritis (IP) - often a precursor to rheumatoid arthritis - over 10 years. The study, published in the March issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, found that although patients with IP did not have higher rates of cancer than those in the general population, they did have a higher rate of blood cell cancers. The UK researchers also discovered that cancer survival rates were reduced in those with IP when compared to the general population more
An alternative to total knee replacement for sufferers of knee arthritis - Knee arthritis can be particularly debilitating. The pain can be excruciating and can leave those afflicted unable to walk. Total knee replacement is an option in extreme cases but if the replacement fails at any point down the line another replacement is required causing a huge upheaval in the life of the patient - and more pain.
The knee has three separate compartments and in many cases only one section is diseased. Instead of a total knee replacement it is possible to perform a partial knee resurfacing reducing trauma to healthy tissue and patient recovery time. Although not recommended for serious knee arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, the procedure could be a solution for those suffering with osteoarthritis in the knee. In many cases osteoarthritis in the knee is restricted to one section of the joint - such cases amount to around 70% of all knee arthritis Read more
Arthritis aid tips and how to make your home arthritis friendly - The Savvy Senior has put together an article with some useful advice for making the home safer as one gets older. The tips are useful for seniors who suffer with limited mobility but want to remain in their home as long as possible. For the article and tips on how to make your home more arthritis friendly click here
New psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis legislation introduced in US Congress - The bill is the first-ever comprehensive psoriasis legislation in the U.S and calls on the federal government to expand psoriasis research, create a national psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patient registry to strengthen data collection and convene a federal summit to discuss research and other issues. The institute of Medicine will also be directed to probe issues around care for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis patients.
It is thought that as many as 7.5 million Americans suffer from Psoriasis or Psoriatic arthritis Official Psoriasis Foundation website
Clinical trials give thumbs up to herbal supplement - Arthri-Zen Relief, a herbal supplement containing extracts of juniper, goldenrod, dandelion, meadowsweet and willow bark has produced encouraging arthritis pain relief qualities in new clinical trials Read more
New surgical technique to ease thumb arthritis – A new minimally invasive surgical technique is now being used to ease thumb arthritis. Capsulorrophy requires only two small incisions, reducing recovery time and getting patients back to normal a month quicker than usual methods. Space is created between the two bones in the thumb, the area is resurfaced and the bone is stabilized.
Thumb arthritis affects thousands of people and can be particularly debilitating as it can render the hand incapable of performing simple tasks such as opening bottles or jars. The use of Capsulorrophy can have patients pain free and back to normal in around two months.More info
Comprehensive rheumatoid arthritis information – The article provides lots of info on rheumatoid arthritis and new drugs being lined up to treat the condition. Many side effects of rheumatoid arthritis treatments and drugs are also covered in the article. Read more
Low doses of steroids can reduce joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers – A new review of evidence, led by John Kirwan of Liverpool Women's Hospital in England, suggests that steroid use during the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis can inhibit joint damage. The steroids studied in the review are known as glucocorticoids and include the well-known anti-inflammatory prednisone. This medication is often prescribed in the first few months after diagnosis to relieve the discomfort of RA until slower-acting drugs begin protecting the joints.
"Even in the most conservative estimate, the evidence that glucocorticoids given in addition to standard therapy can substantially reduce the rate of erosion progression in rheumatoid arthritis is convincing," say the reviewers. Read more
New study eases concerns about Celebrex – A recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology has concluded that Celebrex does not increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or death compared to common drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxin. 42,000 people took part in the study with researchers claiming if anything, Celebrex actually reduced the chances of heart attack and stroke when compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Full Story
Moderate alcohol consumption may protect against arthritis – A new Swedish study has revealed that mice given 10% alcohol in their water had a reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The team performing the study said it was not possible to say how much alcohol would have the same effect on human subjects. Low or moderate alcohol intake is thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and be beneficial in a number of ways but some experts have been sceptical of the Swedish arthritis study. More info
New study suggests arthritis remission is more likely in men – Swedish researchers studied 700 adults recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis – the debilitating form of the disease that can lead to loss of joint function. The researchers discovered that after 2 years of observation 50% more men were in remission than women. The gap continued to widen as the 5 year study progressed. Researchers added that age factors, how long the subjects had had the disease and drug treatment could not explain the discrepancy. More
Fish
oil can help with rheumatoid arthritis remission according to a recent
study - A
study in the Journal of Rheumatology, examined long-term use of fish oil
in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on
cardiovascular risk. The study group compared 18 patients taking fish
oil over a 3-year period compared with a group of 13 patients who did
not take fish oil.
The group taking the fish oil was found to have a much greater remission
rate of the disease than the no fish oil group. The proportion in
remission at 3 years was greater in the fish oil-compliant group (72%
vs. 31%). Full story
Celebrex given the green light to treat Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis – The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved Celebrex to treat this debilitating and devastating form of arthritis. A 24 week study tested the effects of the drug on patients between the ages of 2 and 17. A whole host of side effects were noted and the drug manufacturers plan further studies in the future. Celebrex was originally approved in l998 for the relief of signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis in adults. Full story from US FDA website
Experts in Denmark claim rosehip can reduce arthritis pain – The study involved test subjects taking a rosehip supplement for three weeks. An amazing 80% of subjects reported a reduction in arthritis pain and a reduction in the use of conventional painkillers. The study followed another by scientists in Norway which found that the mobility of osteoarthritis sufferers was boosted by 40 per cent after they took the same herbal remedy. Full story
Stay active to ease arthritis pain – We keep saying it but keeping active and getting regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage your arthritis symptoms. It is understandable that a lot of arthritis sufferers shun exercise because of the initial pain and it can seem like exercise will make your arthritis worse. However, regular studies and personal testimonies continue to support the ‘exercise regularly’ theory. Find out more and hear one woman’s story here
Scientists uncover reasons behind increased heart attack and stroke risk from arthritis drugs – Arthritis drugs such as Vioxx, withdrawn in 2004 after being blamed for the deaths of patients, stop an enzyme producing blood thinning agents. This causes blood to clot more easily – leading to an increased likelihood of heart attack and stroke. Read more
New study suggests smoking can worsen osteoarthritis pain and symptoms – According to the researchers, the smokers were younger and slimmer – factors that usually help the fight against osteoarthritis. But the study found that smokers were more than twice as likely to suffer cartilage loss and also more inclined to report more severe pain from their condition. Full story
New approach could lead to the reversal of some forms of arthritis – Newly discovered changes in a range of genes mean doctors could soon detect osteoarthritis before it takes hold. Most osteoarthritis is only diagnosed when sufferers begin to experience pain but according to new research the effects of osteoarthritis are reversible. More
Rheumatoid arthritis can be an effect of HIV treatments - Rheumatoid arthritis and connective tissue disease are unexpectedly more likely in people with HIV taking potent anti-HIV therapy, suggests new research. Two studies of the subject - one from the UK and one from the US - were presented at last week’s American College of Rheumatology meeting in Washington. More
Botox may ease arthritis knee pain – A new study suggests popular cosmetic treatment Botox could be used to fight the pain associated with arthritis. One woman, having injections into the knee to ease the symptoms and pain of knee arthritis, claims she could not go on without the treatment as her quality of life would significantly decrease. Read her story here
Having one leg shorter than the other increases arthritis risk – According to a new study, a difference in leg length of as little as 2 centimetres can increase the risk of developing the ‘wear and tear’ form of arthritis – osteoarthritis. Arthritis symptoms in the knee and hip were likely to be more severe. More info
Humira proven to ease juvenile arthritis symptoms – Humira, an injectable drug already used to treat adults suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the spine and psoriatic arthritis, has proven effective against the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in a study lasting 4 years. Over a quarter of a million children in the US suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Full story
More good news for child arthritis sufferers – New rheumatoid arthritis drug Orencia – already approved for adult use – appeared to be effective in treating children with arthritis. Scientists leading the research urged caution however. More long term intensive studies are needed to confirm safety of any drug that modifies the immune response of children. Read more
New test could stop Rheumatoid arthritis in its tracks – Dutch researchers claim a new blood test can give patients a head start when tackling Rheumatoid arthritis. The test looks for a particular antibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis. If the patient has the antibody present in the blood, treatment with common arthritis drug methotrexate can prevent full blown rheumatoid arthritis from developing. Full story
Study suggests Naproxen is safe for the heart - Naproxen, a common, over-the-counter pain reliever used for arthritis and other aches and pains, appears to be safe for the heart, despite warnings, researchers reported today.
A study of 41 healthy men and women showed naproxen, sold under the brand name Aleve by Bayer Consumer Care, "thins" the blood in much the same way as aspirin does. Read more
Arthritis drug cancer risk downplayed -
Researchers have downgraded the reported cancer risks associated with
two rheumatoid arthritis drugs.
While the researchers said that adalimumab and infliximab may still
increase the risk of cancer, they do so less than the three-fold risk
increase reported earlier this year.
More info
Health Canada unauthorized natural drug warning - The Canadian federal agency has said that Canadians should stay away from four products. They are: EllagiMax capsules, Coral Max capsules, Coral Max without iron capsules and Advanced Arthritis Support capsules. The products are labelled dietary supplements and claims on the labels or in promotional material may mislead patients, the agency said in a statement.
People seeking natural remedies to treat conditions such as arthritis are advised to consult a naturopath. If you are concerned, because you have been taking unauthorized drugs, consult your GP for advice. Full story
Curry spice could ease arthritis symptoms - The underground stem of common spice turmeric may have promising effects on joint inflammation and destruction according to a new study. Research conducted at the University of Arizona and published in the November 2006 edition of Arthritis and Rheumatism, showed that the extract appeared to block an inflammatory path three days after signs of rheumatoid arthritis in laboratory rats. The extract gave no help if given eight days before rheumatoid arthritis occurred. Turmeric powder and root contain very small amounts of the extract but if the extract can be concentrated it's thought that humble turmeric could give relief to sufferers of joint inflammation.
The extracts must be tested on human subjects before turmeric dietary supplements can be recommended for medicinal use.
German study suggests acupuncture may ease arthritis pain - Researchers say the therapy may help people with arthritis cut down on side effect inducing anti-inflammatory drugs. Dr Claudia Witt of the University Medical Centre in Berlin headed the study of over 3,500 patients with chronic pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee or hip.
Following the promising results of the study, German doctors and health insurers could be ready to recommend that the cost of acupuncture be reimbursed via state health insurance. More info
Archive
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While science has yet to bring us a cure for arthritis, there are many different forms of alternative medicine which can bring arthritis pain relief....more