Thursday, March 28, 2024

What’s The Worst Arthritis You Can Have

Location In The Hands

Best Way To Stop Arthritis – Or At Least Slow It Down

The hands are a common site for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but the conditions tend to target different joints within the hands. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis look a little different, says Dr. Shadick. In the hands, for instance, RA tends to affect the knuckles, whereas OA tends to affect the end joints.

Measures To Reduce Bone Loss

Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. The use of prednisone further increases the risk of bone loss, especially in postmenopausal women.

You can do the following to help minimize the bone loss associated with steroid therapy:

  • Use the lowest possible dose of glucocorticoids for the shortest possible time, when possible, to minimize bone loss.
  • Get an adequate amount of calcium and vitamin D, either in the diet or by taking supplements.
  • Use medications that can reduce bone loss, including that which is caused by glucocorticoids.
  • Control rheumatoid arthritis itself with appropriate medications prescribed by your doctor.

Stop Withholding Info From Your Healthcare Provider

It’s tempting not to tell your healthcare provider everything, especially if you’re afraid you’ll have to go through unpleasant testing or have to change the treatment regimen you’re comfortable with.

But in order for your healthcare provider to have the best chance of helping you, he needs to know everything. Talk openly about what makes your condition better or worse, what concerns you have, and what you don’t understand.

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Your Doctor Can’t Fully Appreciate Potential New Symptoms Via Telemedicine

In the COVID-19 pandemic era, people with rheumatoid arthritis cant always make it into the doctors office for a physical visit. But a telemedicine, or telehealth, appointment, which is unquestionably better than not checking in with health professionals at all, may not detect that the disease is progressing as well as an in-person visit.

Domingues says that rheumatologists should definitely notice if joints are swollen and warm to the touch in an office consultation signs of active inflammation but they may not catch the severity of those symptoms on a computer screen. If were not physically examining them, the communication between doctors and patients needs to be even better, Domingues says. He says to make sure that you mention how your joints feel when you wake up, how much stiffness you experience in the morning and for how long, if youre able to make a full fist early in the day, and if you see red, warm, or swollen joints. Those are the pivotal signs of worsening RA, he says.

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Ra Vs Oa Epidemiology

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The primary difference between RA and OA is the underlying nature of the disease. RA is an autoimmune disorder that produces inflammatory joint symptoms throughout the body. OA is a degenerative condition that is the result of increased wear and tear on joints. OA may produce inflammatory symptoms as well, but it primarily destroys joint cartilage over time.

OA affects an estimated 27 million Americans while only 1.3 million Americans have RA. Both RA and OA are more prevalent in women than in men. RA can develop in patients anytime between the ages of 30 and 60 years old. OA generally develops later in life.

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The 5 Worst Foods For Arthritis

5 min read

Did you know that the foods you eat on a daily basis might actually be contributing to your arthritis pain?

Believe it or not, the dietary choices you make can have a big impact on the amount of pain you experience. Luckily, by knowing which foods can cause the most inflammation and discomfort, you can begin to avoid the vicious and debilitating pain cycle caused by your osteoarthritis.

How Can I Manage Oa And Improve My Quality Of Life

CDCs Arthritis Program recommends five self-management strategies for managing arthritis and its symptoms.

  • Learn self-management skills. Join a self-management education class, which helps people with arthritis and other chronic conditionsincluding OAunderstand how arthritis affects their lives and increase their confidence in controlling their symptoms and living well. Learn more about the CDC-recommended self-management education programs.
  • Get physically active. Experts recommend that adults engage in 150 minutes per week of at least moderate physical activity. Every minute of activity counts, and any activity is better than none. Moderate, low impact activities recommended include walking, swimming, or biking. Regular physical activity can also reduce the risk of developing other chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Learn more about physical activity for arthritis.
  • Go to effective physical activity programs. For people who worry that physical activity may make OA worse or are unsure how to exercise safely, participation in physical activity programs can help reduce pain and disability related to arthritis and improve mood and the ability to move. Classes take place at local Ys, parks, and community centers. These classes can help people with OA feel better. Learn more about CDC-recommended physical activity programs.

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How Is Arthritis Treated

Theres no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help you manage the condition. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the arthritis, its symptoms and your overall health.

Conservative treatments include:

  • Medication: Anti-inflammatory and pain medications may help relieve your arthritis symptoms. Some medications, called biologics, target your immune systems inflammatory response. A healthcare provider may recommend biologics for your rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
  • Physical therapy: Rehabilitation can help improve strength, range of motion and overall mobility. Therapists can teach you how to adjust your daily activities to lessen arthritic pain.
  • Therapeutic injections: Cortisone shots may help temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in your joints. Arthritis in certain joints, such as your knee, may improve with a treatment called viscosupplementation. It injects lubricant to help joints move smoothly.

What Are Newer Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications And Side Effects

7 Things to Avoid if you have Psoriatic Arthritis

Newer second-line drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

  • Tofacitinib
  • Baricitinib
  • Each of these medicines can increase the risk for infections, and the development of any infections should be reported to the doctor when taking these newer second-line drugs.

    While biologic drugs are often combined with DMARDs in the treatment of RA, they are generally not used with other biologics due to the risk of serious infections. Similarly, JAK inhibitor medication is not used with traditional biologic medicines.

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    Foods That Osteoarthritis Sufferers Should Avoid

    Foods You Should Avoid When Suffering from Osteoarthritis. Here is the list of foods you should avoid if youre suffering from osteoarthritis: #1 Wheat products. Wheat products stimulate the inflammatory response of your body. Eating a lot of pasta and grain products may make your arthritis pain wore. Try to eat whole grain products.

    Worse Foods For Arthritis Pain Suffers To Eat Avoid

    The five worst foods for arthritis. There are plenty of good foods that can be eaten which will not upset your inflammation. The five worst foods for arthritis that can cause your inflammation and pain to flare up are: #5 Fried and processed foods. We love to eat them, but its feeding more than our bellies.

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    Is Coffee Good For Arthritis

    Coffee could potentially benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis because of the anti-inflammatory properties of coffee. 5 Reducing inflammation in the body could help reduce joint pain. Also, the stimulating effects of caffeine help to fight physical and mental fatigue that is common with rheumatoid arthritis.

    Stop Ignoring Your Physical Limitations

    What is Arthritis? And The Best and Worst Arthritis Foods

    Just as there are people with arthritis who aren’t active at all, there are those who push beyond their limits. The trick is to pace your activities. Overdoing it is just as harmful as underdoing it.

    Pushing your limits can increase pain and put you at higher risk of joint damage. Respect pain and choose activities with your physical limitations in mind.

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    How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed

    The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on a combination of factors, including:

    • Morning stiffness that lasts at least one hour and has been present for at least six weeks
    • Swelling of three or more joints for at least six weeks
    • Swelling of the wrist, hand, or finger joints for at least six weeks
    • Swelling of the same joints on both sides of the body
    • Changes in hand x-rays that are hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis
    • Rheumatoid nodules of the skin
    • Blood test that is positive for rheumatoid factor* and/or anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibodies

    * The rheumatoid factor may be present in people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis. Other diseases can also cause the rheumatoid factor to be produced in the blood. A test called CCP antibody can sometimes help to determine whether the rheumatoid factor antibody is due to rheumatoid arthritis or some other disease. This is why the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on a combination of several factors and NOT just the presence of the rheumatoid factor in the blood.

    It is also important to note that not all of these features are present in people with early rheumatoid arthritis, and these problems may be present in some people with other rheumatic conditions.

    In some cases, it may be necessary to monitor the condition over time before a definitive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made.

    The Worst Foods For Joint Pain After 50 Say Dietitians

    If you’ve hit the 50-year milestone and are starting to experience some joint pain, your diet could be a factor in the equationespecially if you’re regularly consuming these worst foods. To preface, joint pain can occur from a myriad of thingslike after an intense workout, or even the lack of physical activity in your life.

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    Oils & Salad Dressings

    The main ingredient in oils, salad dressings, and mayonnaise are omega-6 fatty acids. While they are essential for peoples health, the excess consumption of omega-6 fatty acids leads to the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Worst foods for arthritis that have these fatty acids include oils, such as sunflower, vegetable, corn, and grapeseed oil.

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    Foods That Help Reduce Inflammation

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    It may seem as if all of your favorite foods are on the do not eat list as it relates to joint and muscle pain. However, there are actually a variety of nutritious and delicious foods that can help reduce inflammation. A Mediterranean diet offers an excellent guideline, including these foods:

    • Vegetables
    • Legumes such as beans, peas, lentils, pulses, peanuts and chickpeas
    • Spices such as turmeric, ginger and cinnamon
    • Green tea

    Sticking to a diet consisting of these foods will not only help combat inflammation and pain but also help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce risk for many diseases. For more information on foods that can help with inflammation, read 10 Foods That Help Reduce Joint Pain.

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    The Worst Lifestyle Choices For Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Having rheumatoid arthritis means sticking to certain lifestyle practices. Rheumatoid arthritis happens due to large-scale inflammation in the body, which typically affects the joints. The condition causes immobility and severe pain as the inflamed joints makes it painful to move. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects people whose physical strength and function are considered to be waning, particularly those in their late 30s to 50s.

    Although not communicable or acquired through external means, rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that is considered as particularly nasty. It causes almost constant pain with many symptoms, which progress over time. There is no existing treatment to completely cure rheumatoid arthritis.

    Have a question about

    Medications work well to reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, lifestyle changes are the only way to maintain proper function and muscle strength. In addition, it also helps slow down the onset of disease complications.

    It should be noted that certain lifestyle factors can trigger rheumatic arthritis. Some of these factors include:

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    Foods To Avoid With Ra

    Red meat and dairy

    Theyâre our main sources of saturated fats, which can cause inflammation in fat tissue. Other sources include full-fat dairy products, pasta dishes, and grain-based desserts.

    Corn oil

    The culprit here is omega-6 fatty acids. You want to cut down on them while youâre going for more omega-3s. They can lead to weight gain and joint inflammation if you overdo it. Sunflower, safflower, soy, and vegetable oils are also sources.

    Fried food, fast food, and processed foods

    Theyâre the major source of trans fats, which are created when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil to extend shelf life. They can trigger inflammation throughout your body. Plus, they raise bad cholesterol and lower the good type.

    Salt

    Not only is too much salt bad for your blood pressure, but if you have RA and take steroids, your body may hold on to it more easily. Aim for less than 1,500 milligrams a day.

    It tells your body to release chemicals called cytokines that kick-start the inflammation process. Check food labels for words that end in âose,â like fructose or sucrose.

    Alcohol

    It doesnât mix well with your RA meds. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen can causestomach bleeding and ulcers on their own. Those odds go up when you add alcohol.

    If you drink while youâre taking acetaminophen, leflunomide , or methotrexate, it could damage your liver.

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    Articles On Best Foods For Ra

    People with rheumatoid arthritis know all too well the inflammation and pain that come with the disease. Although theres no RA diet that treats the condition, some foods can lower inflammation in your body. And because theyre good for you, these foods including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, olive oil, and fish may help you feel better overall.

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    So Is The Answer Maryland Or Bust

    You Know You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis When⦠â Rheumatoid ...

    Have we mentioned how great Maryland is? But even if you dont want to move that far north, we certainly advise avoiding Georgia and Oklahoma. A few other states to avoid include Florida, Alabama, and Texas for similar reasons. And no matter where you move, make sure to bring someone to pick up that paper for you because the small things still make a big difference.

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    Best And Worst Foods For Arthritis In Seniors

    Besides osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and rheumatoid arthritis, many other diseases can affect the joints, including Lyme disease, lupus, Sjogren disease, etc. Despite the different types of arthritis in seniors, they all cause similar symptoms. These include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The intensity of the symptoms may vary from day to day, making it frustrating to live with. But in addition to exercises and other targeted treatments, you can eat to relieve symptoms and live your best life. What are the best foods for arthritis? And which are the worst?

    Best Grains For Arthritis

    Making smarter choices in the bread and pasta aisles might reduce inflammation.

    Choosing which type of pasta to cook for dinner or what bread or cereal to have with breakfast doesnt seem like a big decision, until you consider the effect certain grains can have on your body. Eating the wrong types can aggravate inflammation, potentially making your joints hurt more than they already do.

    Pro-Inflammatory Grains

    When contemplating your options in the bread, cereal and pasta aisles, youll want to avoid refined grains. Not only are these highly processed grains limited in nutrition, but they can also worsen inflammation throughout the body.

    Grains are made up of three parts: The bran is the outer skin of the grain kernel, the germ is the innermost part that grows into a new plant, and the endosperm is the center part that provides food for the plant. Whole grains contain all three parts. Refined grains have removed the bran and germ, where most of the vitamins, minerals and protein are centered.

    Examples of food made with refined grains are white bread, white rice, cookies and cakes. Because of their simple structure, these carbs break down in the body rapidly. The body turns them into sugar more quickly and sugar is highly inflammatory, says Barbara Olendzki, nutrition program director of the Center for Applied Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.

    Should You Avoid All Grains?

    Better Grain Choices

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    Blueberries And Other Berries

    A 2018 study published in Food & Function examined current evidence, including research from clinical studies, regarding the effectiveness of berries in reducing arthritis pain and inflammation. The authors concluded that blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries offered some of the best protection for arthritis, largely attributed to anti-inflammatory fruit polyphenols like quercetin, anthocyanins, and citrus flavonoids. Another 2018 study published in Arthritis Care & Research evaluated survey responses from 217 participants regarding their diet and arthritis symptoms. The authors found that blueberries were one of the foods most often reported to improve symptoms.

    Your Lifestyle Is More Sedentary And You’re Moving Less

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    Regular physical activity is necessary for everyone but especially for people with RA. Research has shown that regular cardiovascular exercise and weight training can substantially improve daily function without exacerbating rheumatoid arthritis disease activity. There are numerous health benefits associated with regular physical activity like improved muscle strength and better bone and joint health which all help your aches and pains feel better. But rest is also needed to restore the body from the bouts of intense pain and fatigue that are characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. But you cant let taking it easy become a way of life. A sedentary lifestyle may eventually lead to increased pain, fatigue, and weakness, and a lower quality of life.

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    Regular exercise also has another life-enhancing benefit: It helps reduce your odds of developing cardiovascular disease. Taking good care of your ticker is essential for people with rheumatoid arthritis, because heart problems are more prevalent in people who have RA compared with the general population. Its heart disease that kills you, not the RA, says Domingues. Its very important to talk to your primary care doctor or a cardiologist if you have RA to control your risk factors, such as high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.

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