Depression Can Worsen Knee Arthritis Symptoms in Older Adults
Screening by mental health professionals may improve outcomes
ROSEMONT, Ill., March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Clinical depression can exacerbate the symptoms of knee arthritis beyond what is evident on X-rays, according to a new study from the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS). Patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis are especially affected by depression, the study notes.
“Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and impairment in older adults,” said Tae Kyun Kim, MD, study author and director of the Division of Knee Surgery and Sports Medicine at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital’s Joint Reconstruction Center. “Often, the level of arthritic symptoms reported by patients is much more severe than what is represented by X-rays, which can make it difficult for the doctor to treat.
“The results of this study indicate that depression can play a major role in the way patients experience the symptoms of knee arthritis, and that even when X-rays show the arthritis is not severe, patients with depression may report significant pain,” Dr. Kim said. “The relationship between pain and depression suggests that both should be considered by physicians when treating patients with knee osteoarthritis, particularly in those with X-rays not indicating severe damage to the joint.”
The study included 660 men and women aged 65 years or older who were evaluated for the severity of their knee arthritis on X-rays, as well as symptom severity. Patient interviews and questionnaires were used to assess coincident depressive disorders. The study was conducted as a part of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Health and Aging (KLoSHA).
As expected, the researchers found the levels of pain attributed to knee arthritis were higher in patients whose X-rays indicated greater joint damage; however, they also found depressive disorders were associated with an increase in pain in patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis, even when X-rays did not show significant joint damage.
“When evaluating the results of this study, the contribution of depression to knee osteoarthritis symptoms was almost as important as the damage indicated on X-rays,” Dr. Kim noted.
Knee arthritis typically affects men and women over 50 years of age, and occurs most frequently in people who are overweight. Common symptoms include:
- pain or stiffness in or around the knee;
- swelling of the knee;
- limited range of motion when walking or moving the knee; or
- knee weakness or a feeling of instability.
In more severe cases, the knee joint may appear deformed, such as bowlegged or knock-kneed appearance, either bulging outward or toward the side of the leg. Knee replacement surgery is often performed in patients with severe symptoms.
Although studies have indicated depression is not uncommon among older adults, it remains largely underdiagnosed. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH):
- The risk of depression increases with other illnesses and when ability to function becomes limited.
- Estimates of major depression in older people range from 1 percent to 5 percent among those living in the community, to as high as 11.5 percent in hospital patients and 13.5 percent in those who require home healthcare.
- An estimated 5 million older adults have mild depression, which is often undiagnosed.
Symptoms of depression may include:
- feelings of sadness or hopelessness;
- loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed;
- change in appetite or sleep patterns;
- difficulty thinking and remembering; or
- frequent thoughts of death or dying.
“Despite the reported satisfactory outcomes of knee replacement surgery a percentage of patients still experience knee pain and impaired movement,” said Dr. Kim said. “Sometimes pain and disability after surgery is medically unexplained, so in these patients screening for depression might be a very good option.”
Disclosure: In support of their research for or preparation of this work, one or more of the authors received, in any one year, outside funding or grants in excess of $10,000 from Pfizer Global Pharmaceuticals (Grant No. 06-05-039) and Seongnam City Government in Korea (Grant No. 800-20050211). Neither they nor a member of their immediate families received payments or other benefits or a commitment or agreement to provide such benefits from a commercial entity.
More information on osteoarthritis of the knee and other orthopaedic conditions can be found at www.orthoinfo.org.
More information about the JBJS
About the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
SOURCE American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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Article source: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/depression-can-worsen-knee-arthritis-symptoms-in-older-adults-118094204.html
Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Congratulates R&B and Pop Icon Gloria Gaynor …
As Part of Arthritis Awareness Initiative, New York Chapter Honors National EUFLEXXA® Spokesperson
PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. congratulates GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist Gloria Gaynor, who will receive the inaugural Woman of the Year award from the Arthritis Foundation’s New York Chapter. As part of the Foundation’s arthritis awareness initiative, Women on the Move, Gaynor is being recognized for her formidable personal and professional accomplishments despite being diagnosed with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee more than 25 years ago.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, women older than 50 years of age are more likely to develop OA of the knee than men, and approximately 60 percent of OA sufferers are women. (1) (2)
Following her diagnosis in 1984, Gaynor struggled with appropriate treatment options for 25 years. As the national spokesperson for EUFLEXXA® (1 percent sodium hyaluronate) , a hyaluronic acid treatment therapy for the pain associated with knee OA, Gaynor has passionately advocated the need for increased awareness of OA knee pain, treatment options and the importance of maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
“We are excited that the Arthritis Foundation has decided to honor Gloria in this way and help bring much needed attention to a disease where approximately 16 million of the nearly 27 million impacted are women,” said Paul Maccini, Business Unit Head of Orthopaedics, Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Gaynor’s hit 1978 record “I Will Survive” is a veritable anthem for anyone facing seemingly insurmountable odds, and in 1980, Gaynor earned the only GRAMMY® ever to be given for a Disco recording for “I Will Survive.”
About EUFLEXXA®® (1 percent sodium hyaluronate)
EUFLEXXA® is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis. It is used in people who do not get enough relief from simple pain medications such as acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy.
Important Safety Information
You should not receive this product if you have had any previous allergic reaction to EUFLEXXA® or hyaluronan products. You should not have an injection into the knee if you have a knee joint infection or if you have skin disease or infection around the injection site.
EUFLEXXA® is only for injection into the knee performed by a qualified doctor. After you receive this injection you may need to avoid activities such as jogging, tennis, heavy lifting or standing on your feet for a long time (more than one hour). The safety and effectiveness of repeat treatment cycles of EUFLEXXA® have not been established. The safety and effectiveness of EUFLEXXA® have not been shown in people under 18 years of age.
Side effects sometimes seen when EUFLEXXA® is injected into the knee joint were pain, swelling, skin irritation, and tenderness and these were generally mild and did not last long.
About Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a subsidiary of Ferring Pharmaceuticals, a privately owned, international pharmaceutical company. Ferring Pharmaceuticals offers a line of products in the U.S. market. They include: BRAVELLE® (urofollitropin for injection, purified), MENOPUR® (menotropins for injection, USP) and REPRONEX® (menotropins for injection, USP), Novarel® (chorionic gonadotropin for injection, USP), ENDOMETRIN® (progesterone) Vaginal Insert, 100 mg, LYSTEDA™ (tranexamic acid tablets), FIRMAGON® (degarelix for injection), PROSED® DS (methenamine, phenyl salicylate, methylene blue, benzoic acid, hyoscyamine sulfate), and EUFLEXXA® (1 percent sodium hyaluronate).
Ferring Pharmaceuticals specializes in the research, development and commercialization of compounds in general and pediatric endocrinology, urology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, obstetrics/gynecology, and infertility. For more information, call 1-888-FERRING (1-888-337-7464) or visit www.FerringUSA.com.
(1) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2007). Frequently Asked Questions about Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Retrieved Mar. 8, 2011. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00228
(2) Arthritis Foundation. (2011). Arthritis in Women. Retrieved Mar. 8, 2011. http://www.arthritis.org/women.php
SOURCE Ferring Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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Lake Regional Health System hosting informational forum on arthritis
Lake Regional Health System will host the informational forum, “Understanding Arthritis,” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, in the hospital’s third floor conference rooms.
Lake Regional Orthopedic Surgeon William Harris, D.O., will discuss hip and knee osteoarthritis, as well as joint injection procedures. In addition, he will answer questions about hip and knee replacement.
“The pain of arthritis can make continuing a ‘normal’ lifestyle a challenge,” Dr. Harris said. “But, treatment options are available. You don’t have to suffer needlessly.”
The program is free, but registration is required. Visit lakeregional.com/events to register, or call 573-348-8222 for more information.
Article source: http://www.lakenewsonline.com/lifestyle/x698033769/Lake-Regional-Health-System-hosting-informational-forum-on-arthritis
Osteoarthritis and Obesity Cut Healthy Years Short
Millions of Americans have fewer healthy, pain-free years because of these conditions.
By Jennifer Davis
Older Americans are losing as much as three-and-a-half healthy years because they are obese, have knee osteoarthritis or are dealing with both conditions, according to a study published in the February 15 Annals of Internal Medicine.
“One, two, three years – these are meaningful, especially when you get to your 60s and 70s, where every year really matters because there are fewer left,” says study author Elena Losina, PhD, co-director of the Orthopedics and Arthritis Center for Outcomes Research at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
Quality-of-life years, or healthy years, are determined by the amount of illness, disability, pain and functional limitation a person has during any given year. Researchers created a mathematical formula to determine the impact obesity and knee OA have on quality of life years – which is different than mortality because it’s looking not at the length of life, but instead the quality of life in terms of things like functionality and activity.
Based on U.S. Census and obesity data and prevalence rates of knee OA, researchers determined that 40 percent of Americans ages 50 to 84 have both conditions. That’s about 2.9 million Americans with 3.5 fewer healthy years than those who are a healthy weight and don’t have knee OA.
The nearly 29 million older Americans who are obese but don’t have knee OA could lose about 2.5 healthy years, and another 2.8 million who have knee OA but aren’t obese will lose almost 1.9 healthy years.
“[We hope that] the fact that quality of life is diminished makes it clear that if you prevent the conditions, your years of healthy life will be increased,” Losina explains.
Researchers say data shows that 55 percent of African-American women and 50 percent of Hispanic women are either obese, have knee OA or both, compared with just 38 percent of white women. So these findings, they say, are especially important to these minority groups.
“I think everyone needs to pay attention, but African-American and Hispanic women need to pay special attention,” Losina explains. “I think it’s really critical for interventions to address the needs and aspirations of these population groups because I think it will affect the efficacy of the intervention.”
Lawrence Cheskin, MD, is the director of the Johns Hopkins Weight Management Center and a professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. He says even though the numbers are based on population averages – and thus are not accurate predictors for individuals – the general findings still have value.
“Unless you want to assume you will beat the odds, you should take it seriously and assume you will be no better than average. And if you are average, you [could] lose three-and-a-half years of [healthy] life.”
Dr. Cheskin says the numbers are also helpful because they put in context how detrimental the combination of obesity and OA are. But he says the important message is also that these figures aren’t set in stone.
“We are talking about something that is potentially alterable. Getting arthritis may not be alterable. On the other hand, how it progresses and how much disability you have from it can be in your control to a certain extent if you do something positive for your lifestyle, like lose weight if you are obese,” Dr. Cheskin says. “That’s within your control. It’s not easy but it’s at least potentially something you can positively impact in terms of your health and quality of life.”
Funding for this study came from The National Institutes of Health and the Arthritis Foundation.
Article source: http://www.arthritistoday.org/news/healthy-years-osteoarthrits-obesity121.php
Natural Cures for Arthritis: Cure Your Arthritis With No Side Effects
In case you suffer from arthritis, natural cures for arthritis are the best way to go simply because they have no side effects. Arthritis is a disease suffered by millions of people all over the world. Most often, the pain arises from inflamed joints which can be unbearable. Nearly all kinds of arthritis are caused by wear and tear of joints over a long period of time.
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis which is characterized by stiffness in the morning and occasional cracking joints in its early stages. Once osteoarthritis is left unchecked and untreated it can make the sufferer feel a crippling pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis and an autoimmune deficiency. This is a condition where the immune system is misdirected and mistakenly attacks the healthy cartilage, believing it to be a foreign invader
NSAIDs or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin can help provide arthritis pain relief. However you need to know that they have unwanted side effects which can damage the stomach lining of the patient in the form of stomach ulcers, leading to hospitalization, and in severe cases, death. In addition, despite the fact that they provide relief from painful symptoms NSAIDs are found to slow down cartilage regeneration. Hence, taking NSAIDs for a long period of time can lead to other health problems and worsening of the arthritis.
In order to find adequate relief from arthritis, natural cures for arthritis are generally available. One of the main advantages of natural cures for arthritis is that side effects do not exist.
Here are natural cures for arthritis as well as tips on how to combat arthritis from taking your normal life away from you.
Before taking any herbal preparations make sure to consult with your doctor.
Ginger Extract is a natural anti-inflammatory substance; this is sometimes referred to as Zinaxin. Ginger Extract works like an antioxidant and it eliminates potentially damaging oxidizing agents from within the body.
Willow has been employed to ease arthritis pain for ages. Many years ago, the ancient Greeks mash up the leaves with a little wine, and apply it to a sore back. Today, it is sold as part of a prepared remedy. As a matter of fact, it is a naturally occurring form of aspirin, except with far less side effects.
Cod liver oil helps in strengthening the bones. It contains fatty acids which help in preventing cartilage from breaking up, thus avoiding inflamed joints.
Glucosamin is a chemical found in our bodies; this is a sugar and much like glucose and this helps in putting a stop to arthritis by keeping the joint tissue and surrounding fluid lubricated.
Lifestyle factors play a vital role in pain management and pain levels. It is important to have daily exercise as this helps to strengthen the joint, and keep it lubricated. The joints become stiff due to inactivity; making the pain worse once the joint is used. A little exercise each day is fine and it’s important to remember not to overdo it.
It is also important to know the foods that can adversely affect inflamed joints and avoid them. Sufferers should cut back on red meat and dairy products as well. Oily fish, whole meal products and certain fruit and vegetables should be incorporated in the diet. Vitamin C is also important to be included in your diet as it is a component of collagen and it makes up part of your joint protecting cartilage. With this, you will have a healthier diet apart from reduction of arthritis pain.
Nowadays, a lot of arthritis sufferers are now making that switch to natural cures for arthritis like Joint Solution as they can find adequate natural arthritis relief and not suffer any side effects from their medication. This is the reason why you should consider it too!