ABU DHABI Increasing rates of obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome are having a negative impact on those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

While the link between obesity and rheumatic disease may be commonly known, certain environmental conditions such as heat and humidity can also have an adverse effect on rheumatoid arthritis. At the Emirates Rheumatology Conference, which will be held from 10 12 of October, 2010, as part of the 3rd annual Rheumatology Exhibition and Congress, doctors will be stressing the importance of education and awareness and also paying special attention to the role lifestyle management plays in fighting the disease.

According to Dr. Humeira Badsha, consultant rheumatologist at Al Biraa Arthritis and Bone Clinic (ABABC) and secretary of Emirates Society for Rheumatology, there are more than a 100 different types of arthritis, and an estimated 20 per cent of the population in the Gulf region is affected by some form of rheumatic disease. Dr Badsha will be chairing the Emirates Rheumatology Conference.

Obesity is a risk factor for both rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease and it can cause, and be caused by, rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity can result from some of the treatments doctors give to rheumatoid arthritis patients and of course, obesity can result from the relative inactivity due to joint damage.

According to Dr. Badsha, every kilo increase in weight above the normal will increase the stress on joints by five fold. This is an increasing problem in the UAE and people need to be more active and lose weight in order to manage the pain and control the symptoms.

Heat and humidity can also cause the joints to swell more and can worsen the inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis, said Dr Badsha. In addition, being in an air conditioned environment can worsen problems of vitamin D deficiency. When patients stay indoors all day they do not get vitamin D from the sun and this can cause vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency leads to osteoporosis, weak muscles and autoimmune diseases.

There are many new treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis which can put the disease into remission. The aim of the treatment is to completely halt the progression of the disease and to prevent deformities and joint damage, said Dr Badsha. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis hinge on disease modifying drugs which seek to correct the overactive immune system. These include tablets such as Methotrexate and can also include the newer biological agents.

There are many biological drugs which have revolutionised the care of rheumatoid arthritis and these include Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Mabthera, Orencia and even newer ones such as Actemra and Simponi. All of these correct the immune system disorder and can induce disease remission, prevent disability and preserve normal joints.

The Emirates Rheumatology Conference will cover the latest in developments and treatments for rheumatic diseases in the region, featuring international experts covering an array of conference topics including pain management, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, joint replacement, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other connective tissue diseases.

Adults who suffer from psoriasis and are obese may face a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA) as they grow older. Psoriatic arthritis shares some clinical features with rheumatoid arthritis, both leading to joint destruction and significant morbidity.

Razieh Soltani-Arabshahi MD of the University of Utah School of Medicine evaluated 943 study participants enrolled in the Utah Psoriasis Initiative between November 2002 and October 2008, all of whom had psoriasis confirmed by a dermatologist. Slightly over 50% of the participants were women (50.2%). BMI was based on the participants self-reported height and weight at age 18 and at the time of enrollment in the study.

Read: Fit In Your Skin Program for Psoriasis Patients

Each unit increase in BMI at age 18 was associated with a 5.3% increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Patients who were obese at that age were three times more likely to develop arthritis than those of normal weight.

The researchers also found that 20% of the overweight or obese participants developed psoriatic arthritis by age 35, compared with those with a normal BMI who did not develop PsA until age 48. Being younger when psoriasis first occurred, being female and having larger body surfaces affected with psoriasis was also predictive of who would develop psoriatic arthritis at a younger age.

Psoriatic arthritis affects between 6 and 42% of patients with psoriasis. It may be mild and involve only a few joints, but in some it is severe, even affecting the bones in the spine. In an accompanying editorial to the study, Alexis Ogdie MD and Joel M. Gelfand MD, both of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, note that PsA symptoms often do not surface until years after the development of psoriasis.

Read: Study Links Metabolic Syndrome and Psoriasis

The authors conclude that their findings, “support a growing concept that patients more prone to psoriatic arthritis might benefit from more frequent and meticulous screening measures for early detection and treatment of psoriatic arthritis, i.e., before the development of irreversible joint destruction.” PsA patients are also at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.

Soltani-Arabshahi R, et al “Obesity in early adulthood as a risk factor for psoriatic arthritis”Arch Dermatol 2010; 146: 721-726.

Ogdie A, Gelfand J “Identification of risk factors for psoriatic arthritis: scientific opportunity meets clinical need” Arch Dermatol 2010; 146: 785-788.

Home remedies and herbal supplements for arthritis

Herbal remedies are popular as a natural approach to other arthritis treatments won. Herbs are the basis for many traditional medicines.

Home Remedies

Prepare the garlic paste and the paste on the affected joint, there is an effective remedy for the herbal arthritis. Regular consumption of garlic in its raw state reduces the problem of joint pain.

A teaspoon of honey and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass of warm water works well for pain and swelling of arthritis. It is a home based remedies effective against the pain of arthritis.

Add two teaspoons of honey and two teaspoons of cider vinegar in warm water for regular consumption in the morning. Turmeric powder Drinking warm water helps relieve the pain of arthritis.

Herbal Supplement

Shallaki Herb [also known as Boswellia serrata], helps mitigate the problem of blood circulation, control swelling of the joints and relieve joint pain. Under Aswagandha twice a day with half a glass of hot water is an effective remedy for the herbal arthritis. It will certainly help improve the situation on regular use for at least 10-15 days left. Rumalaya Rumalaya Forte is an Ayurvedic preparation, the possesss analgesic and anti-arthritic properties. By regulating the mediators of inflammation, Rumalaya exerts a significant anti-inflammatory. Arthrella is a natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis and induce remission. Minimize stiffness and swelling, relieves pain and inflammation of affected joints and protect joints affected by arthritis to succumb

Managing Arthritis

Treatment options vary depending on the type of arthritis and include, depending on physiotherapy and occupational therapy, changes in lifestyle (including exercise and weight control), medications and dietary supplements (symptomatic or targeted in the disease process causing the arthritis). Arthroplasty or joint replacement may be an erosion forms of arthritis may be necessary.

exercise regime

Experts say an arthritis exercise program well designed can reduce pain and stiffness you feel while increasing your agility. Tell your doctor what type of exercise that best fits your needs.

Although high-impact activities like running and aerobic soil can increase joint pain, regular exercise, fresh (such as swimming, water aerobics and cycling) has been shown to reduce or prevent joint pain. Take your exercise cartilage as a measure of blood flow increases joints, which in turn provides nutrients into the joint and removes waste. Building strong muscles around the joints can help to support and reduce the risk of injury.

Weight Control

By reducing the amount of stress on joints, weight control helps prevent osteoarthritis in the knees and other weight attached. And it reduces the pain of those who have them. For the weight down, they lose little by little not more than four fifty-eight pounds per month. Eat fewer calories and more exercise to lose weight.

Heat and cold

The application of heat or cold to painful joints may temporarily relieve pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis. The heat helps relax aching muscles. The cold can numb the affected areas to reduce pain. Ask your doctor or therapist, who is the best method for you.

Medicine

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs are widely used anti-inflammatory drugs for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. NSAIDs differ in one important aspect of pain: Although the treatment of pain, NSAIDs treat both pain and inflammation. By blocking the action of prostaglandins with those of the inflammatory traditional NSAIDs because of stomach ulcers and stomach, or kidney failure, according to Arthritis Today. For many people, NSAIDs as anti-inflammatory treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are used. Serious side effects are upset stomach and internal bleeding, the use of NSAIDs requires medical supervision.

prescription painkillers / analgesics

prescription pain relievers are one of many types of drugs to treat arthritis pain. You do not treat the underlying disease or inflammatory condition.

prescription painkillers are classified as narcotic or non-narcotic. You may be prescribed medication, and other types of arthritis. Many physicians have tried to avoid prescribing drugs for long-term due to concerns about addiction and dependency. There were also concerns about side effects such as chronic constipation, dizziness, nausea has been, and breathing problems related to drugs and non-narcotic analgesics.

drugs against the disease modifying arthritis (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis

For patients, arthritis, poor response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, another class of drugs called disease-modifying rheumatoid drugs, or DMARDs show is available. These drugs differ from each other and other drugs against arthritis in their appearance, mode of administration, cost, potential side effects and the need to monitor possible side effects. to determine the severity of arthritis, previous response to other drugs, and history of health problems helping others to see which drug or combination of drugs prescribed for you.

Neal Kapoor is a strong supporter of the development of Ayurveda and health food supplements. It also has professional interests in the area and the Administration has a site called anytimeherbal. com.

A
new study has found that drinking alcohol may reduce the severity of rheumatoid
arthritis.

This is the first time that this effect has been
shown in humans. The study also showed that alcohol consumption reduces the risk
of developing the disease.

The study looked at 873 patients with
rheumatoid arthritis and compared them with 1004 people without RA (the control
group).

The researchers, led by Gerry Wilson, Professor of
Rheumatology at the University of Sheffield (Sheffield, UK), asked the two
groups how frequently they had drunk alcohol in the month preceding their
inclusion in the study.

The study participants completed a detailed
questionnaire, had x-rays and blood tests, and an experienced research nurse
examined their joints.

The first author of the study, Dr James
Maxwell, a consultant rheumatologist at the Rotherham Foundation NHS Trust and
an honorary senior clinical lecturer in the Academic Rheumatology Group at the
University of Sheffield, said: “We found that patients who had drunk alcohol
most frequently had symptoms that were less severe than those who had never
drunk alcohol or only drunk it infrequently. X-rays showed there was less damage
to joints, blood tests showed lower levels of inflammation, and there was less
joint pain, swelling and disability. This is the first time that a dose
dependent inverse association between frequency of alcohol consumption and
severity of RA has been shown in humans.”

Maxwell and his colleagues
also found that non-drinkers were four times more likely to develop RA than
people who drank alcohol on more than ten days a month.

“This finding
agrees with the results from previous studies that have shown a decreased
susceptibility to developing RA among alcohol drinkers,” said Maxwell.

Writing in their paper, the study authors concluded: “While there
are a number of limitations to the methodology of this study, the results do
suggest that the consumption of alcohol may modify RA, influencing both risk and
severity.”

The study has been published online in the journal

Rheumatology.

Category: Articles, Featured

If your doctor says you have arthritis, youve just scratched the surface. Find out more about types and treatment of arthritis.

Arthritis is a broad term that means inflammation of the joint caused by overuse, disease or injury. But there are many types of arthritis. Some involve more than the joint. The effects can be far-reaching and may include tendons, muscles and other organs in the body. Arthritis or joint damage can be caused by injury, wear and tear or a glitch in your immune system that causes it to attack the bodys own tissues.

The clues: zeroing in on your risks
Some forms of arthritis are linked to specific risks. But only your doctor can pinpoint the exact type of arthritis you have. He or she will take into account your:

Age. Middle-aged people are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis. Older people are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Gender. Some types of arthritis are more common in men and others in women. Women are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Young men are more likely to develop ankylosing spondyltis, a type of arthritis that affects the back.

Weight. Extra weight puts additional wear and tear on joints. It can contribute to osteoarthritis, especially of the hip and knee.

More clues: symptoms of arthritis
The symptoms of arthritis usually involve small or larger joints in the body and may include:

Pain, with or without movement

Stiffness, may be worse in the morning

Swelling, could be due to fluid in joint space

Bony enlargement or nodules

Warmth and redness over the joint

One or more joints could be involved:

Osteoarthritis usually involves the large joints, such as the hip or knee.

Rheumatoid arthritis often involves the smaller joints in the hands or feet on both sides.

If your arthritis is an autoimmune disease, it means your immune system is somehow involved. These conditions include:

Rheumatoid arthritis: may include generalized fever and malaise

Systemic lupus erythematosus: may cause stroke and respiratory problems

Fibromyalgia: characterized by trigger points, painful areas in muscles

The doctor and disease detective

Your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms clearly. You will also be asked about any symptoms that seem unrelated like fever or breathing trouble. Piecing together these clues can help your doctor find the culprit.

After the doctor takes a careful history, he or she will examine your joints for swelling, tenderness, and pain. Your doctor will check to see how much you can move your joint (range of motion). If there is fluid in the joint, your doctor may remove the fluid and collect it for analysis. Lab tests of joint fluid often include:

Microscopic examination. This test may find crystals, which is seen in gout.

Culture. An infected joint is seen in septic arthritis.

Your primary doctor can evaluate and treat most cases of arthritis. Some people are referred to arthritis specialists called rheumatologists.

Cracking the case: finding the best treatment for your type of arthritis
The goals of treatment are not only to relieve pain, but to stop any joint damage and restore any lost function. A combination approach is often required.

Oral medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and other pain relievers.

Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These drugs may slow or stop the immune system from attacking the joints. Some, called biologics, are genetically engineered drugs that block specific pathways of inflammation that cause damage to tissues.

Physical or occupational therapy. A therapist works with you to recover lost movement or function through exercises and application of heat/cold and other methods. The therapist may also teach you to protect your joints by using your stronger joints to carry out tasks, and how to use assistive devices to make daily life easier.

Joint injections. Corticosteroid medication blocks inflammation and can sometimes be injected directly into the joint space.

Surgery. Joint replacement surgery is one option for severe arthritis of the hip or knee.

What can I do to self-manage my arthritis?
Exercise regularly. Once your pain is managed, ask your doctor what the best level of activity is for you. Choose an activity that wont stress your joints, such as walking, cycling or swimming. Getting exercise every day is shown to reduce the pain of arthritis and extend your range of motion. Exercise will also help you to reach or maintain a healthy weight, which can help with the pain of osteoarthritis.

By : Islam Abu-Rayya

Blogger & Online Communication Coordinator

http://www.myoptumhealth.com

Some believe fibromyalgia is a type of arthritis. This is not the case. Both fibromyalgia (FMS) and arthritis are forms of Rheumatism, a medical condition that impairs the joints and/or soft tissues and causes chronic pain. While both are chronic pain disorders, fibromyalgia and arthritis are two very different things.

Symptoms of Arthritis:

In arthritis patients, the discomfort is due to inflammation and damage in the joints of the body. Those with arthritis also experience:

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Atrophy in the muscles

Tenderness to the touch

Limited ability to move with and without assistance.

Signs that other joints are painful or swollen (an indication of rheumatoid arthritis)

A grating feeling or sound (crepitus) with movement

Pain when pressure is placed on the joint or the joint is moved

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia: The cause of pain in those with fibromyalgia is unknown. However, it is important to note that unlike arthritis, the pain is not caused by inflammation or swelling, and there is no damage to any tissue due to this disorder.

Chronic pain that is experienced on both sides of the body, above and below the waist.

18 tender points throughout the body that are common to many who suffer from FMS

Fatigue

Insomnia and sleep disturbances

Trouble concentrating and memory (fibro fog)

Morning stiffness

Diagnosing Arthritis

Some tests that can be used to diagnose arthritis are:

Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test to check levels of antibodies in the blood

Sampling the synovial fluid, which surrounds and lubricates the joints

Complete blood counts

Creatinine to monitor for underlying kidney disease

X-rays to check for deterioration in the bone mass

Rochester, Minnesota –

For hundreds of years people have practiced the Chinese martial art of Tai Chi for its many health benefits. Researchers who study Tai Chi say it can help reduce blood pressure, decrease anxiety, improve flexibility and much more. For these reasons, some doctors at Mayo Clinic have embraced Tai Chi and are teaching it to their patients.

“One of the primary intentions is to cultivate tranquility,” says Dr. Mary Jurisson.

In Mayo Clinic’s cardiac rehab unit, Dr. Jurisson leads a Tai Chi class for patients and staff.

“Very slow motion, elegant simple movements.”

Some joined in because they’re recovering from a heart attack or surgery. Others, like Colleen Pelkey, practice Tai Chi because it makes them feel healthier.

“For me just the relaxation helps for aches and pains. Things like that,” says Pelkey.

Dr. Jurisson says it’s the yin and yang. Tai Chi brings opposites into balance. It restores energy. Balance is found through meditation, movements, and pushing against one another.

“What you’re learning to do is to maintain that central equilibrium, that center of gravity, that sense of yourself, the world and your environment,” Jurisson says.

Dr. Jurisson says in addition to bringing about balance, Tai Chi can improve your health in many ways.

“And this is manifest by things like lower blood pressure, lower heart rate, less anxiety.”

Plus Dr. Jurisson says Tai Chi may help boost your immune system, improve arthritis, boost energy, improve cognition and perhaps even memory. And almost anyone can practice it.

“Tai Chi is particularly adaptable to people who may have challenges to how they move or how they stay fit.”

A gentle art that offers health benefits to people of any age and almost any physical condition.

Genetic Test for Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) Complies With The European
Directive

IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Molecular dermatology research and development innovator DermaGenoma,
Inc. today announced that the PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for Psoriatic
Arthritis (PsA) is now available as a CE Marked product under the
European In Vitro Diagnostic Directive.

We are excited to extend this revolutionary genetics testing
breakthrough to dermatologists in Europe

CE Marking is required for certain product groups to indicate conformity
with the essential requirements set out in European Directives. The
PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for Psoriatic Arthritis complies with the
essential requirements of the European IVD Directive.

The PsoriasisDX Genetic Test helps identify those at high risk for
developing Psoriatic Arthritis before they experience arthritic
symptoms, providing the opportunity to lessen joint damage through early
medical intervention.

We are excited to extend this revolutionary genetics testing
breakthrough to dermatologists in Europe, says Andy Goren, CEO of
DermaGenoma, Inc. It helps doctors determine the proper treatments for
patients.

About DermaGenoma, Inc.

Headquartered in Irvine, CA, DermaGenoma,
Inc. is a molecular dermatology company founded by leading
researchers and specialists in genetics and dermatology. The company is
dedicated to the research and development of new diagnostics and
prescription based therapies for skin conditions tailored to an
individuals genetic makeup.

DermaGenoma diagnostic genetic tests include:

HairDX,
the first genetic screening test for Female and Male Pattern Baldness
(Androgenetic Alopecia)

The
HairDX (RxR) Genetic Test for Finasteride Response. In addition to
predicting Finasteride response for the treatment of common hair loss,
the test helps doctors assess if a patient has an increased risk of
developing Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged Prostate).

The
PsoriasisDX Genetic Test for Psoriatic Arthritis helps identify
those at high risk for developing Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) before
they experience arthritic symptoms, providing the opportunity to
lessen joint damage through early medical intervention.

The
HerpesDX Genetic Test for Frequent Genital Herpes helps doctors
assess patients risk for developing frequent Genital Herpes (HSV-2)
outbreaks. Until now, physicians have been unable to give an answer to
the most common question asked by recently infected Genital Herpes
patients: Will I have frequent outbreaks?

The
CelluliteDX Genetic Test for Moderate to Severe Cellulite (gynoid
lipodystrophy). helps doctors predict if a patient is at a high risk
for developing Nurnberger-Muller grade 2 (or greater) cellulite.

DermaGenoma genetic tests are available through physician’s offices
nationwide, and are administered using simple cheek swabs.

and on Facebook.

If there is one disorder that can be considered to be a silent killer, it would be diabetes. Diabetes comes in two forms diabetes insipidus (type I) and diabetes mellitus (type II). Both these types of diabetes present similar signs and symptoms. However, whereas diabetes insipidus is said to be an auto-immune disease that revolves around insulin production, diabetes mellitus is all about the lack of insulin in the system that allows the glucose to continue circulating through the blood without really reaching body cells.

Considered to be a life altering sickness, diabetes can affect ones eyesight as well as various organs such as the kidney. It could also throw our entire neurological as well as cardiovascular system into chaos. Although most diabetics die from the sickness itself, they usually suffer much from the complications it brings about.

The change in the lifestyle of a person diagnosed with diabetes is usually brought about by the fact that they need to follow a strict regimen of vitamins. They also have to ensure that their blood sugar level is regularly monitored and any fluctuations duly stabilized by a host of medicines. They also need to be careful as diabetic people tend to have slower healing rates as opposed to people without diabetes. This means that any open wound can take time to heal.

Two of the damages that diabetes can have on your body are known as diabetic neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease. Without proper diagnosis by machines like the accu chek aviva system, diabetic people often find themselves losing sensation in their feet and lower limbs. Apart from this, since they have a slower healing rate, open wounds can lead to gangrene. The latter is known as the peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetic people also tend to suffer more from arthritis. The good news is this can be easily remedied by the various specialized footwear available in the market today. Once your accu chek aviva strips report a rise in your sugar level, you need to take the necessary medications. Otherwise, you might find yourself unable to walk for long periods of time since glucose has accumulated in your joints.

The accu chek aviva meter and strips is the first complete system to receive the Arthritis Foundations Ease-Of-Use Commendation. The system has an easy-to-use grip and helps a diabetes and arthritis patient test right the first time.

Visit http://diabetespeoples.com for more details.

Many people use the popular dietary supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to treat osteoarthritis. But a new study sponsored by NIH shows that these substanceswhich are naturally found in and around cartilagemay not work as well as many hoped.

Researchers led by rheumatologist Dr. Daniel O. Clegg of the University of Utah School of Medicine enrolled nearly 1,600 people with osteoarthritis of the knee in the Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT). They were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 5 treatments for 24 weeks: glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate combined, a placebo or celecoxib, a pain medication.

Those taking celecoxib had less pain after 24 weeks than those taking placebo. However, there were no significant differences between the other treatments and placebo. When the researchers looked closer, glucosamine combined with chondroitin sulfate did provide pain relief for a smaller subgroup of people with moderate-to-severe pain.

Because of the small number of people in the moderate-to-severe pain group, however, Clegg commented that the findings should be considered preliminary and need to be confirmed in a study designed for this purpose.

Measures of pain over a 24-week period dont rule out the possibility that these compounds may still help with osteoarthritis. The GAIT team is continuing their research to examine whether glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can delay the progression of osteoarthritis. The results of that study are expected in about a year.