StemCell Therapy

THUNDER BAY - Even though damp, cold weather can make even standing up difficult for people living with severe arthritis, dozens of people braved a grey morning to walk in support of the Arthritis Society.

On Sunday, more than 70 people participated in the 8th Annual Walk to Fight Arthritis at Prince Arthurs Landing.

Mariann Sawicki, committee member with the Arthritis Society of Thunder Bay, said she is happy with the turn out.

The weather probably deterred some people, she said. There are a lot of people out here. It just goes to show the importance. Everybody wants to do what they can for different diseases. They are very eager to help out and show their support.

This year, the fundraising target was $19,000 and prior to the walk starting the Arthritis Society had already raised $12,000. The money raised will be used to fund research for arthritis treatments and finding a cure.

Arthritis refers to a number of different disorders that target the joints in the body. It can cause stiffness, swelling, and reduced motion of joints. Types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and Lyme Disease.

Sawicki said sometimes there are misconceptions that arthritis is a disease that only affects people as they age, but she said it can affect anyone.

I think there may be some misconception, she said. A lot of people may think it is for older people, but thats not the case. Im a registered nurse and Ive seen all kind of different types of arthritis. People need to realize that.

And despite the weather on Sunday, people were out not only in support of stamping out arthritis, but also practicing one of the best treatments for the disease.

Movement with arthritis is one of the best things for you and your joints, Sawicki said. Being active really helps. This weather is kind of damp, so it does trigger some symptoms for people, but people are still out here and ready to go.

See the article here:
Walkers stepping up to stamp out arthritis - Tbnewswatch.com

GETTY

A gentle jog could benefit the knees and hips and reduce the risk of the osteoarthritis, which affects millions of people in the UK.

There is currently no cure for the condition but sufferers can treat the condition with drugs - commonly non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and by changing certain lifestyle factors.

Previously, experts have suggested jogging could damage the major joints and recommend other exercises such as pilates.

A new study looked at more than 110,000 people across the world. It found 3.5 per cent of people who run for fun and to stay fit developed arthritis in the knees or hips.

GETTY

This, experts said was compared to 10.2 per cent of those who didn't do any running - and was true for both men and women.

However the researchers said people should be wary of doing too much - as training and running competitively increased the risk to 13.3 per cent.

Dr Eduard Alentorn-Geli, of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and orthopaedic surgeon said: "The principal finding in this study is that, in general, running is not associated with osteoarthritis.

"The novel finding in our investigation is the increased association between running and arthritis in competitive - but not in recreational - runners.

When a joint develops osteoarthritis, some of the cartilage covering the ends of the bones gradually roughens and becomes thin, and the bone underneath thickens.

Getty

1 of 12

Running is not associated with osteoarthritis

According to Arthritis Research UK, over eight million people in the UK suffer from osteoarthritis - a condition perceived as only a disorder that affects the elderly.

Dr Alentorn-Gel and researchers from Spain, Sweden, and Canada pooled data from 17 studies involving a total of 114,829 people to evaluate the association of osteoarthritis with running.

The researchers compared the prevalence of the disease between runners and sedentary individuals who did not run.

Runners were considered 'competitive' if they were identified themselves as professional or elite athletes or participated in international competitions.

The researchers calculated the rate and odds ratio for osteoarthritis between runners at both competitive and recreational levels and people who did no exercise individuals.

They also looked at the location of arthritis in the hip or knee, gender and the years of exposure to running - less or more than 15 years.

GETTY

Dr Alentorn-Geli and his colleagues were not able to determine the amount of running that is safe for these joints.

The study was published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy.

Olivia Belle from Arthritis Research UK has previously told Express.co.uk said: If you have joint pain or mild osteoarthritis you might not always feel much like exercising.

But keeping active is one of the best ways to manage the symptoms.

Regular, safe, simple and effective exercise has been proven to greatly reduce pain and stiffness in joints.

Its also important for your joints that you maintain a healthy weight for you, and exercising regularly will help you with that.

Read the original here:
Arthritis symptoms - gentle jogging could benefit knee and hip joints ... - Express.co.uk

2 Jun 2017, 1:19 p.m.

The Cowra Arthritis Support Group recently celebrated Arthritis Awareness Week.

Last week was Arthritis Awareness Week withArthritis andOsteoporosis NSW is urging everyone to become informed about arthritis.

Incidence of arthritis is increasing in Australia, with recent NSW Health statistics indicating that one-in- four people are now affected by arthritis and related conditions.

Arthritis andOsteoporosis NSW CEO,Sandra Vincent, said it was great thatCowra residents can find information and support from their local arthritis support group.

At Arthritis andOsteoporosis NSW, we strive to help people with arthritis to improve their quality oflife by developing their self-management skills, she said.

When it comes to osteoarthritis, the two most important factors in prevention and management are maintenance of a healthy weight and an appropriate exercise regime that strengthens the muscles around the affected joints, she said.

According to findings just released by the Medibank Better Health Foundation, the number of osteoarthritis cases in New South Wales has soared in the past 10 years, from 347,000 in 2007 to 601,000 in 2017.

According toArthritis andOsteoporosisNSW the three most prevalent forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and, in children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis:

The Cowra Arthritis support group will be holding their next meeting Tuesday, May 6at 2pm.

The meetings guest speaker will be Acupuncturist,Stephen Tamplin, from Central West Naturopathic and Health Foods.

All are welcome to attend the Cowra Arthritis Support groups meeting for more information on the group please contactChristine Murphy on 0427 423 596.

Read more:
Arthritis support strong in Cowra - Cowra Guardian

Do your knees, hips and other joints snap, crackle and pop when you move?

Whether youre a senior, approaching middle age or a young athlete in your prime, you might have arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.

Once considered an age-related condition, its now known that arthritis can afflict anyone at any age. The condition can range from slight joint stiffness in the morning to a chronic, debilitating pain that can limit your mobility and reduce your quality of life.

More than 40 million Americans suffer from arthritis, and more than half of arthritis cases are osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that affects cartilage, the tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint.

The joints most often affected by osteoarthritis are those used for bending and swiveling movements: the knees, hips, shoulders and fingers. Healthy cartilage provides padding between bones that acts as a shock absorber for high-impact activities, and it helps bones glide smoothly together at the joints for bending and rotating motions.

In joints affected by osteoarthritis, the smooth, elastic cartilage that covers the ends of bones breaks down and wears away, leaving a rough surface where bones can rub together. Eventually, the joint can become misshapen; bits of bone and cartilage might break off and float in the joint space; or spiky growths called bone spurs can develop on the surface of the exposed bone, which can cause joint pain and decreased mobility.

Osteoarthritis risk and symptoms

Osteoarthritis can develop over time as age-related wear and tear, or as a result of a joint injury.

Those at risk of developing osteoarthritis include females, those who have a family history of osteoarthritis, those who are overweight or have had prior joint injuries, and those who put continuous, repetitive stress on their joints (i.e., a job that requires excessive lifting, bending or repetitive tasks, or high impact activities, such as running and aerobics).

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

>> Joint pain at rest or with activity.

>> Swelling or tenderness.

>> Stiffness, especially after getting out of bed or sitting for a long time.

>> Bony enlargement of the joint area.

>> A crunching noise or feeling when moving the joint.

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, early diagnosis and treatment might help slow the development and progression of the disease, further avoiding joint damage; help relieve pain and stiffness; and preserve maximum range of motion. According to the Arthritis Foundation (AF), symptoms of osteoarthritis begin to set in 10 years after a specific cause such as an injury or obesity, so early treatment is important.

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a medical history, physical exam, x-rays or MRIs and possibly blood tests or examinations of fluid drawn from the joint.

Treatment options include lifestyle modifications, medications, physical therapy or surgery. Your doctor might recommend switching from high-impact to low-impact sports activities. Topical or oral pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroid injections, administered by your doctor, can help control pain and swelling.

Other nonsurgical remedies might include weight loss. The AF estimates that every pound of excess weight lost reduces four pounds of pressure on the knees and six pounds of pressure on the hips. Additionally, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles that surround and support the affected joint, and ice or heat also might help reduce swelling and pain. Regular exercise is also important to help the affected joint stay lubricated and strong.

If other treatment methods are not effective, surgery also can help relieve pain and restore mobility. Surgical interventions range from minimally invasive arthroscopy which removes bone spurs or smooths rough bone surfaces to total joint replacement, in which parts of the bones are removed and an artificial joint is implanted.

Dr. Supen Patel specializes in rheumatology. He is associated with Carolinas Rheumatology & Osteoporosis (carolinasrheumatology.com), an affiliate of Carolinas Medical Alliance, and is a member of the medical staff of Carolinas Hospital System. He is accepting new patients. Patients must have a referral to schedule an appointment. To refer a patient, call Patels office at 843-674-6440.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with your physician that will benefit your health.

Sources: The Arthritis Foundation, arthritis.com, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, aaos.org, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, niams.nih.gov

View original post here:
Arthritis can strike at any age: Early treatment is important in regard to degenerative joint disease - SCNow

David Bussiere's daughter Ava was just 3-years-old when she first started to show the signs of juvenile arthritis and by 5 she was diagnosed.

The Regina father said he wasn't sure what was wrong with his daughter, and the two-year process to receive a diagnosis was trying.

"Her mood changed when she was young, then eventually we noticed swelling in her joints," said Bussiere. "One morning she woke up and her knee wouldn't bend anymore and that's when we really started to take it seriously."

Initially Bussiere thought his daughter had just grown and was experiencing pain associated with that, which was later reinforced by some doctors.

After being referred to a team of specialists in Saskatoon, Ava was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The disease affects her knees, ankles, wrists, fingers and her jaw.

On Sunday the Walk to Fight Arthritis took place in 40 communities across Canada.

"We justthought it would be a good way to show her she wasn't alone," Bussiere.

Sunday was the fourth time the Bussiere's made it out to the arthritis walk in Regina.

Ava had to be taken out of sports and could no longer participate in gym classher favourite subject during her leading up to her diagnosis.

"It was scary. It was scary because you learn that its not something they grow out of. It's a disease that they have for life. It's something she'll have to deal with for her whole life," said Bussiere.

After years of treatment and medicine Ava, now 8-years-old, is able to play soccer.

"When we had the whole bout with her knee we had to pull her out, couldn't play sports anymore, but then she started treatment and it take too long after treatment that we could start re-introducing things," said Bussiere.

"It's to the point where she's just a regular kid again."

Read the rest here:
'It was scary': father recalls 5-year-old daughter's arthritis diagnosis ... - CBC.ca

More than 9,000 people are expected to take part in the Walk to Fight Arthritis in 41 communities across Canada this Sunday. ( Rene Johnston/Toronto Star )

More than 9,000 people are expected to take part Sunday in the Walk to Fight Arthritis in 41 communities across Canada.

In Toronto, the walk kicks off at Woodbine Park at 10:30 a.m. and runs through the Beach area with both one and five-kilometre route options.

The Walk to Fight Arthritis is a symbol of how important it is to stay active and healthy, said Janet Yale, president and CEO of the Arthritis Society. Walking is a really important way for people to improve their mobility. Its really core to our mission to get people moving as a way to help them cope with their disease.

The disease affects 4.6 million Canadians 15 and older, or one in six Canadian adults, according to the society. This number is expected to hit 7.5 million by 2036.

Arthritis is not a well-understood disease, Yale said. Many people who have arthritis dont even realize they have it. They may be living in pain, they may have aches and pains in their joints and they may think its a natural part of getting older. It isnt actually. Its a disease.

While arthritis is often perceived as a condition of the elderly, more than half of those who suffer from the disease are under the age of 65.

Now in its eighth year, the walk has raised more than $8 million Canada-wide.

Yale said funds raised from the walk will go towards funding research to find a cure, as well as to support those living with the disease through tools and resources.

There are 15 additional walks taking place across Canada this year. Yale said the goal is to add 10 new communities each year.

Its also really important as a way to bring people together in support of this common cause and to see that there are others like them who are suffering from this disease and how we can improve peoples quality of life through coming together as a community, she said.

The Toronto Star and thestar.com, each property of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited, One Yonge Street, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5E1E6. You can unsubscribe at any time. Please contact us or see our privacy policy for more information.

Read this article:
Arthritis walk gets moving Sunday morning - Toronto Star

GETTY

Eating oily fish one to two times a week can prevent or help existing arthritis, according to research.

Examples of oily fish include salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel.

Its because theyre rich in omega-3 fatty acids which protect both the heart and brain.

White fish, such as cod, are less rich in the nutrient, but do contain some.

GETTY

Its though that omega-3s anti-inflammatory properties helps combat the joint disorder.

Indeed, a 2013 study published in journal Annals of Rheumatic Diseases found that eating at least one portion of oily fish a week could have halve rheumatoid arthritis risk.

Its though that omega-3s anti-inflammatory properties helps combat the joint disorder.

Paul Chamberlain, Head of Nutrition at Solgar, said: Omega-3 family of fats play an important role in controlling inflammatory processes in the body.

Hence those with any kind of itis will often benefit from eating more omega-3 rich foods.

1 of 9

GETTY

Research also suggests that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the expression of cartilage-degrading enzymes, cyclooxygenase-2 and inflammatory cytokines that are involved in the progression of joint disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis, alongside osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

The researchers from the 2013 study suggest that fish oil supplements may also be beneficial.

Chamberlain said: Many people do not eat the recommended one to two portions of oily fish per week meaning they may lack omega-3 in their diet.

GETTY

This means that taking supplements may be an easy way to get the protective joint benefits.

The Arthritis Foundation recommend choosing fish oil capsules with at least 30 per cent EPA and DHA - the active ingredients - for arthritis-related conditions.

If youre vegetarian, there are other dietary sources.

Chamberlain added: As well as oily fish, omega-3s are derived from some nuts and seeds such as walnuts and flax.

Go here to read the rest:
Arthritis symptoms: Eating THIS twice a week could help painful joints - Express.co.uk

Do your hands hurt? Have they become stiff and painful? Do you find yourself asking for help with opening jars? Have you started to notice a decrease in your pinch and grip strength? If so, you may have wearing out of the small joints in your hand a very common condition known as arthritis.

Arthritis literally means inflamed joint. It results when cartilage begins to wear out and the bone ends become irregular. While arthritis can affect any joint in the body, it is often most noticeable in the small joints in the hand given their relatively minimal soft tissue envelope. This condition can be very painful and disabling especially when left untreated.

Osteoathritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, resulting from simple wear and tear over time. It is characterized by a degeneration or thinning of smooth cartilage end caps within the hand. This creates direct or bone on bone contact causing in pain and deformity. OA is most commonly seen in women over the age of 40; however, men are unfortunately not immune to it! Pain is typically the first symptom of this potentially disabling condition. This is especially prevalent with opening jars, turning door knobs, and writing. As the arthritis progresses, patients can even develop a bump at the base of the thumb from the deformed joint.

Arthritis is diagnosed from a combination of a clinical exam by your physician as well as X-rays. While X-rays are important in the diagnosis, they only tell part of the story. Some patients may have very bad arthritis on X-rays, but are not very symptomatic. On the other hand, some patients have relatively minimal arthritis on X-rays, but have a tremendous amount of pain.

Treatment of OA of the hand is aimed at minimizing pain and restoring as much function as possible. Your physician may recommend the use of topical medications or anti-inflammatory medicines like Ibuprofen and Naproxen. In addition, the use of braces (both soft and hard) can be helpful in managing OA especially in the base of thumb (CMC) joint. Finally, if symptoms persist despite these nonoperative modalities, your doctor may recommend surgery of which there are often good options available when the time comes.

Originally posted here:
Signs You May Have Arthritis - David Katz, MD | Online Athens - Online Athens (blog)

As part of the 52 Weeks of Public Health campaign, the Kentucky Department of Public Health (DPH), within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), is emphasizing the negative impact of arthritis on people who live in rural areas.

A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that one-third of adults in rural areas have arthritis and that more than one-half of that population is limited in their daily activities by the condition. In Kentucky, more than one million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis and more than half (570,000) of those with arthritis live in rural parts of the state. Furthermore, 45 percent of rural working-age adults report that arthritis limits their ability to work.

Many senior centers, local health departments, the University of Kentucky Center of Excellence for Rural Health and YMCAs offer proven exercise and self- management programs that help relieve arthritis pain, said Teri Wood, principal investigator on the CDC Arthritis grant for DPH. Our program is always seeking local organizations already serving rural populations, including churches, county extension agents, veterans service organizations, health care clinics, and community centers that might be able to collaborate to make the small-group versions of these low-cost programs more available.

DPH and the Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL), within CHFS, collaborate on arthritis prevention and control to increase access to programs for arthritis management. Programs such as Walk with Ease, Enhance Fitness and the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program as examples of effective arthritis management tools that are available in many communities across the state. More information can be found here: http://www.chfs.ky.gov/dph/info/dpqi/cd/arthritis.htm.

Throughout the planned 52 Weeks of Public Health promotion, DPH will spotlight a specific public health issue. Additional information about the campaign is available on the DPH website: http://chfs.ky.gov/dph/default.htm and will be posted on the CHFS Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/kychfs where Kentuckians are encouraged to like and share posts among their networks of friends.

More information on the impact of arthritis nationwide can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

Read the original here:
One in Three Adults in Rural Areas Have Arthritis | BereaOnline - Berea Online

OSTEOARTHRITIS,a painful condition in which the tissue between bones wears down, frequently affects people in old age and a new study finds that as many as 4 in 10 people may develop the condition in their hands.

Among women, researchers found the lifetime risk was 47 per cent while for men it was about 25 per cent. Obese people also had 11 per cent higher lifetime risk than those who were not obese.

Hand osteoarthritis can cause disability and problems with daily living, but is not often a subject of research, the study team writes in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology. Past research shows the lifetime risk for arthritis of the knee to be 45 per cent and 25 per cent for the hip, they write.

These findings indicate that symptomatic hand osteoarthritis is very common and affects a substantial proportion of the population in their lifetimes, lead author and epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Jin Qin told Reuters Health.

The researchers analysed data from a study of more than 2,000 people over age 45. The study collected data between 1999 and 2010, using self-reports of arthritis symptoms and X-ray images of the participants hands.

Based on this group, researchers estimated the proportion of people who will develop osteoarthritis in at least one hand by age 85 to be 39.8 per cent.

White people were at greater risk, at 41 per cent, for hand osteoarthritis than black people, with 29 per cent. Obese people had a lifetime risk of 47 per cent, compared to 36 per cent among the non-obese.

Some people with hand osteoarthritis have minimal or no symptoms. But for many, symptomatic hand osteoarthritis greatly affects their everyday lives, with few options for improving their symptoms, Dr. Fiona Watt, a research lecturer and honorary consultant rheumatologist at the University of Oxford told Reuters Health.

The pain can vary and tends to be worse the more people use their hands, flaring up during daily activity like carrying heavy shopping bags or typing on keyboards or phones, said Watt, who was not involved in the study.

Our hands are so important and we need to look after them, Watt said, adding that doing aerobic exercise and watching our weight can help protect against all types of osteoarthritis.

We know that injury can increase the risk of osteoarthritis, Watt said. Although we cant always prevent hand injuries, wearing supporting and protective gloves in occupations with heavy use of the hand is important.

Preventing injuries and maintaining a healthy weight may lower the risk of osteoarthritis, Qin said. Earlier diagnosis allows earlier use of interventions (e.g. physical/occupational therapy), that may help manage symptoms, maintain better function and improve quality of life.

View original post here:
40 per cent lifetime risk of hand arthritis - RTN Newspaper

There are more than 52 million adults in the United States who suffer from joint inflammation caused by arthritis. Its a disabling condition that is especially prevalent among people over age 50.

Feet are especially susceptible to arthritis; each foot has 33 joints, and there is no way to avoid bearing weight on them.

The Michigan Podiatric Medical Association says symptoms of arthritis in the foot and ankle can include early morning stiffness, limitation in motion of joint, recurring pain or tenderness in any joint, redness or heat in joint, skin changes and swelling in one or more joints.

There is usually no need to endure years of painful ambulation because of arthritic feet, said Dr. Jodie Sengstock, MPMA director of professional relations. Most conditions can be diagnosed and treated either conservatively or surgically by a podiatrist.

Advertisement

Arthritis of the foot and ankle can be treated in many ways, including physical therapy and exercise, orthotics or specially prescribed shoes, and joint replacement surgery. In addition, anti-inflammatory medication and/or steroid injections into the affected joint may also provide relief.

Obesity is linked to arthritis; when you take a step any step four times your body weight presses on your feet. If you weigh 200 pounds, thats 800 pounds of pressure per inch with every step. The best way to lose weight is to eat smarter.

Although it may seem counterintuitive to move your joints when theyre a source of pain, its still important to keep moving. As you age, you lose 1 percent of muscle mass a year. The more you lose, the more strain you put on your joints because muscles are the joints primary shock absorbers. You can slow that muscle loss with strength exercises. If possible walk 30 minutes a day. If walking is painful, try a stationary bike or water exercise to build strength and endurance.

Debra Kaszubski, Vitality special writer, contributed to this report.

More:
When it comes to arthritis, feet bear a tremendous weight - The Macomb Daily

WCVB's 5 Investigates Karen Anderson will emcee the Walk to Cure Arthritis this Saturday, June 10 starting at 9am at Canal Park in Cambridge.

Arthritis is the #1 cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million people. The Arthritis Foundation is committed to finding a cure for the millions of people who suffer from arthritis pain, including 300,000 children and their families.

Join us for the Walk to Cure Arthritis and say Yes to helping create a world where people dont have to struggle to button their shirt, tie their shoe, pick up their child or grandchild or play with their friends. As Champions of Yes, its up to us to make sure that people with arthritis have life changing resources and information to manage their disease, access to the critical medications they need to live full, healthy lives and to accelerate the path to better treatments and a cure through cutting-edge research.

Join the fight and Walk to Cure Arthritis register, fundraise, come together to support each other and walk. Another step, another victory!

Read the original:
Join 5 Investigates Karen Anderson at the Walk to Cure Arthritis on Saturday, June 10th - WCVB Boston

Walk into any gym, step onto any basketball or tennis court, or even take a look at the person jogging or walking down your street, and youll likely to see an assortment of braces or support aids on older (and younger) individuals.

One of the most common areas youll see this equipment is on the knee.

Knee pain is one of the most common conditions I see as a physical therapist. Often I see people after knee replacement. However, I also see people with knee pain due to osteoarthritis before surgery.

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition and is one of the five most disabling conditions in the U.S., affecting more than a third of people over 65 years of age. Sometimes, knee pain due to arthritis will lead to the use an assistive device, such as a cane or walker, and eventually knee replacement surgery.

Chronic knee pain due to arthritis is characterized by pain, cartilage degeneration and joint space narrowing. When patients are referred to physical therapy for arthritis relief, they often dont understand how physical therapy can help. After all, if there is cartilage degeneration and joint space narrowing, wouldnt more movement just make the arthritis worse?

Fortunately, as Ive discussed at length before, the body is much more complex than that. In fact, the 2008 guidelines from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend exercise as the core treatment for osteoarthritis.

As the saying goes in physical therapy, "Movement is medicine."

The right type of exercise in the appropriate dosage and intensity can help "lubricate" the joint, improve muscle strength, improve joint motion and decrease joint pain. Osteoarthritis is associated with decreased muscle strength and abnormal joint mechanics.

A 2012 review in the journal Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation reviewed resistance training interventions on knee osteoarthritis and found some studies showing up to a 43 percent reduction in pain with appropriate resistance training.

Physical therapy, and specifically resistance training, works to improve joint mechanics and muscle activation patterns. In the physical therapy clinic, the typical culprits for weakness I see are the muscles of the thigh and the hips. So my treatment usually starts with exercises targeting the thigh muscles, both quads and hamstrings, as well as the muscles that move your leg back (hip extension) and to the side (hip abduction). The hip muscles actually help control the position of the knee during functional activities, so making sure your hips are strong is a good way to help improve knee mechanics.

I also will include some calf (lower leg) strengthening as well.

Next, it's important to help make sure that certain movements, such as squatting and going up and down steps, are performed with good mechanics. This usually means ensuring that when looking at the knee from the front that it stays in line with the second toe when climbing the stairs.

When bending down to sit in a chair or pick something up off the ground, it means that the knees stay outward to remain in line with the toes.

A good test to perform at home to check your mechanics is to stand sideways beside a step and perform a lateral step-up. Keeping the knee in line with toes is often difficult for most people. Often, when people have pain with stairs, fixing the mechanics helps their pain relatively quickly.

Lastly, I like to combine knee/hip strengthening and functional tasks focused on mechanics with a biking activity. It seems the continual motion of the bike helps to lubricate the joint and just helps things move a little better. If you have knee pain due to osteoarthritis, I recommend you get a bike, either recumbent or upright, and ride for 10 to 20 minutes a day to keep the knee joint loose and well-lubricated.

With the right exercises, individuals with mild to moderate osteoarthritis can experience symptom relief, decreased disability, improved function and overall improved health.

These recommendations also apply even if you dont have knee osteoarthritis. As we age, the prevalence of knee osteoarthritis increases, so its likely a good idea to perform biking, leg strengthening and biomechanics training as part of a comprehensive exercise routine.

Show caution when starting new exercises, and if you have any doubt about your mechanics, see your physical therapist for instruction. Dont push through pain with exercises. Start off slow, and progress in weight, reps and biking distance as you are able.

Nick McClary earned his doctor of physical therapy from the University of Tennessee. He is a Georgetown County native and lives and works in Pawleys Island. Send him your health and fitness questions at: nmcclaryDPT@gmail.com.

Originally posted here:
Nick McClary column: With arthritis, movement is good medicine - South Strand news

Experimental arthritis FLIPping the switch on macrophages Nature.com Reducing the expression of anti-apoptosis molecule FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP, also known as CASP8 and FADD-like apoptosis regulator) in macrophages could protect against inflammatory arthritis, according to new findings published in Arthritis ...

See original here:
Experimental arthritis FLIPping the switch on macrophages - Nature.com

Chondroitin Eases the Pain of Knee Arthritis New York Times As part of the trial, 604 patients with knee arthritis received either the NSAID drug celecoxib (brand name Celebrex, 200 milligrams a day), a dummy pill, or chondroitin (800 milligrams a day), a component of cartilage that cushions the joints and is ...

Original post:
Chondroitin Eases the Pain of Knee Arthritis - New York Times

Soccer standout Benny Waida isnt allowing juvenile arthritis kick him around.

In fact, the 14-year-old athlete from Mentor who previously traveled around the country playing his favorite sport is facing the challenge head on.

He recently was chosen as the youth honoree at the Arthritis Foundations 2017 Walk to Cure Arthritis at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and thus far Benny, along with his teammates Waidas Wolf Warriors, have raised approximately $14,000 for the cause.

While at the May 13 event he bravely coped with the pain and swelling affecting his joints and managed to walk about a mile before needing to finish the remainder of the 5K distance in a wheelchair.

Advertisement

Wheelchairs were the last thing on the active boys mind a few years ago prior to his diagnosis of enthesitis , a form of arthritis affecting the points connecting tendons and ligaments to bones.

At a young age his soccer skills had led him to several tournaments and championships. Shannon Waida, Bennys mother, had even heard buzz about potential scholarships.

But one day in the spring of 2014 after playing three full games his right heel began to hurt causing his leg to drag. At first the pain was chalked up to overuse. When it wouldnt stop Shannon took him to several doctors who diagnosed it as Severs disease, a common heel injury occurring in children. After treatment proved ineffective, additional testing revealed severe arthritis.

Over the next months the pain became progressively worse, spreading to the left foot as well as his ankles, knees and legs. Swelling prevented him from wearing shoes and use of a wheelchair became a common occurrence.

Shannon noted that staff members at Mentor Shore Middle School where Benny attends have been remarkable in their efforts to educate students about the disease and the challenges Benny faces.

In a matter of 15 minutes I can go from walking around to needing a wheelchair and thats what people dont understand, Benny said.

Others becoming aware of the diseases effects has helped him.

However, arthritis isnt the only illness with which Benny must cope. In 2015 he was diagnosed with Crohns, an inflammatory bowel disease. And recently an esophageal condition causing severe vomiting has surfaced.

Regardless of the trials the teen now faces, including a vast void that not playing soccer has created, he manages to keep an upbeat attitude and continues to raise awareness of arthritis.

Last year he attended a Juvenile Arthritis Conference where he mentored younger children learning how to deal with the disease. He has also created videos on YouTube, some of which have been used to spread awareness by the Arthritis Foundation.

Everything happens for a reason, Benny said. The fact that Im meeting new people, going to Juvenile Arthritis conferences, those kinds of experiences Im having a lot ofI think its going to be a good thing for as much as its bad. If I get through this Ill look back at it and Ill still be fundraising for arthritis.

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the U.S., affecting more than 50 million people. The Arthritis Foundation is committed to finding a cure for the millions of people who suffer from arthritis pain, including 300,000 children and their families.

For more information, visit http://www.arthritis.org.

More:
Mentor teen serves as youth honoree for Arthritis Foundation's 2017 Walk to Cure Arthritis - News-Herald.com

1 in 3 Adults in Rural Areas Have Arthritis SurfKY News (registration) (blog) arthritis pain FRANKFORT, Ky. (5/31/17) As part of its 52 Weeks of Public Health campaign, the Kentucky Department of Public Health within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services is emphasizing the negative impact of arthritis on people that live ... CDC: Prevalence of Arthritis 31.8% in Most Rural Areas of USDoctors Lounge 11 foods that help your jointsMen's Fitness all 3 news articles »

Link:
1 in 3 Adults in Rural Areas Have Arthritis - SurfKY News (registration) (blog)

STOCKBRIDGE Success is sweet just ask the physicians and staff at OrthoAtlanta in Stockbridge who recently broke their own company fundraising record with contributions to the annual Arthritis Foundation of Georgia Walk to Cure Arthritis. Their efforts raised awareness and funds for arthritis, the No. 1 cause of disability in the United States. Add in a few pies, and success was even sweeter.

The annual Atlanta Walk to Cure Arthritis is a top charitable event for OrthoAtlanta, the second largest orthopedic and sports medicine practice in Atlanta. With 13 offices across the metropolitan area, including Stockbridge, Newnan, Fayetteville, and new Peachtree City, each OrthoAtlanta office raises funds at the local level, combined into a group donation to the Arthritis Foundation of Georgia.

In spirited competition extending into the community including Clayton State University Athletics, the OrthoAtlanta Stockbridge office donated nearly $6,000 to the 2017 Atlanta Walk to Cure Arthritis, achieving bragging rights as the second-highest fundraiser for the entire Atlanta metropolitan area. Company-wide, the combined OrthoAtlanta donation of nearly $15,700 more than doubled its 2016 contribution and secured OrthoAtlanta recognition as the third-highest group donation and top company donation for the 2017 Walk, the signature event of the Arthritis Foundation.

The most popular fundraising effort initiated by the Stockbridge team, an infamous Pie in the Face promotion, clearly caught the attention of the community. Participants included Todd A. Schmidt, MD, known in the Stockbridge area for his sports medicine, joint preservation and reconstruction skills, and Timothy Ghattas, MD, orthopedic surgeon at OrthoAtlanta Stockbridge. Ghattas also serves as the team physician for Clayton State University Athletics, prompting four members of Clayton State Athletics, including Director of Athletics Tim Duncan, and the university president, Dr. Thomas Tim Hynes Jr., to also take part in the pie-in-the-face fundraiser

Asked about facing a pie in the face, Schmidt explained it simply. OrthoAtlanta physicians and staff treat thousands of patients each year who are suffering from some form of painful arthritis. Treatments range from non-surgical to surgical, including joint repair and joint replacement, known as arthroplasty. We are pleased that this years pie event brought awareness of this dreaded disease and to the excellent work done by the Arthritis Foundation as they seek to conquer arthritis with research, training, advocacy and more.

The 2017 Atlanta Walk to Cure Arthritis raised $300,000 from teams across the metropolitan area.

Read more:
Pie-in-the-Face promotion raises funds for Arthritis Foundation - News-Daily.com

GETTY

The condition is three more times as common in men than women and symptoms tend to develop gradually, sometimes over many years.

Ankylosing spondylitis causes back pain, stiffness, fatigue and impaired mobility that develops over time.

There is no cure for AS at the moment, however experts have announced a new breakthrough which could help sufferers.

New research has revealed an insight into the genetic causes of ankylosing spondylitis that could aid the future treatment of the disease.

GETTY

A study by the University of Oxford has found that the specific genetic variants associated with the onset of the condition may be more common than previously thought.

Data on 213 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 46 people with rheumatoid arthritis was analysed in order to examine the common scientific assumption that ankylosing spondylitis is mostly associated with unusual genotypes called ERAP1.

Two genes involved in antigen processing and presentation to the immune system - HLA-B27 and ERAP1 - have a big role to play in driving the disease.

Previously studies have indicated that rare ERAP1 variants are responsible for the condition.

Getty

1 of 12

Ankylosing spondylitis is known to have a significant genetic link

However experts found that it was in fact common variants of ERAP1 that were responsible for regulating people's ankylosing spondylitis, rather than rare variations or unusual genetic combinations.

The causes of the disease are not currently well understood, so further research into its genetic origins could make it easier for scientists to create new and more effective therapies.

The researchers said the findings have potential implications for future studies addressing the development of ERAP1 inhibitors as new treatments, 'not only for ankylosing spondylitis but also in other diseases genetically associated with ERAP1'.

Dr Katherine Free, research engagement manager at Arthritis Research UK, said: "Ankylosing spondylitis is known to have a significant genetic link, and studies to date have identified over 40 genetic changes that are thought to contribute to an individual's risk of developing this disease.

GETTY

"Previous research has shown that alterations within two particular genes, known as HLA-B27 and ERAP1, have a particularly strong link to ankylosing spondylitis.

This research sheds new light on the particular genetic changes within ERAP1 that are responsible for disease development.

Identifying the effect that these genetic changes have on the immune system could pave the way for the development of new and more effective treatments for this condition."

The research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Does arthritis really get worse in winter?

Read the rest here:
Arthritis symptoms - CURE on the horizon for this painful condition - Express.co.uk

Battling severe rheumatoid arthritis, a condition usually associated with the elderly, Ved Ahinave, a 17-year-old from Mumbai, scored 61.23% in the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams.

The results were declared at 1pm.

Ved wrote his exams without a writer, despite swelling and pain in his joints. He scored 66 marks in English and 77 marks in information technology.

My hands and legs started to hurt because of the strain, but I took frequent breaks and completed the paper, said the student of Swami Vivekananda International School and Junior College, Kandivli. I am happy with my score, I I want to work in the IT sector, just like my parents. I love computers, said Ved.

The 17-year-olds is a rare case.

Ved was diagnosed with arthritis when he was six. The disease is common among people in their late 40s and 50s. It causes the bodys immune system to attack the joints, leading to inflammation and thickening of tissues. His condition worsened when he was in Class 10.

Constant consumption of medicines mostly steroids and painkillers however stunted his growth, said his mother, Seema. He is 17, but is three feet and five inches tall, Seema said, adding they dont know what caused the disease.

Doctors tell me it could be because of low haemoglobin levels during my pregnancy. Some say it is genetic, said the mother.

Ved couldnt get a writer as the board refused to acknowledge his illness. We submitted medical certificates, including one from Sir JJ Hospital. But the board doesnt have provisions for arthritis, said his father Vishwas, 46, an electronics engineer. He used to succumb to bouts of depression, but my friend kept him motivated. His teachers, especially Miss Leena, helped him a lot.

There is no permanent cure for Veds disease. He is learning to live with it. He spends his time configuring phones. We think it can be a good profession if he gets to work from home, his mother said.

See the original post here:
Maharashtra HSC results today: Mumbai teen fights rheumatoid ... - Hindustan Times