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Common Painkillers May Boost Blood Pressure in Arthritis Patients

Posted 30 Aug 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, Aug. 30, 2017 – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may raise blood pressure in patients with arthritis, a new study suggests. "The current findings suggest that the elevated cardiovascular risk with NSAIDs may be partly due to drug-specific increases in blood pressure," said principal investigator Dr. Frank Ruschitzka. He is co-head of the department of cardiology at the University Heart Centre in Zurich. "Patients with osteoarthritis and arthritis should continue to consult their doctor before taking NSAIDs... and clinicians need to weigh the potential hazards of worsening blood pressure control when considering the use of these agents," Ruschitzka added in a European Society of Cardiology news release. NSAIDs are among the most widely used drugs in the world, with almost 19 percent of Americans routinely using at least one NSAID. Warnings on ... Read more

Related support groups: High Blood Pressure, Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Meloxicam, Advil, Diclofenac, Voltaren, Aleve, Mobic, Motrin, Indomethacin, Toradol, Nabumetone, Etodolac, Vicoprofen, Ketorolac, Flector, Advil PM

How You Think About Your Arthritis Makes a Difference

Posted 24 Aug 2017 by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, Aug. 24, 2017 – How well you cope with knee arthritis depends a lot on your mental outlook, a new study suggests. Despite often-debilitating pain, people who remain confident in their ability to move about end up more active than their less confident peers, researchers found. Studies have shown that physical activity may be one of the best ways to reduce and manage symptoms of osteoarthritis. The Pennsylvania State University study was based on 135 adults with knee arthritis. "On days when patients felt more confident in their ability to be active, they indeed took more steps and spent more time in moderate-intensity activity, despite their level of pain that day," said study lead author Ruixue Zhaoyang. What's more, "this positive effect of patients' confidence on their actual physical activity was found for patients with varying degrees of pain in the morning," added ... Read more

Related support groups: Pain, Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement, Fracture, bone

Skeletons Give Clues to Americans' Rising Arthritis Rates

Posted 14 Aug 2017 by Drugs.com

MONDAY, Aug. 14, 2017 – Rates of knee osteoarthritis have doubled in the United States since the 1940s, but it's not just because Americans are living longer and weigh more, a new study suggests. To come to this conclusion, Harvard University researchers examined more than 2,000 skeletons from across the United States. "We were able to show, for the first time, that this pervasive cause of pain is actually twice as common today than even in the recent past. But the even bigger surprise is that it's not just because people are living longer or getting fatter, but for other reasons likely related to our modern environments," said study first author Ian Wallace. Wallace is a post-doctoral fellow in the lab of senior study author Daniel Lieberman, a professor of biological sciences at Harvard University. The researchers are now working to find out what's causing the increase. They said ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement

Obesity in Teen Years Tied to Colon Cancer Risk in Adulthood

Posted 24 Jul 2017 by Drugs.com

MONDAY, July 24, 2017 – Obesity even in adolescence may raise the odds for colon cancer in adulthood, a large new study finds. Overweight and obese teens in Israel had about a 53 percent higher risk for colon cancer as adults, researchers found. And for rectal cancer, obesity – but not overweight --was tied to more than double the risk for girls, and 71 percent higher odds for boys, compared to normal-weight teens. "This study is additional evidence that risk factors for colon cancer operate through the life course," said Dr. Andrew Chan, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. The findings "highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy body weight even in childhood," added Chan, who wasn't involved in the study. According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosis in U.S. men and women, excluding skin cancer. About ... Read more

Related support groups: Obesity, Diabetes, Type 2, Osteoarthritis, Colorectal Cancer, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Diagnosis and Investigation, Abnormal Glucose Tolerance, Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

For Many, Friends Are Key to Happiness in Old Age

Posted 29 Jun 2017 by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, July 29, 2017 – As you age, the friends you keep wield an ever-greater impact on your health and sense of happiness, new research reveals. They may even outstrip family in terms of the sway they have over you, according to the pair of new studies. Lead investigator William Chopik cited several reasons why friendships might pack a bigger punch than blood relationships when it comes to influencing health and well-being. "We spend leisure time with friends. We freely choose to continue relationships with friends," said Chopik, an assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University. If the friendships last until older adulthood, "clearly these are good friendships," he added. "As we age, we prune away at some of the friendships that are more superficial and acquaintance-like," he said. That means that as older adults, "we're left with the ones that are deeper and make ... Read more

Related support groups: Depression, High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Type 2, Cancer, Cough, Major Depressive Disorder, Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, Ischemic Stroke, High Cholesterol, Bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Maintenance, Transient Ischemic Attack, Dysthymia, Pre-Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Acute, Ischemic Stroke - Prophylaxis, Bronchiectasis, Thromboembolic Stroke Prophylaxis

Health Tip: Managing Arthritis Fatigue

Posted 19 Jun 2017 by Drugs.com

-- Fatigue is a common complaint among people with arthritis, but making a few lifestyle changes can help keep it in check. The Arthritis Foundation suggests: Getting regular exercise, gradually increasing your workout to most days of the week. Eating nutritious foods, including vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains. Using a cane or brace to support your joints when needed. Getting plenty of sleep by sticking to a consistent bedtime and wake schedule. Taking short breaks throughout the day. Read more

Related support groups: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis

Deciding If Double Knee Replacement Is Right for You

Posted 2 Jun 2017 by Drugs.com

FRIDAY, June 2, 2017 – Patients deciding whether to have a double knee replacement must carefully consider the pros and cons, an orthopedic surgeon says. "Many people want to have a double knee replacement because they feel they can get it over with faster since there's one surgery, one hospital stay and one course of rehabilitation," said Dr. Geoffrey Westrich. Called a "bilateral procedure," double knee replacement enables people with severely arthritic knees to get back to their normal lives faster, "and for the right patient, it's a good option," said Westrich. He is research director of adult reconstruction and joint replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. "However, double knee replacement is not for everyone, and people should be well-informed before making a decision," he added. Double knee replacement has a higher rate of complications, including heart ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement

Studies Spotlight Diet, Supplements for Knee Pain

Posted 24 May 2017 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 – Fiber helps lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar levels and keep the bowels running smoothly, but a new study suggests it can also reduce knee pain from arthritis. Researchers found that people who ate the most fiber reported reduced osteoarthritis knee pain by up to 60 percent. However, X-rays did not show any difference in their knees compared to those who consumed less fiber. A second study looked at the effects of the dietary supplement chondroitin on knee pain. That study – sponsored by a maker of the supplements – found that taking chondroitin daily was linked to less knee pain and improved function. But at least two bone specialists noted that the potent type of chondroitin used in the study probably isn't available in the United States, and the safety of long-term daily use of the supplement is unknown. Both studies were published online May 23 in ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement

Taking Opioids Before Knee Surgery Could Raise Pain Later

Posted 23 May 2017 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, May 23, 2017 – If you're planning on having knee replacement surgery at some point in the future, it's a good idea to start talking to your doctor now about your options for controlling pain. That's because new research found that when people had taken powerful opioid painkillers before knee replacement surgery, they had greater pain after the procedure. Knee replacement is used to treat knee osteoarthritis. But patients spend an average of 13 years before surgery using non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, injections and painkillers, the study authors noted. "Although each patient case is different, patients and physicians should discuss the potential impact of using opioids in patients with knee osteoarthritis who are likely to consider total knee replacement within the next two years," said lead author Elena Losina. She is co-director of the Orthopaedic and ... Read more

Related support groups: Surgery, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Percocet, OxyContin, Vicodin, Osteoarthritis, Norco, Lortab, Roxicodone, Knee Joint Replacement, Endocet, Acetaminophen/Hydrocodone, Percocet 10/325, Vicoprofen, Acetaminophen/Oxycodone, Hydromet, Roxicet, Tussionex Pennkinetic, Lorcet 10/650

Forget Steroid Shots for Long-Term Relief of Arthritic Knees

Posted 16 May 2017 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, May 16, 2017 – Steroid shots are a common treatment for arthritic knees. But, a new study says their long-term use is ineffective and may even reduce cartilage. Knee osteoarthritis patients who got steroid injections every three months for two years had no less pain than those taking a placebo treatment. And they had greater loss of cartilage, the rubbery tissue that acts as a cushion between the bones of joints, researchers found. "This research will change how I talk to patients," said Dr. Seth Leopold, a professor of orthopedics and sports medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine. "I will tell patients that the best information we now have suggests that these injections may not help, and extended use may thin your cartilage," said Leopold, who wasn't involved in the study. "We should only try them in someone who doesn't have alternatives, and we should ... Read more

Related support groups: Chronic Pain, Osteoarthritis, Methylprednisolone, Cortisone, Medrol, Solu-Medrol, Medrol Dosepak, Depo-Medrol, MethylPREDNISolone Dose Pack, A-methapred, Methylprednisolone Topical, MLK F2, Decadron with Xylocaine, Methacort 80, Medipred, Depmedalone, Methylcotolone, Medralone 40, Depoject-80, Predacorten

New Guidelines Say No to Most 'Keyhole' Knee Surgeries

Posted 11 May 2017 by Drugs.com

WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2017 – "Keyhole" arthroscopic surgery should rarely be used to repair arthritic knee joints, a panel of international experts says in new clinical guidelines. Clinical trials have shown that keyhole surgery doesn't help people suffering from arthritis of the knees any more than mild painkillers, physical therapy or weight loss, said lead author Dr. Reed Siemieniuk. He is a health researcher with McMaster University in Toronto, Canada. "You can make a pretty strong statement saying that from a long-term perspective, it really doesn't help at all," Siemieniuk said. "If they knew all the evidence, almost nobody would choose to have this surgery." Keyhole surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world, with more than 2 million performed each year, Siemieniuk said. The United States alone spends about $3 billion a year on the procedure. The new ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement, Hip Replacement, Orthopedic Surgery, Arthrography

Health Tip: Make Time for Strength Training

Posted 10 May 2017 by Drugs.com

-- Strength training uses resistance to build muscle size, strength and endurance. The American Council on Exercise mentions these potential benefits: Increases independence, improves quality of life and requires less effort to perform daily activities. Increases the movement of food through the digestive tract, which may reduce your risk of colon cancer. May lower resting blood pressure, and reduce risk of back pain. Helps manage pain from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Read more

Related support groups: High Blood Pressure, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Hypertension, Colorectal Cancer, Hypertensive Heart Disease

Do Your Knees Crackle and Pop?

Posted 5 May 2017 by Drugs.com

FRIDAY, May 5, 2017 – Knees that "pop," "click" or "crackle" may sometimes be headed toward arthritis in the near future, a new study suggests. It's common for the knees to get a little noisy on occasion, and hearing a "crack" during your yoga class is probably not something to worry about, experts say. But in the new study, middle-aged and older adults who said their knees often crackled were more likely to develop arthritis symptoms in the next year. Of those who complained their knees were "always" noisy, 11 percent developed knee arthritis symptoms within a year. That compared with 4.5 percent of people who said their knees "never" popped or cracked. Everyone else fell into the middle. Of people who said their knees "sometimes" or "often" made noise, roughly 8 percent developed knee arthritis symptoms in the next year. Doctors have a term for those joint noises: crepitus. Patients ... Read more

Related support groups: Osteoarthritis, Knee Joint Replacement, Hip Replacement, Fracture, bone, Orthopedic Surgery

4 in 10 People Will Suffer Arthritic Hands Over Lifetime

Posted 4 May 2017 by Drugs.com

THURSDAY, May 4, 2017 – If you have stiff, aching fingers and hands, you're not alone – a new study reports that 40 percent of people will be affected by the pain of arthritis in at least one hand. The rate seen in the new research is "just slightly below the percentage of osteoarthritis seen in knees and is significantly greater than that seen in hips," noted Dr. Daniel Polatsch. He's co-director of the New York Hand & Wrist Center at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Arthritis "affects hand strength and function and causes difficulty doing activities of daily living," Polatsch said. The study team was led by Jin Qin, of the Arthritis Program at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The researchers looked at 1999-2010 data on more than 2,200 people from North Carolina. All people in the study were aged 45 or older. The information collected included symptoms the ... Read more

Related support groups: Pain, Back Pain, Osteoarthritis, Fracture, bone, Compression Fracture of Vertebral Column

Can Dropping Some Weight Save Your Knees?

Posted 2 May 2017 by Drugs.com

TUESDAY, May 2, 2017 – Knocking off some extra pounds might take a harmful load off your knees, researchers report. Obese and overweight people who lost 5 percent or more of their weight over four years saw less degeneration of their knee cartilage compared with people whose weight stayed stable. "Our study shows that a lifestyle intervention such as weight loss can slow the process of knee joint degeneration in patients at risk for and with osteoarthritis," said lead researcher Dr. Alexandra Gersing. "Therefore, it may slow the worsening of symptoms, such as pain and disability," said Gersing, who's with the University of California, San Francisco's department of radiology and biomedical imaging. "Osteoarthritis is one of the major causes of disability worldwide," she said. More than half of U.S. adults age 75 and older have osteoarthritis – the wear-and-tear form of the joint ... Read more

Related support groups: Obesity, Osteoarthritis

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