Arthritis and Join Pain
New options for Boomers with foot, ankle arthritis
(NewsUSA) – As they approach retirement, many members of the “Me Generation” aren’t ready to slow down, even if their bodies are. Foot and ankle surgeons say baby boomers are more likely than previous generations to seek care when arthritis develops in their toes, feet and ankles.
“Unlike their parents, baby boomers do not accept foot pain as a natural part of aging,” says John Giurini, DPM, a Boston foot and ankle surgeon and president of the 6,000-member American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS). “When conservative treatments fail, they want to know what other options exist.”
After they’re diagnosed, many boomers hold high expectations for treatment. They may look forward to playing sports or to running again. While there is no fountain of youth for a degenerative condition like arthritis, there are more medical options available than ever before.
The big toe joint is the most common part of the foot to develop osteoarthritis, according to FootPhysicians.com. For boomers with early-stage arthritis in this joint, modern surgical procedures may provide more pain relief and increased joint movement.
Boomers with advanced and severe arthritis may need to have the joint fused or replaced. Now, stronger screws and hardware are helping fusions last longer, while slashing recovery times. A new generation of big toe joint replacements also shows promise.
Ankles are another prime spot for arthritis. Innovative surgical techniques allow foot and ankle surgeons to transplant small plugs of cartilage from one part of the ankle to another in some patients, slowing joint deterioration.
Ankle replacements, however, are not as durable as hip and knee replacements. The ankle is a more challenging joint to replace. It’s smaller and moves in multiple directions. But better and promising ankle implants are hitting the market.
Article source: http://www.news8000.com/New-options-for-Boomers-with-foot-ankle-arthritis/-/262/8607832/-/aw3vwo/-/
Alternative Therapies Offer Arthritis Pain Relief
An estimated 50 million Americans are living with arthritis, and while the pain, stiffness and joint deformities that often go along with it can be debilitating, medical experts say there are treatments that can bring relief to help sufferers live full and productive lives.
There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The most common types are osteoarthritis, caused by “wear and tear” on joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, caused when the body attacks its own tissues, leading to inflammation of the joints.
Along with commonly prescribed painkillers, surgeries and other medical interventions, there are also a number of complementary approaches specialists use that they say can decrease inflammation, reduce pain and promote overall health.
ABC News asked doctors who practice integrative medicine, a field focused on blending conventional medicine with complementary treatments, to weigh in on what options they recommend for arthritis.
A few of the approaches they discuss on the following pages work for several types of arthritis because they target inflammation, a characteristic some forms of the condition have in common. Other approaches are more targeted. But no matter what the approach, experts stress before beginning any therapy, people should consult their doctors because not every option is appropriate for everyone with arthritis.
Dietary Ingredients
“Certain anti-inflammatory ingredients can be incorporated into the diet, such as tumeric and ginger,” said Dr. Ashwin Mehta, medical director of integrative medicine at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine. “Ginger and tumeric are powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients we can recommend pretty much to anybody. They are very safe and have no potential medication interactions or complications.”
There have been few clinical trials looking at the effectiveness of ginger and tumeric on inflammation, but there are some laboratory data that suggest both can be helpful.
“Studies have been done on ginger and tumeric and have shown some anti-inflammatory effects, so there is at least some basic science to suggest these might be helpful,” said Dr. Joanne Jordan, director of the Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine in Chapel Hill.
Other food additives are considered to have anti-inflammatory properties, such as garlic, cinnamon and soy.
But while he recommends ginger and tumeric to anyone with arthritis, Mehta said before incorporating others into the diet, people should consult a physician, because certain ingredients may work better with certain symptoms. Others, he added, may interact with certain medications.
Cutting back on refined sugars can also reduce inflammation, Mehta added. That dietary tip will help with all types of arthritis.
In some people, foods that cause allergic reactions may be foods that support inflammation, so arthritics with any sensitivity to foods should avoid those foods.
Another ingredient doctors recommend is capsaicin, found in very hot peppers. It’s often used in topical ointments or creams made specially for pain relief.
“It’s helpful for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis when it’s used as a topical remedy, although some people do eat it in the form of red, hot chili peppers,” said Dr. Lawrence Taw, clinical professor at UCLA’s Center for East-West Medicine. “It tends to help arthritis that is worse when it’s cold, windy and damp.”
Article source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/common-complementary-therapies-arthritis/story?id=15510620
Ultrasound Makes for Speedy, Accurate Arthritis Care
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Rheumatologists Pioneer Approach Called Fast Arthritis Sonographic Evaluation and Treatment, or FAST
Newswise — NEW YORK (February 6, 2012) — Ultrasound is transforming the way arthritis is diagnosed and treated, making evaluation and treatment quicker and more accurate. The new approach is dubbed fast arthritis sonographic evaluation and treatment, or FAST, by rheumatologists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center who are leading its development.
Traditionally, doctors evaluated joint inflammation manually using their fingers or with a needle to take a sample of joint fluid. With an ultrasound machine, they immediately have a clear picture of the affected joints and tendons-and while they are in motion. The result is less need for needle biopsies, X-rays and other testing. In addition, research has shown that ultrasound improves the accuracy of procedures to reduce joint inflammation and the pain it causes. It also gives patients visual evidence of the progress they are making, helping them stay compliant with their treatment plan.
Early diagnosis of arthritis is important because it can prevent joint damage and disability, says Dr. Dimitrios Pappas, a rheumatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Even minor joint symptoms that continue over a week should be evaluated. As the name suggests, our FAST ultrasound clinics are designed to get patients evaluated and on the road to recovery quickly and without unnecessary testing and treatments.”
What Is Arthritis and How Is It Treated?
Arthritis comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Other frequently occurring forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and gout. Common symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms. Patients can manage their arthritis through a physician-supervised program that may include medication, physical activity and weight loss. Other treatments include joint aspiration to relieve pressure, steroid injections and surgical procedures.
For more information, patients may call (866) NYP-NEWS.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, located in New York City, is one of the leading academic medical centers in the world, comprising the teaching hospital NewYork-Presbyterian and its academic partner, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia provides state-of-the-art inpatient, ambulatory and preventive care in all areas of medicine, and is committed to excellence in patient care, research, education and community service. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital also comprises NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division and NewYork-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital. NewYork-Presbyterian is the #1 hospital in the New York metropolitan area and is consistently ranked among the best academic medical institutions in the nation, according to U.S.News World Report. For more information, visit www.nyp.org.
# # #
Office of Public Affairs
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
627 West 165th Street
New York, NY 10032
tel: 212.305.5587
fax: 212.305.8023
email: pr@nyp.org
Article source: http://www.newswise.com/articles/ultrasound-makes-for-speedy-accurate-arthritis-care
Ultrasound Makes for Speedy, Accurate Arthritis Care
NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia Rheumatologists Pioneer Approach Called Fast Arthritis Sonographic Evaluation and Treatment, or FAST
Newswise — NEW YORK (February 6, 2012) — Ultrasound is transforming the way arthritis is diagnosed and treated, making evaluation and treatment quicker and more accurate. The new approach is dubbed fast arthritis sonographic evaluation and treatment, or FAST, by rheumatologists at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center who are leading its development.
Traditionally, doctors evaluated joint inflammation manually using their fingers or with a needle to take a sample of joint fluid. With an ultrasound machine, they immediately have a clear picture of the affected joints and tendons-and while they are in motion. The result is less need for needle biopsies, X-rays and other testing. In addition, research has shown that ultrasound improves the accuracy of procedures to reduce joint inflammation and the pain it causes. It also gives patients visual evidence of the progress they are making, helping them stay compliant with their treatment plan.
Early diagnosis of arthritis is important because it can prevent joint damage and disability, says Dr. Dimitrios Pappas, a rheumatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center and assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. “Even minor joint symptoms that continue over a week should be evaluated. As the name suggests, our FAST ultrasound clinics are designed to get patients evaluated and on the road to recovery quickly and without unnecessary testing and treatments.”
What Is Arthritis and How Is It Treated?
Arthritis comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis. Other frequently occurring forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and gout. Common symptoms include pain, aching, stiffness and swelling in or around the joints. Some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can affect multiple organs and cause widespread symptoms. Patients can manage their arthritis through a physician-supervised program that may include medication, physical activity and weight loss. Other treatments include joint aspiration to relieve pressure, steroid injections and surgical procedures.
For more information, patients may call (866) NYP-NEWS.
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, located in New York City, is one of the leading academic medical centers in the world, comprising the teaching hospital NewYork-Presbyterian and its academic partner, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia provides state-of-the-art inpatient, ambulatory and preventive care in all areas of medicine, and is committed to excellence in patient care, research, education and community service. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital also comprises NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Westchester Division and NewYork-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital. NewYork-Presbyterian is the #1 hospital in the New York metropolitan area and is consistently ranked among the best academic medical institutions in the nation, according to U.S.News World Report. For more information, visit www.nyp.org.
# # #
Office of Public Affairs
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center
627 West 165th Street
New York, NY 10032
tel: 212.305.5587
fax: 212.305.8023
email: pr@nyp.org
Article source: http://www.newswise.com/articles/ultrasound-makes-for-speedy-accurate-arthritis-care
On the road for ‘the underdog of charities’
SUMMERSIDE – Andrea Arsenault is going a few extra miles this year to help people living with arthritis – a group that includes her seven-year-old granddaughter.
The Summerside resident is raising money to cycle through France in September through the Canadian Arthritis Society’s Joints in Motion (JIM) program.
Arsenault has done fundraising work for the P.E.I. Arthritis Society in the past, but when her granddaughter Kora-Lee Rice was diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in 2011, it gave her extra incentive to help.
“The Arthritis Society, to me, has always been the underdog of charities. People tend to forget about it because it’s an everyday disorder, and that’s one of the things that attracted me to fundraising and working with them,” said Arsenault.
“When Kora-Lee was diagnosed, it just came to me that it was time to get back with Joints in Motion and actually do something.”
Arsenault and a co-worker at the Summerside Tax Centre must each raise $8,000 for the Joints in Motion voyage to Provence, France. She’s already raised almost half, thanks to generous fundraisers held by employees at the STC.
The family has also organized a “Miss JIM pageant” that takes place this Friday, Feb. 10 at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club, which they hope will raise around $5,000.
The pageant will consist of nine men, including Kora-Lee’s father, willing to dress in drag for the fundraiser.
But a bit of temporary embarrassment is tolerable, given that hundreds of children on the Island have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
Unfortunately, the best treatment options are typically found across the Northumberland Strait. Arsenault’s daughter Jen MacArthur travels to Halifax’s IWK Children’s Hospital three to four times a year so Kora-Lee can receive steroid injections and medication to ease her pain.
“It affects her knees, her ankles and her fingers. She takes medicine every single day, and she has to be on that for the rest of her life,” said MacArthur, who estimates the trips to cost at least $200 each time. “It was amazing the difference when she had her steroid injections.”
While Arsenault jumped at the chance to take her first trip to France, the JIM fundraiser is more like a working holiday. It includes five days of cycling – 100 kilometres the first day, and between 35 to 50 km over each of the following four days.
“I’d rather bike than run. At least you can coast when you’re tired,” Arsenault laughed. “We haven’t yet received our training schedule, but all I know is an Ironman (triathlon) competitor is supposed to be our trainer, so I’m a little bit scared of what our training might be.”
But the rigorous training and grueling cycling trek will all be worthwhile knowing it helps fund critical research and support programs for people with arthritis like Kora-Lee.
In addition to the Miss JIM pageant, Arsenault will also be at the Summerside Western Capitals home game on Feb. 12, selling raffle tickets for a romantic getaway.
Those wising to contribute, but who can’t make it to one of the fundraisers can make a monetary donation to a JIM participant at www.jointsinmotion.ca
sbrun@journalpioneer.com
Article source: http://www.journalpioneer.com/News/Local/2012-02-05/article-2886587/On-the-road-for-the-underdog-of-charities/1