You are here: Home / Blog

Hand Deformity – Turn To A Hand Surgeon

May 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

When Faced with Arthritis of the Hand, Turn to a Hand Surgeon

Arthritis may affect any joint in the body, but it is most visible when it strikes the hands and fingers. If you suffer from arthritis of the hand, you are not alone. More than 40 million Americans are affected by arthritis of the hand, 20 million suffer from osteoarthritis, and 2.1 million are diagnosed with the more severe rheumatoid arthritis. If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis of the hand, relief may be found as close as your nearest hand surgeon,a specially trained physician who has dedicated his or her practice to both surgical and non-surgical care and treatment of the hand.

Arthritis of the hand may be both painful and disabling. The most common forms of arthritis in the hand are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which the cushioning cartilage that covers the bone surfaces at joints begins to wear out. It may be caused by simple wear and tear on joints, or it may develop after an injury to a joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the cells that line and normally lubricate the joints. It is a systemic condition, which means that it affects multiple joints, usually on both sides of the body. The joint lining becomes inflamed and swollen. The American Society for Surgery of the Hand offers the following descriptions:

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis of the Hand

Stiffness, swelling, loss of motion, and pain are symptoms common to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis in the hand. With osteoarthritis, bony nodules may develop at the middle joints of one or more fingers and at the finger tip. Osteoarthritis is very common at the base of the thumb. In rheumatoid arthritis, some joints may be more swollen than others. There is often a sausage-shaped swelling of the finger. In either form, the joints may enlarge and the fingers become crooked.

How Arthritis of the Hand is Diagnosed

Your doctor will examine you and ask whether you have similar symptoms in other joints. X-rays will show certain characteristics of arthritis, such as a narrowing of the joint space, the formation of cysts or bony outgrowths and the development of hard areas of bone. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, he or she may request blood or other lab tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Arthritis of the Hand

Treatment is designed to relieve pain and restore function. Treatment decisions are based on the type of arthritis you have, its progression and its impact on your life. Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen may help reduce swelling and relieve pain; prescription medications or steroid injections may be recommended. Your physician may refer you to a physical or occupational therapist because changing the way you do things with your hands may help relieve pain and pressure. Temporary splinting is often very helpful in relieving symptoms.

Osteoarthritis Treatments

If you have osteoarthritis, your physician may recommend a period of rest. You may also be advised to wear finger or wrist splints at night and for selected activities. Surgery is usually not advised unless these treatments fail.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

If you have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands, medications can help decrease inflammation, relieve pain and retard the progress of the disease. Rest, controlled exercise, and wearing finger or wrist splints may also be part of your treatment program. Several disease-modifying treatments are now available.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many cases the active swelling decreases in time and with appropriate medications and therapy. Surgical procedures can often help correct deformities, relieve pain, and improve function. These options include joint replacements, joint fusion and, in some cases, removing damaged bone and swollen joint lining.

Find a Hand Surgeon Near You

To find a hand surgeon in your area, visit the American Society for Surgery of the Hand’s public information website and utilize the free “Find a Hand Surgeon” service offered to the general public. Simply visit: http://www.HandCare.org.

The mission of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand is to advance the science and practice of hand surgery through education, research and advocacy on behalf of patients and practitioners.

The field of hand surgery deals with both surgical and non-surgical treatment of conditions and problems that may take place in the hand or upper extremity (from the tip of the hand to the shoulder). Hand surgeons can set fractures, provide appropriate nerve care, treat common problems like carpal tunnel syndrome and tennis elbow, reattach amputated fingers, create fingers for children born with incompletely formed hands, and help people function better in their day-to-day lives through restoring use of their fingers, hands, and arms.

Rosemont, IL (PRWEB) June 25, 2004
©Copyright 1997-
Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Linda’s thoughts on the subject….
I do think this an excellent article, however it needs to be stressed that the Physical Therapy that one must receive after surgery is crucial!  My doctor says that the therapist must be specifically trained in hand therapy and the patient must be prepared to be in a rather cumbersome brace and be committed to receive frequent treatments over a 3-4 month time period if they expect the best results. I hope to be undergoing my first hand sometime this year while the weather is still warm, and no need to wear a coat.

Please Leave a Comment below if you like

Filed Under: Related Articles, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Survey Findings Reveal Emotional and Physical Toll of Rheumatoid Arthritis

March 10, 2012 By 6 Comments

New Survey Findings Reveal Emotional and Physical Toll of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Advancement of Treatment through Generations

Horsham, PA (Vocus) July 15, 2008

Emotional and physical limitations are significant challenges cited by people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to the results released today from two new, groundbreaking parallel surveys. According to the GeneRAtion surveys “ one of which includes feedback from more than 1,000 people living with RA and a second that polled more than 300 physicians specializing in the treatment of RA “ people with RA felt sad or depressed because of their disease an average of 25 days in three months and had difficulty with normal daily activities for 31 days in the same time period.(1) The surveys form the basis of a new disease awareness initiative, GeneRAtions, which is focused on increasing understanding of RA through the perspectives of varying RA generations“ people who have lived with or physicians who have treated RA for different lengths of time over a 30-year span.

It’s difficult to explain to people, even as a former Olympic athlete, why I sometimes struggle because of my RA. Many people don’t understand how great the mental and physical challenges can be when living with this condition, said Joy Fawcett, Olympic gold medalist and retired member of the U.S. Womens Soccer Team, who has been living with RA for more than a decade, and is a spokesperson for the GeneRAtions program, developed by Centocor, Inc.  I’m fortunate that in the 10 years since my diagnosis, education and treatment for the disease have improved, but we need to continue this momentum.

The GeneRAtions surveys, conducted by Manhattan Research and supported by Centocor, Inc., are the first to provide new insights into the physical, emotional and social effects “ including the impact of RA on relationships, work, and overall daily living ” of a debilitating disease that affects 1.3 million Americans. The survey results also highlight changes in physicians  approaches to treating RA over the past 30 years, the progress that has been made in managing the disease, particularly because of important treatment advances in the past decade, as well as patient and physician perspectives about the future of treatment. Key findings revealed that:

More than 90 percent of people with RA surveyed reported that their disease interfered with their work in the last three months, illustrating how RA can impede many facets of people’s lives. (2)
Physicians surveyed rated limitations on physical activities as the most restrictive consequence of RA for their patients. (3)
More than half of patients surveyed agreed that the public does not understand the difference between RA, a chronic autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear on the joints. (4)
Two out of three of all patients surveyed believed that friends and family under estimate the impact of RA. More than half of all respondents felt that their doctors do not fully understand the impact of RA on their patients.(5, 6)
While nearly three out of five RA patients are satisfied with their physician’s ability to effectively treat their RA with current therapies, more than 80 percent are looking forward to the future for new innovative options. (7,

Comprehensive survey findings, as well as testimonials from people living with RA and physicians sharing their own personal experiences related to the disease, are available on the program website, http://www.RAGeneRAtions.com.

The specialty of rheumatology has made tremendous strides over the last 30 years when my father, also a rheumatologist, was practicing and aspirin was the standard treatment.

Today the standard treatment for people living with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis includes disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic therapies that inhibit specific proteins like tumor necrosis factor (TNF), said Hayes Wilson, MD, Chief of Rheumatology, Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia. “Initiatives like GeneRAtions will bring awareness to this serious illness which can affect entire families; and in turn, may give rheumatologists the opportunity to prevent the debilitating effects of RA.

Findings from the GeneRAtions surveys provide interesting perspectives relative to both patient and physician insights, said Seth D. Ginsberg, Co-Founder and President, Creaky Joints, an arthritis advocacy group.  We are pleased to note the progress made so far in education and treatment and will continue our efforts to increase awareness of RA and improve patient’s quality of life.

About the GeneRations Surveys

The GeneRAtions surveys, completed in the first half of 2008, were fielded via one-time online inquiries of 1,050 RA patients and 307 practicing rheumatologists and primary care physicians specializing in the care of patients with RA. The population was wholly examined and further sub-segmented by the length of time RA patients had been diagnosed or time that physicians had been practicing.  Specific subsets consisted of individuals living with RA or a physician practicing for 10 years or less, 11-20 years, and 21 years or more. Each of the survey’s generational breakouts revealed the differences or similarities in experiences that people living with RA can have depending on the amount of time living with the disease since diagnosis or the amount of time a physician has been practicing and caring for patients with RA.

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and debilitating disease that affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States. Signs and symptoms of RA include pain, stiffness and motion restriction in multiple joints. Because RA is a progressive disease, it can cause permanent joint deformity and severe disability if not diagnosed early or if initial treatment is delayed. RA can occur at any age, but is most common in adults 30-50 years old and is two-to-three times more prevalent in women than in men. The cause of RA is unknown, although genetic factors may contribute to the disease.
Copyright 1997-

Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or

Linda’s Comments…
Thought this was an excellent article expressing the frustration of the general public not understanding the systemic and progressive  nature of RA and how it can effect every aspect of out lives.
What are your thoughts. Please leave your comments below, won’t you?

Filed Under: Depression Tagged With:

Minerals Can Help With Arthritis Pain

February 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Minerals Can Help Ease Arthritis Pain

(PRWEB) October 3, 2006

Scientists are finding intriguing connections between minerals and arthritis management. The use of mineral in ancient cultures supports this modern research. Minerals are inorganic elements, meaning that they cannot be produced, or synthesized by our bodies. Work together with vitamins, enzymes, and hormones, minerals regulate most of the body’s biological functions.

One important role of minerals is the regulation of healthy cell function. If mineral supply is deficient, the likelihood that body cells will become compromised is increased. Compromised cells can cause various chronic and degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Research provides evidence that various mineral deficiencies can cause an interruption of healthy tissue production. Both major forms of arthritis can be caused by this problem. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis exhibit degeneration of the cartilage matrix due to chronic inflammation caused by deficient cell function. As this inflammation process occurs, both nitric oxide and glycosaminoglycan are produced. This leads to further cartilage deterioration. Minerals can dramatically reduce the amount nitric oxide and glycosaminoglycan produced, therefore supporting the reversal and stabilization of chronic inflammation.

Ancient cultures have used minerals for their health benefits and healing properties for hundreds of generations. By studying the use of minerals in ancient cultures, researchers determined the most effective minerals for treating arthritis and joint pain. A breakthrough was made when Lumanite was discovered. Lumanite is the ideal complex of minerals, nutrients and antioxidants for aiding in the relief of arthritis and joint pain.

Lakota announced today the availability of the Extra Strength Joint Care enhanced with the medicinal mineral Lumanite (patent pending). This first ever combination of a minerals and Native American medicines is indicated for not only relief of joint pain, and inflammation, but for protection against cartilage deterioration, and a re-growth of healthy connective tissue. This unique mineral compound, though ancient, is supported by modern research.

Arthritis suffers searching for a natural alternative for their arthritis pain, may find that a mineral complex is the answer. Science is increasingly finding therapeutic potential in minerals, and natural source compounds. Many of these compounds have an esteemed therapeutic lineage, having been used in Native American medicine for thousands of years to treat arthritis pain and other ailments. Minerals may prove to be nature’s gift for easing arthritis pain.
###

Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.

Linda’s response…
I haven’t yet tried lumanite specifically myself, but I don’t see that just supplementing with minerals is going to totally take away the kind of pain that we with RA have. However..we very often develop defeciencies from the medication we take. ie prednisone, stomach acid inhibitors, etc.  Also, many of us have Osteoporosis as well, so minerals can help with bone density.  We’re not just talking calcium, but all the trace minerals as well.  Our food is quite lacking in many of these trace minerals, so I believe supplementing is a good idea.

Your comments welcome

Filed Under: Pain Tagged With: ,

Need For an Acurate Pain Scale for RA

February 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Need For a Acurate Pain Scale For RA
December 24, 2011 By Linda Basta Leave a Comment (Edit)

Pain is such a difficult thing to analysis. It can be so subjective. A good pain scale is needed for use by both patients and their health professionals. I consider the one used by most hospitals and rehab. centers as very inadequate. You know the one with the smilely faces labeled 1-10.
I never know what to pick. I’ve gotten tolerant over the year having RA. What I couldn’t deal with and labeled a 10, 8 years ago, now I put at a 7. They determine your medication does accordingly, so you always want to consider that when picking you number.
The one I like quite a bit better is called The Comparative Pain Scale developed as described in Jack Harich’s article on this webpage. http://www.tipna.org/info/documents/ComparativePainScale.htm.
It still goes by a 1-10, but each number is fully described so you can be more accurate. Go take a look.
I also like the use of words describing the type of pain. ie burning, stabbing, tingling, etc.
All in all, I think this is a very important issue. Most Rheumatologists and other Health Professional don’t have any idea what we are feeling, and so a good pain scale can help them to relate better to us, and give better treatment. Family members and care takers could become more empathic, and it would even help us to better communicate with each other.
What do you think? To leave your comments, click on the link above.

Filed Under: Pain Tagged With: , , , ,

Inflammation

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Inflammation

Inflammation affects joints, making them swell and turn red and tender, in rheumatoid and other forms of autoimmune arthritis. Learn about the causes, the latest medical research, how it affects your overall health and well being and ways to fight it.

To be posted soon…

Inflammatory Arthritis

Arthritis-related Eye Conditions
The same inflammation that damages your joints can also affect your eyes. Here’s how to protect your vision.

Inflammation and Heart Disease
Research is revealing a connection between heart disease and arthritis.

Eat to Beat Joint Inflammation
What you can add to your diet to lower your inflammation

Fish May Reduce Inflammation
Seafood with omega-3 fatty acids may reduce your need for anti-inflammatory medications.

More Fiber, Less Inflammation?
The scoop on fiber’s role in lowering inflammation

High Cooking Temperature and Inflammation
Learn why you should be wary of advanced glycation end products.

Filed Under: Inflammation

Holistic Approaches To Overcoming Depression

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Holistic Approaches To Overcoming Depression

Article by IMI Health

A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and attend them all! Even if they are a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight.

Depression is a mind-body illness which takes hold not only in the brain but also in the body. And to overcome it, it has to be treated both in mind and body.

Today depression is a pervasive health issue and it can be a terminal illness. It describes conditions ranging from the blues™, that is minor depression caused by stress, tiredness, poor nutrition or conflict in relationships to severe clinical depression, which can endanger life. People commit suicide caused by depression on a daily basis.

One in four people will suffer depression at some point in their lives. Worldwide, depression is the fourth leading cause of disability, costing billions of dollars in days off work and medical expenses. Despite huge quantities of prescription drugs being taken, people are still depressed. Statistics alone give a strong indication that what we’re doing to treat depression is not working effectively.

The traditional approach to treating depression has been drugs and tricyclic antidepressants and then the newer SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Recent research shows that, of those with major depression treated this way, only 15% go into remission and have a long period of stay well rate. The other 85% end up with having continuing relapses and become chronically depressed and may suffer from a medicated /depressogenic depression. In simple terms, this means that the drugs cause the depression.

Depression is a very serious condition, however it is not a disease. Rather, it’s a sign that your body and your life are out of balance. This is so important to remember, because as soon as you start to view depression as an illness,and you think you need to take a drug to fix it. In reality, what you need to do is return balance to your life, address the issues, both external and internal which are causing the depression and learn skills to cope with it.

Today Prozac and Xanax are household names, so widespread as their use. Yet, short-term research trials show that antidepressants do NOT provide any clinically significant benefits for mild to moderate depression. And, as we now know, all drugs have benefit-to-risk ratios, so it really doesn’t make sense to use it as a first line of defense. Yet doctors tend to prescribe antidepressants as if they were sweets!

We now realize the consequences of overuse/abuse of antibiotics and know that there are alternatives, both preventive and curative. Similarly we need to stop relying on antidepressants so heavily before we face the consequences of overuse. Finding an effective treatment for depression is not something to approach lightly, and having the facts about what actually works, and what doesn’t, is imperative.

For serious clinical depression and bipolar depression, medication will, most probably, be necessary, but this too can benefit from the support of additional alternative approaches.

The good news is that there are excellent, safer, more effective alternatives to treat most types of depression for successful, long term outcomes. These alternative treatments involve a holistic approach to regaining wellness: counseling, diet/nutrition, supplements, energy medicine and exercise, all of which are available at IMI.

IMI, Hong Kong’s leading integrated medicine clinic, is able to offer a comprehensive, holistic approach to treatment of depression and will manage the process with the different practitioners involved in treatment. It is recommended that a successful treatment plan include all of the following:

Counseling: Therapy is a key factor in understanding the source of your depression Your counselor will explore your symptoms with you and help you to uncover the underlying emotional issues which have contributed to your depression. An experienced counselor can identify if you are suffering from a mild form of depression, as can be expected at times from simply living life, or, if it is sufficiently serious and pervasive, to require referral to a specialist.

There are many counseling approaches which are able to address depression, among which are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Psychosynthesis, Primal Integration, Narrative Therapy, Positive Psychology and Therapeutic Visualization. What is essential is to address the issues and alleviate symptoms.

The following are feelings that progressively lead to depression. When you become aware of these feelings, you can monitor them and take responsibility for self care to decrease and eliminate the feelings and the depression they cause: withdrawal from interaction, sad, decreased enthusiasm, lonely, melancholy, sense of helplessness and hopelessness, feeling overwhelmed, despair, excessive crying, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty in concentrating/making decisions, loss of appetite, insomnia, anxiety, weight loss or gain.

Energy Medicine: EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)and psychological acupressure. This technique combines tapping the energy meridians and voicing positive affirmation to clear the short-circuit“ the emotional block (of which you may not be consciously aware), from your body’s bio-energy system, thus alleviating depression and restoring your mind and body’s balance, which is essential for optimal health.

Diet plays an important role in depression. Foods have an immense impact on your mood and mental health, and your ability to cope and be happy. Highly processed foods and unhealthy fats, sugar and grains can affect the onset of depression which can then take hold in those with an unhealthy diet. On the other hand, higher consumption of some foods e.g. fish oils help mood and mental functioning. Pioneering studies show that higher national fish consumption is correlated with lower risk of depression, post partum depression and seasonal affective disorder.

Nutritional Supplements: These play a critical role in supporting the brain, central nervous system and mental health. Omega 3 fish oils have been shown in clinical studies to have a strong connection to improving symptoms of depression. The current depletion of omega-3 and resulting imbalance in fatty acid ratios (Omega 6 strongly outweighs Omega 3) in Western food has had an untold influence on rates of depression firstly the West and now in Asia. Those with depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood and the lower the level of EPA, the more severe the clinical depression. Omega 3 deficiency also lowers levels and functioning of the two important neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

Vitamin D is a crucial factor in treating depression or keeping it at bay. People with low levels of vitamin D tend to be more prone to be depressed. Deficiency in vitamin D is actually more the norm than the exception, and has previously been implicated in both psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Exercise: There is a substantial body of evidence to show that physical exercise is as effective at treating depression as antidepressant medicines, plus there is the added advantage of exercise having virtually no contraindications. In a study, conducted by Duke University, they found that of the three groups they studied the exercise-only group that had the highest remission and stay-well rate.

The UK NICE (National Inst of Clinical Excellence) for example, no longer routinely recommends antidepressants as the first line of therapy for mild to moderate depression. Doctors there can write out a prescription for a consultation with an EP (exercise physiologist/counselor) instead. Since 2007, doctors prescribing exercise for depression has increased from 4-25%, and the UK Mental Health Foundation are now making exercise a front line therapy. Studies on exercise as a treatment for depression are showing there is a strong correlation between improved mood and aerobic capacity. There is now a growing acceptance that the mind-body connection is very real, and that maintaining good physical health can significantly lower your risk of developing depression in the first place.

Stress Management: Depression is a sign that your body and your life are out of balance. You need to take proactive steps to return balance to your life. Stress can be internally or externally generated. Either way, it is essential to not feel like a ˜victim’ but to make choices that empower, support and enliven you. Making lifestyle changes are important: meditation, yoga, hiking in nature; finding purpose in your life; dealing with relationship issues; handling change and conflict; improving communication; removing negative beliefs: expressing rather than suppressing feelings of anger, resentment, frustration, fear or grief. Focusing on gratitude and appreciation are highly effective to generate feelings of happiness and enhance positive states of mind.

Seeking Treatment: Depression is a common human experience and most people will, in their lifetime, experience it. The most common sign is a lack of pleasure in a normally pleasing life and feeling fatigued. You go on doing what you have to but need to push yourself. When it becomes severe and interferes with your daily activities it is a major depression. You are frustrated, withdraw from people and isolate, avoid people and situations, experience negative thinking, hopelessness, feel overwhelmed and your appetite and sleep are disturbed. You feel a prisoner of this state and believe it will never end. You may even have a death wish and wish something would happen so that you did not need to struggle any more, or actively think about taking your own life.

There is a wide range in the experience of depression. Sometimes we feel sad about something happening, we experience depression with grief when we have experienced a serious loss, or we have a building depression which does not go away when something serious has happened and it is not resolved. Also the following issues relate to the experience of depression:

* You do not express your needs, thoughts, or feelings in order to maintain harmony
* You have lost your sense of identity
* You have lost hope with what you need and feel
* You feel empty and confused
* You stop expressing your hopes and goals & have given up on them

Note that depression, while an emotional symptom, may also trigger disease: worsen diabetes, raise blood pressure, increase the risk of a stroke, weaken your immune system, and cause obesity.

If you are depressed mildly or severely it is recommended that first you have a physical examination to rule out any physical complications that may be contributing to your experience of depression (for example: candida, thyroid malfunction, acute or chronic stress reactions, allergies, drug/alcohol abuse/dependence, recent surgery or PMS).

You should then consult your mental health professional. Therapy is a key factor in understanding the source of your depression. Your counselor or therapist can help you identify your symptoms and the issues contributing to your depression, determine an appropriate course of interventions, of which there are a number, and set you on a comprehensive path to recovery and well being.

There is no despair so absolute as that which comes with the first moments of our first great sorrow; when we have not yet know what it is to have suffered and be healed, to have despaired and recovered hope.
George Eliot

About the Author

Article written by Catriona Rogers, Counseling Psychologist with IMI (Integrated Medicine Institute in Hong Kong) who draws on her experience of many different approaches to assist those suffering from depression. She strongly believes in a holistic approach to treating depression and works closely with IMI colleagues to ensure the needs of individual clients are met.

Filed Under: Depression

Coping With Fatigue

February 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and it is sometimes the first sign of inflammation. Fatigue can make it harder to concentrate or deal with pain.  It can even make people feel helpless. Like pain, fatigue is a signal that something is wrong. Coping with fatigue can help you feel better.

Fatigue may be caused by inflammation, overdoing routine activities, medication side effects, stress, depression or a combination. Poor sleep and nutrition, and absence of regular exercise also may also contribute.

Feeling tired all the time can lead to stress and depression. And, if you become physically run down, your immune system will be less able to fight infection and illness. By setting priorities, making smart choices and conserving your strength, you will still be able to do most of what is important to you.

Pinpoint causes of your fatigue

Your fatigue may be caused by physical, emotional and environmental factors. Environmental factors such as high noise levels, temperature variations, and even daily hassles such as dealing with traffic and waiting in line can make you feel tired.

Keep a fatigue diary

Keeping a fatigue diary can help you discover the causes of your fatigue. Note the times of the day or week when you feel fatigue and what seems to trigger it. Sometimes you may see an obvious solution to the problem. For instance, you may blame overactivity when you feel tired, but by reviewing your diary you may see that your fatigue is a sign of increased disease activity.

Ask your doctor

Rheumatoid arthritis fatigue due to inflammation is often more easily corrected than fatigue that results from stress. The inflammatory cytokines (protein molecules) that are released in RA are the same chemicals that are released if you have a severe cold or flu. Your doctor can treat this type of fatigue by prescribing higher doses of your drugs or another drug to control the body’s inflammatory process. Once inflammation is under control, fatigue usually lessens.

It is also important to consider other potential sources of fatigue that your doctor can reverse. An example is anemia, which occurs when the body has too few red blood cells to transport oxygen effectively. One type of anemia, also called “the anemia of chronic disease,and is often seen in people with RA. Effective treatment of arthritis usually resolves this type of anemia. Another cause of anemia is blood loss from stomach ulcers, which may require iron replacement and other treatments.

Another consideration is the medications themselves. Fatigue is a side effect of many medications, most frequently drugs for other conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or depression. Ask your doctor if any medications you are taking cause fatigue, and whether any adjustments can be made to improve the situation.

Fibromyalgia is also common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and may cause fatigue. If you have a second chronic condition, your fatigue level may be even higher. If you and your doctor address these additional problems, your level of energy should increase.
How to cope

The most effective approach you can take when dealing with your fatigue is to be aware that fatigue is a part of RA, and that you might have to adapt your schedule. Don’t look at your fatigue as a sign of personal weakness or try to deny it. It is simply one more symptom of your arthritis that you can learn to handle.

Here are some fatigue tips that are worth trying.

Many people with RA adjust their daily schedules, starting their days an hour or two later. This makes it easier to deal with morning stiffness and may also enable you to sleep longer. Ultimately, the result is less fatigue and a more productive day. Other people may rest or nap in the afternoon, which then allows them to continue their daily activities without exhaustion at the end of the day.

Avoid eating heavy meals; instead, opt for a light lunch, perhaps with a healthy morning and afternoon snack thrown in.

Rest is crucial. But doing too little can often lead to deconditioning which makes you feel more fatigued. Moderate exercise keeps your muscles and joints in condition, and has the added benefit of helping you sleep better at night.
Get a good night’s sleep

A lack of restful sleep is a problem shared by many Americans and caused by a variety of factors: stress; depression; caffeine, alcohol or drugs; not allowing enough time for sleep; and pain. When you have RA, pain may keep you from falling asleep easily, or it may awaken you during the night. Research has shown that some people with RA experience light, easily disrupted sleep with many mid-sleep awakenings. This contributes to fatigue.

There are several stages of sleep. During the night, your brain moves between these stages in cycles, and the types of electrical brain waves generated vary from stage to stage. To feel rested, your brain requires what is called delta sleep, named after the brain waves that occur in the third and fourth stages of sleep. REM (short for rapid eye movement) sleep is also important. It’s the stage of sleep when dreaming occurs, and without it, you will feel tired. (See “Insomnia? Getting a Good Night’s Sleep” for more information)

Prioritize your time and energy

There may be times when you feel more fatigued than others, and you will have to deal with limitations to your energy. Think of your energy as a resource that you have to conserve for your most important activities. This may involve saying no to lower-priority activities that take up too much of your energy.

Of course, saying no isn’t always easy, but it helps you stay focused on the priorities in your life, such as earning a living or spending time with your children. When you’re feeling fatigued, opting out of an activity may allow you to get the rest you need. Saying no to one activity may allow you to say yes to something more important to you.
Ask for help

Successful managers know that they cannot do everything themselves. Borrowing from their techniques, you can learn to delegate tasks that will help you manage your activities. Asking for help may be difficult at first. Because the effects of RA are not always visible, you may be afraid that co-workers and acquaintances will perceive you as lazy.

You may feel embarrassed to ask for help, especially if you’ve always viewed yourself as a high achiever. The following fatigue tips can make it easier to request help.

-Ask for specific help. For example, if you ask someone to take you shopping for one hour every other Tuesday morning, you are letting them know precisely what you need. Also, you show that you understand his or her time is valuable.
-Develop a pool of helpers. Spreading out the tasks keeps the burden from falling on any one person. Keep a list of friends and family and the tasks they’re willing to help with.
- Consider bartering or trading services. If you dislike asking for help, perhaps you can provide a service in return. For instance, offer to watch your friend’s children one afternoon a week at your house, if she will run some errands for you.

From Good Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Filed Under: Fatigue Tagged With: ,

Does Weather Effect Arthritis Pain

February 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Asks Does Weather Affect Arthritis Pain?
April 25, 2011 By Linda Basta

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Asks Does Weather Affect Arthritis Pain?
New York, New York (PRWEB) January 11, 2008

With the winter weather biting hard in many parts of the country, you may be one of the many arthritis sufferers who feel that their arthritis pain is influenced by the weather — specifically, that they experience more arthritis pain on cold, rainy days and less arthritis pain on warm, dry days.

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts reports on two recent research studies on whether climate really does affect arthritis pain, which have produced conflicting results. The Johns Hopkins Health Alerts editors have also just released a free Special Report on Arthritis Pain Relief to help arthritis sufferers with the latest news on the most effective arthritis pain relief strategies.

What the Research on Arthritis Pain Shows

One study looked for a relationship between weather and arthritis pain in 151 people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or fibromyalgia (a rheumatic disorder that causes joint pain) as well as 32 people without arthritis. All participants lived in Cordoba City, Argentina, which has a warm climate. Participants kept a journal for one year recording the presence and features of any pain, and these daily reports were matched with weather conditions such as temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity.

Patients in all three groups experienced more pain on days when the temperature was low, while people in the control group were unaffected by any of the weather conditions. In addition, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were affected by high humidity and high pressure; osteoarthritis patients by high humidity; and those with fibromyalgia by high pressure. However, the associations were not strong enough to allow pain to predict weather, or vice versa.

Another study looked at 154 people (average age 72) who lived in Florida and had osteoarthritis of the neck, hand, shoulder, knee, or foot. Participants reported their arthritis pain scores for up to two years, then researchers matched the scores with the daily temperature, barometric pressure, and precipitation status. No significant associations were found between any of the weather conditions and osteoarthritis pain at any site, except for a slight association between rising barometric pressure and hand pain in women.

A Mild Case for Warmer Weather

Although some evidence exists that people living in warmer, drier climates experience fewer episodes of arthritis pain, climate does not affect the course of the disease. At most, it may affect symptoms of arthritis pain.

One theory holds that a drop in air pressure (which often accompanies cold, rainy weather) allows tissues in the body to expand to fill the space, meaning that already inflamed tissue can swell even more and cause increased arthritis pain. Other possibilities: Pain thresholds drop in colder weather; cold, rainy days affect mood; and during colder weather people are less likely to be outside and get the exercise that normally helps keep arthritis pain in check.

So does this possible link between cold, rainy weather and arthritis pain mean that people with arthritis should you should move to a dry, warm climate like Arizona? Not necessarily, especially if it means leaving your family, friends, doctors, and support system behind. If you are thinking of moving, first spend a considerable amount of time in your new location to see if the weather affects your arthritis pain symptoms.

But bear in mind that no environment is arthritis-proof: Even though the people in these research studies live in warm climates, they still struggle with arthritis pain. Similarly, it’s possible to get relief from arthritis pain in any climate. For example, even if cold weather means you can’t spend time outdoors, you can still get valuable exercise in a gym or heated pool.

FURTHER RESOURCES:

Johns Hopkins Guide to Arthritis Pain Relief: A free Johns Hopkins Special Report

The free Johns Hopkins Guide to Arthritis Pain Relief is designed to give you an overview of the latest research and findings from Johns Hopkins’ specialists on the dos and don’ts of arthritis pain relief.

The free Johns Hopkins Guide to Arthritis Pain Relief deals with both osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), to help keep you up to date on the latest news on the most safe, effective arthritis pain relief strategies.

Filed Under: Pain Tagged With: , ,

RA Symptoms & Botanical Remedies

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

 

Article by eme michael

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks normal tissues as if they were invading antibodies. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes inflammation of the tissues around the joints and other organs of the body.

Although there are common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis there are also many differences that exist. The above listing is only a partial listing of what you need to know about common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts every person differently. No two people experience the disease in exactly the same way. These differences make it difficult to identify the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis involves looking at a patient’s symptoms. For instance, morning joint stiffness may be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis; X-rays may help doctors determine which form of arthritis is present.

On the other hand, fish oil supplements have shown to have no side effects and only minor adverse reactions. They are also much cheaper than the non-inflammatory medications and more readily available.

Mangosteen is a relatively new and exciting addition to the western world as an anti-inflammatory. It was used historically by the native peoples of Thailand, Vietnam, India, China, Malaysia and the Philippines to treat a variety of bodily aches and pains.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis treatment usually involves the use of NSAIDs class drugs. These are non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs that are often prescribed to treat the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Those who are afflicted are also encouraged to undertake appropriate exercise as it is important to retain their natural range of motion and flexibility, particularly in the synovial joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive disease. The disease generally worsens as it progresses. If you are aware of any early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, you can take steps to prevent it from degenerating and a worsening in your condition.

Feverfew, lei gong teng and Cat’s Claw have been used historically by native healers as natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis, as well as other health conditions. According to the researchers at Massachusetts General, test tube results indicate that feverfew may be very active in modulating immune system responses.

some common signs and symptoms:

1-Fatigue2-Aches in muscles and joints3-Stiffness in joints4-Low-grade fever can be present5-Appetite loss6-Joints can become red, swollen, painful, and tender

Unlike osteoarthritis which causes pain and stiffness because the cartilage that normally prevents the bones in the joints from rubbing together is wearing away, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are caused by an inflammation of the membrane that normally lubricates and protects the joints.

Four of the factors used in diagnosing the disease must be present for six weeks before a positive diagnosis can be made. As mentioned, joint pain is one of the first symptoms rheumatoid arthritis sufferers report, but joint pain is also present in osteoarthritis.

Actually, in India, curcumin is considered a standard anti-inflammatory medication. Indeed, turmeric as an alternative medicine treatment for rheumatoid arthritis deserves a discussion with a physician.

These are some of the many natural remedies that can be found to help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis and to avoid a flare up of the symptoms.

Prevention and Cures

Diagnosis commences with some crucial tests. These tests determine the severity or the stage of rheumatoid arthritis for the individual. Once rheumatoid arthritis is confirmed, anti-rheumatic drugs are prescribed.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc. are prescribed initially and more often to those who are suffering from mild form of the disease. But when the case gets worse, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs are given.

how does one know that he already has this chronic disease? The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be present one moment and disappear again when the disease has ceased to be active. Thus, some people have a tendency to ignore seeking the help of a doctor when they first feel the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

 

 

Filed Under: Related Articles Tagged With: , ,

Parenting With Rheumatoid Arthritis

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects around 0.8% of the UK population. The majority of those affected will be female and most will be diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50. Given these figures, it is no wonder that the question of how to parent with Rheumatoid Arthritis often comes up.

Here is my quick guide to Parenting with Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Talk to your children
It can be difficult finding the right words to explain to your children why you are no longer able to do the things you used to, but the alternative leaves children confused and worried. Don’t make a big deal of it, but find some time to sit down with your child and discuss your diagnosis. Remember to use age appropriate terms and listen to your child’s worries and fears. A great way to involve your children is to let them try out your aids – if you have a wheelchair let them sit in it, if you have wrist splints let them try them on.

Above all, remind your children that although life has changed, your love for them never will. A visit to the library can be a good source of age appropriate books on disability.

Take advantage of the good days
With Rheumatoid Arthritis you will have good days and bad days. Unfortunately, predicting which day will be which is pretty impossible. Be spontaneous! On a good day, ditch your boring plans and visit the seaside or take a walk.

Forget the cleaning
How would you like your children to remember their childhood? As one filled with cleaning or one filled with play? Save your energy for the important things in life.

Introduce film night
If your children are a bit older then a film night can be a good way of getting a bit of rest.

With all of the family sat around the TV, you can put your feet up without feeling guilty. Alternatively take them to the cinema and enjoy a quick 40 winks.

Enlist older children
If you have older children then enroll their help – a helping hand opening jars or turning keys will make life so much easier. Don’t feel guilty about it, you’ll be teaching them a valuable lesson about compassion and family responsibility.

Don’t be afraid to buy arthritis aids
The thought of buying arthritis aids can be scary – somehow making your diagnosis more final. Don’t let this put you off, there are some great aids out there which will massively improve your life. A pretty cane, a jar opener for the kitchen or a funky coloured wrist splint will do wonders for your confidence.

Finally, ask for help
Rheumatoid Arthritis is often called the “invisible disease”. Often you don’t look ill and unless your swelling is particularly bad you may struggle to impress upon friends and family just how difficult everyday tasks can be. It’s hard to ask for help, but even something as small as asking a neighbour to help put the rubbish out can be a real achievement. Remember, you didn’t ask for this disease.

Angela Lown is business owner of http://www.funkyarthur.co.uk A rheumatoid arthritis sufferer herself she has three children and is committed to raising the profile of arthritis in the young.

Find More Rheumatoid Arthritis Articles

Filed Under: Related Articles Tagged With: , ,
« Older Posts