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Nanoparticles Ease Aching Joints in Mice

Posted 2 days 5 hours ago by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, Sept. 27, 2016 – New research in mice suggests that tiny nanoparticles might one day be a better way to deliver medicine to inflamed joints in humans. The therapy may reduce the risk of osteoarthritis in people who have suffered joint injuries, the study authors said. About 12 percent of osteoarthritis cases stem from previous joint injuries. The experimental treatment may also benefit people who already have osteoarthritis, according to the study team from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. While nonprescription painkillers – such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – help reduce the pain of joint injuries, they don't stop cartilage destruction caused by inflammation. "I see a lot of patients with osteoarthritis, and there's really no treatment," study senior author Dr. Christine Pham, an associate professor of medicine, said in a ... Read more

Related support groups: Percocet, Vicodin, Norco, Osteoarthritis, Lortab, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Advil, Paracetamol, Fioricet, Motrin, Excedrin, Endocet, Knee Joint Replacement, Darvocet-N 100, Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone, Tylenol PM, Tylenol with Codeine, Vicoprofen

Health Tip: Traveling With Arthritis

Posted 9 Sep 2016 by Drugs.com

-- Arthritis doesn't have to ruin your vacation. Here are relief suggestions from the Arthritis Foundation: Book a plane seat with extra room to stretch. Fly in the middle of the week when it's less busy. Ask for a hotel room that's on the first floor or near an elevator. Pack a cane or an extra pillow to help you stay comfortable. Pack a stash of healthier snacks. Pack medications in your carry-on baggage. Make sure meds are packed properly, especially if they need refrigeration. Pack a heating pad or wrap, an ice pack and topical creams. Opt for a hotel with a hot tub or steam room. Request assistance at the airport to prevent long walks or long periods standing. Ask another passenger for help storing carry-on luggage. Move around the plane's cabin as frequently as possible. Read more

Related support groups: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Still's Disease, Rheumatoid Lung, Felty's Syndrome

Review Suggests Safe, Effective Ways to Relieve Pain Without Meds

Posted 1 Sep 2016 by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, Sept. 1, 2016 – Popular drug-free methods of managing pain from such common conditions as headaches and arthritis appear to be effective, according to a new review. Millions of Americans seek pain relief through such alternatives as acupuncture, tai chi and yoga. But there has been little information to help doctors make recommendations about these approaches. "For many Americans who suffer from chronic pain, medications may not completely relieve pain and can produce unwanted side effects. As a result, many people may turn to nondrug approaches to help manage their pain," study lead author Richard Nahin said in a U.S. government news release. "Our goal for this study was to provide relevant, high-quality information for primary care providers and for patients who suffer from chronic pain," Nahin added. He is lead epidemiologist at the U.S. National Center for Complementary ... Read more

Related support groups: Pain, Headache, Back Pain, Migraine, Osteoarthritis, Chronic Pain, Neuralgia, Migraine Prevention, Migraine Prophylaxis, Breakthrough Pain, New Daily Persistent Headache

Will 'Unloading' Shoes Help Your Arthritic Knees?

Posted 12 Aug 2016 by Drugs.com

FRIDAY, Aug. 12, 2016 – For reducing pain from arthritic knees, "unloading" shoes don't offer a leg up over conventional walking shoes, new research indicates. With their modified midsoles, unloading shoes aim to reduce the force (or "load") placed on an affected knee joint, according to their manufacturer. But after focusing on one brand – the "Gel Melbourne OA" shoe by Asics – the Australian researchers concluded the special shoes were no better for knee arthritis than standard lace-up footwear. "With its specific design features, [the unloading shoe] does significantly reduce the forces acting across the inner compartment of the knee joint," said study lead author Rana Hinman. But its users didn't report greater pain relief than those wearing new regular walking shoes, said Hinman, an associate professor of physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. Among study participants, ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement, Foot Care

Health Tip: Use Cold Therapy to Ease Arthritis

Posted 10 Aug 2016 by Drugs.com

-- If you're struggling with arthritis, cold therapy can help ease swelling and pain. Here's how to apply cold therapy, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation: Use an ice pack, a plastic bag filled with ice or even a bag of frozen veggies. Wrap the pack in a towel and apply it to the area for a maximum of 20 minutes at a time. Buy a commercial ice pack, which can wrap around a joint and is less likely to leak. Submerge a painful joint in a bath of ice and cold water. Read more

Related support groups: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, Felty's Syndrome

Health Tip: Ease Arthritis Pain With Warm Water

Posted 27 Jul 2016 by Drugs.com

-- When joints are stiff and sore, warm water can be just what the doctor ordered. Here's how to reap the benefits of warm water, courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation: Make the water between 92 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a warm tub (or pool) to do some stretching. Place a tennis ball beneath the small of your back in the bathtub and roll it gently along the bottom of the tub. Soak in a bath with Epsom salts. But people with diabetes should avoid too much salt, which could trigger insulin production. Read more

Related support groups: Diabetes, Type 2, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, Type 1, Diabetes Mellitus

Health Tip: Is Arthritis Affecting Your Hip?

Posted 25 Jul 2016 by Drugs.com

-- Slowing down with occasional aches and pains in your hip may be a common sign of aging. But other symptoms may indicate hip arthritis. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says warning signs of hip arthritis include: Pain that starts in the thigh or groin and extends to the knee or buttock. Pain that worsens when you exercise vigorously. Difficulty bending at the hip. Difficulty walking. A grinding sound or sensation in the joint, or a tendency for the hip to stick or lock in place. Reduced range of motion of the hip joint, causing a limp. Joint pain that worsens when it rains. Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Hip Replacement, Prevention of Fractures

Cartilage Grown in Lab Might One Day Help Younger Arthritis Sufferers

Posted 19 Jul 2016 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, July 19, 2016 – Scientists report progress toward developing lab-grown cartilage that could postpone or possibly eliminate the need for hip replacement surgery in younger arthritis patients. The cartilage hasn't been tested in humans yet, and it's too early to know anything about side effects or cost. Still, the researchers said it's promising because the cartilage is only partially artificial – it also includes the patient's stem cells – and the synthetic "scaffolding" may vanish over time, leaving only human tissue in its place. In addition, the implant is designed to fight off swelling, said lead researcher Bradley Estes. He is vice president of research and development at Cytex Therapeutics, the Durham, N.C.-based company developing the cartilage. "We have an implant that can functionally replace the diseased tissue, while also fighting off inflammation that could ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Hip Replacement, Diagnosis and Investigation

Beware Whole Body Cryotherapy Claims, FDA Warns

Posted 8 Jul 2016 by Drugs.com

FRIDAY, July 8, 2016 – Whole body cryotherapy – a trendy treatment that has been used for everything from arthritis pain to Alzheimer's – may pose serious health risks, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns. "Based on purported health benefits seen in many promotions for cryotherapy spas, consumers may incorrectly believe that the FDA has cleared or approved [these] devices as safe and effective to treat medical conditions," Dr. Aron Yustein, a medical officer in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, said in an agency news release. "That is not the case." Cryotherapy involves freezing abnormal tissue; it is often used to kill early skin cancers, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute. During whole body cryotherapy, the entire body is enclosed in a chamber and exposed to cold vapors for several minutes. The vapors are generated by liquid nitrogen and can ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Alzheimer's Disease, Diagnosis and Investigation

Health Tip: Coping With Knee Arthritis

Posted 6 Jul 2016 by Drugs.com

-- Knee arthritis can make it difficult to exercise, or even perform day-to-day activities. But there are ways to treat symptoms without surgery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons advises: Ease strain on your knees, such as by avoiding stairs, opting for low-impact exercise and losing weight. Practice physical therapy to promote strength, flexibility and function in your knee. Consider cushioned shoes, a knee brace or bandage, or a cane. Use heat or cold therapy to help ease pain and stiffness. Talk to your doctor about using medication and alternative therapies. Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement

Arthritis Possible Side Effect of Certain Cancer Drugs: Study

Posted 29 Jun 2016 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, June 28, 2016 – Certain cancer immunotherapy drugs may increase risk for joint and tissue disease, including arthritis, new research suggests. "We keep having referrals coming in from our oncologists as more patients are treated with these drugs," said Dr. Clifton Bingham, director of the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center in Baltimore. "In particular, as more patients are treated with combinations of multiple immunotherapies, we expect the rate to go up," he said in a Hopkins news release. Drugs like ipilimumab and nivolumab are called checkpoint inhibitor drugs. Between 2012 and 2016, 13 patients given these drugs at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center (1.3 percent of the total using them) developed new-onset arthritis, or autoimmune disorders that cause dry eyes and mouth, the researchers said. However, further research is needed to confirm a cause-and-effect relationship, the ... Read more

Related support groups: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cancer, Osteoarthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Opdivo, Yervoy, Nivolumab, Ipilimumab

New Treatment Shows Promise for Crippling Knee Arthritis

Posted 24 Jun 2016 by Drugs.com

FRIDAY, June 24, 2016 – For those who suffer debilitating arthritis in their knees, researchers report in a small study that just one injection of stem cells can reduce pain and inflammation. The idea is experimental: Extract stem cells from a patient's own body fat – cells known for their ability to differentiate and perform any number of regenerative functions – and inject them directly into the damaged knee joint. "While the goal of this small study was to evaluate the safety of using a patient's own stem cells to treat osteoarthritis of the knee, it also showed that one group of patients experienced improvements in pain and function," noted Dr. Anthony Atala, director of the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, in Winston-Salem, N.C. He was not involved in the study. "In fact, most of the patients who had previously scheduled total knee replacement surgery decided to ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement, Diagnosis and Investigation

Tai Chi: Rx for Arthritic Knees

Posted 23 May 2016 by Drugs.com

MONDAY, May 23, 2016 – Legions of arthritis sufferers try physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs to no avail. Now, a new study looks East for relief – to the martial art tai chi. Researchers concluded that tai chi offers an alternative to physical therapy for common knee osteoarthritis – and it might also boost well-being. This ancient Chinese exercise may particularly benefit overweight older adults, the researchers said. Heavier people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than people with a healthy weight, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This research strengthened the evidence that the effectiveness and durability of both tai chi and physical therapy extend to obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis," said Dr. Chenchen Wang. "Such people typically face limited options due to ineffectiveness of osteoarthritis treatments," Wang said. ... Read more

Related support groups: Percocet, Vicodin, Norco, Osteoarthritis, Lortab, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Acetaminophen, Advil, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Aleve, Mobic, Paracetamol, Fioricet, Motrin, Excedrin, Endocet

Acetaminophen Won't Help Arthritis Pain, Study Finds

Posted 18 Mar 2016 by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, March 17, 2016 – Acetaminophen – commonly known as Tylenol in the United States – isn't an effective choice for relieving osteoarthritis pain in the hip or knee, or for improving joint function, a new study finds. Although the drug rated slightly better than placebo in studies, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or diclofenac are better choices for short-term pain relief, the researchers said. "Regardless of dose, the prescription drug diclofenac is the most effective drug among painkillers in terms of improving pain and function in osteoarthritis," said lead researcher Dr. Sven Trelle. He's co-director of clinical trials at the University of Bern in Switzerland. However, even diclofenac comes with side effects. "If you are thinking of using a painkiller for osteoarthritis, you should consider diclofenac," Trelle said, but also ... Read more

Related support groups: Pain, Percocet, Vicodin, Norco, Osteoarthritis, Lortab, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Acetaminophen, Advil, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Aleve, Mobic, Voltaren Gel, Paracetamol, Fioricet, Motrin

Vitamin D a No Go for Arthritic Knees, Study Finds

Posted 8 Mar 2016 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, March 8, 2016 – Vitamin D supplements didn't relieve pain or slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis in a new study, even though the patients involved had low levels of the vitamin. Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease, and currently no treatment is available that will stop the loss of cartilage. Eventually, many patients are headed for knee replacements, the Australian researchers said. "These data suggest a lack of evidence to support vitamin D supplementation for slowing disease progression or structural change in knee osteoarthritis," said lead researcher Dr. Changhai Ding, a professor at the University of Tasmania in Hobart. The use of vitamin D supplements to reduce pain and slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis has been controversial in the past, with studies showing conflicting results, he said. This new study put vitamin D supplements to the test by ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Vitamin D Deficiency, Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation and Deficiency, Caltrate 600 with D, Os-Cal 500 with D, Calcium/Vitamin D, Rickets, Citracal + D, Oysco 500 with D, Calcarb with D, Citracal Petites, Calcium 600 D, Citracal Creamy Bites, Calcet, Oyster Shell Calcium, Os-Cal 250 with D, Citracal 250 mg + D, Oyster-D, UPCal D, Risacal-D

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