Advance toward treatment for painful flat feet

Scientists have made an advance in understanding the causes of adult-acquired flat feet -- a painful condition particularly affecting middle-aged women.

New protein that plays part in arthritis discovered

A new study has shed new light on how proteins interact, or bind, with one another in tissues. Biologists found that a protein called collagen XI interacts with specific proteins in the part of the tissue that provides structural support to the cell.

Rilonacept significantly reduces gout flares, study suggests

A phase II clinical trial found that rilonacept, an inhibitor of the protein interleukin-1, significantly reduced acute gout flares that occur when initiating uric acid-lowering therapy. Results of the trial -- the first placebo-controlled study investigating IL-1 targeted therapy in prevention of gout flares -- show rilonacept to be generally well tolerated with no serious infections or treatment-related serious adverse events reported.

Age-old remedies using white tea, witch hazel and rose may be beneficial, study suggests

Age-old remedies could hold the key to treating a wide range of serious medical problems, as well as keeping skin firmer and less wrinkled, according to scientists. Experts have discovered that white tea, witch hazel and the simple rose hold potential health and beauty properties which could be simply too good to ignore.

The leading edge of stress: New genomic, optogenetic and epigenetic findings

New research uses the latest genetic tools to explore how stress alters brain function, leading to anxiety, depression, and other stress-related mood disorders.

The leading edge of stress: New genomic, optogenetic and epigenetic findings

New research uses the latest genetic tools to explore how stress alters brain function, leading to anxiety, depression, and other stress-related mood disorders.

Study helps eliminate causes for joint pain linked to commonly used breast cancer drugs

Researchers exploring why some women who take a common breast cancer drug develop serious joint pain have eliminated two possible causes: Inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. Because of these findings, researchers say women should be encouraged to continue taking the medication to gain its full benefit.

Certain medications used for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis not associated with increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections

Although there has been concern about the safety of using the type of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, new research finds that overall, use of these medications is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections compared with the use of nonbiologic medications, according to a new study.

Certain medications used for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis not associated with increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections

Although there has been concern about the safety of using the type of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis, new research finds that overall, use of these medications is not associated with an increased risk of hospitalization for serious infections compared with the use of nonbiologic medications, according to a new study.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have low expectations after knee replacement surgery

Compared with osteoarthritis patients, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who undergo total knee replacement surgery have lower expectations about their post-surgical outcomes, according to a new study. These reduced expectations, which may be unnecessary, could cause some patients to slack on their post-surgical rehabilitation leading to worse outcomes, say doctors.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients have low expectations after knee replacement surgery

Compared with osteoarthritis patients, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who undergo total knee replacement surgery have lower expectations about their post-surgical outcomes, according to a new study. These reduced expectations, which may be unnecessary, could cause some patients to slack on their post-surgical rehabilitation leading to worse outcomes, say doctors.

Young women with rheumatoid arthritis at more risk for broken bones, study finds

Women under 50 with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of breaking bones than women without the condition, according to a new study.

Young women with rheumatoid arthritis at more risk for broken bones, study finds

Women under 50 with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of breaking bones than women without the condition, according to a new study.

Dead of winter is tough on arthritis sufferers

As cold winter weather sets in and daylight hours dwindle, many older Chicagoans with arthritis tend to sit idle, missing out on the daily dose of physical activity they need to improve their health, according to a new study.

Dead of winter is tough on arthritis sufferers

As cold winter weather sets in and daylight hours dwindle, many older Chicagoans with arthritis tend to sit idle, missing out on the daily dose of physical activity they need to improve their health, according to a new study.

Study shows benefits, limits of therapy for rare inflammatory syndrome

A study shows that the medication etanercept reduces the frequency and severity of symptoms of TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome, a rare inherited condition characterized by recurrent fevers, abdominal pain and skin rashes. The study also points out the need for the development of additional therapies to more thoroughly ease symptoms and prevent long-term complications of the disease.

More African-Americans burdened by osteoarthritis in multiple large joints

New research suggests African-Americans have a higher burden of multiple, large-joint osteoarthritis (OA), and may not be recognized based on the current definition of "generalized OA." African-Americans were also more likely to have knee OA, but less likely to be affected by hand OA than Caucasians according to new findings.

Omega-3 fatty acids shown to prevent or slow progression of osteoarthritis

New research has shown for the first time that omega-3 in fish oil could "substantially and significantly" reduce the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Nearly one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis

New research shows one in four people with psoriasis may have undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, in addition to the up to 2 million people already diagnosed with the disease. Also, there's a significant delay of diagnosis for psoriatic arthritis.

Case of the missing monocyte: Gene appears to protect against rheumatoid arthritis

An estimated 1.3 million people in the United States suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. The causes behind this chronic disease -- which can exhibit itself as pain, swelling, stiffness, deformation, and loss of function in the joints -- have eluded scientists for centuries. A new study offers tantalizing glimmers about the roles of a gene called CCR2, an immune system cell called Th17 cell, and a missing monocyte.

New targets for treating inflammatory, autoimmune diseases discovered

Researchers have discovered a cellular pathway that promotes inflammation in diseases like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the details of this pathway may provide opportunities for tailored treatments of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Poor footwear linked to foot impairment and disability in gout patients

New research shows that use of poor footwear is common among patients with gout. According to the study, gout patients who make poor footwear choices experienced higher foot-related pain, impairment and disability. Gout patients also reported that comfort, fit, support and cost were the most important factors for selecting footwear.

Exercise eases arthritis in obese mice even without weight loss

Adding another incentive to exercise, scientists have found that physical activity improves arthritis symptoms even among obese mice that continue to chow down on a high-fat diet.

New research could extend life of arthritic joints

A medication already approved to build bone mass in patients with osteoporosis also builds cartilage around joints and could potentially be re-purposed to treat millions of people suffering from arthritis, according to new orthopedic research.

T cells making brain chemicals may lead to better treatments for inflammation, autoimmune diseases

Scientists have identified a surprising new role for a new type of T cell in the immune system: some of them can be activated by nerves to make a neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that blocks inflammation. The discovery of these T cells is novel and suggests that it may be possible to treat inflammation and autoimmune diseases by targeting the nerves and the T cells.

Learning how gut bacteria influence health: Scientists crack sparse genome of microbe linked to autoimmunity

Scientists have deciphered the genome of a bacterium implicated as a key player in regulating the immune system of mice. The genomic analysis provides the first glimpse of its unusually sparse genetic blueprint and offers hints about how it may activate a powerful immune response that protects mice from infection but also spurs harmful inflammation.

Cam-type deformities linked to MRI detected hip damage in asymptomatic young men

Hip impingement may be a risk factor of osteoarthritis of the hip. A new study reveals that the presence of an underlying deformity, known as cam impingement, is associated with hip damage in young men without any arthritis symptoms and detected using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Biological agents for rheumatoid arthritis associated with increased skin cancer risk, review finds

Biological agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis seem to be associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, indicates a systematic review of published research.

When that shoulder aches too much to move

Adhesive capsulitis, sometimes described as "frozen shoulder," is a condition where the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes chronically inflamed, causing thickening and tightening in the affected joint. Diagnosing adhesive capsulitis can be difficult because its symptoms -- restricted movement and considerable pain -- are similar to a variety of shoulder-related musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis. Proper diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis may require extensive investigation into the patient's medical history to eliminate other causes.

New ‘bouncer’ molecule halts rheumatoid arthritis; Protective protein prevents immune system from ravaging joints and bones

Researchers have discovered why immune cells of people with rheumatoid arthritis become hyperactive and attack the joints and bones. The cells have lost their bouncer, the burly protein that keeps them in line the way a bouncer in a nightclub controls rowdy patrons. The protein, called P21, prevents immune cells from their destructive rampage. When the scientists injected a mimic of P21 into an animal model of arthritis, the disease process was halted.

Third genetic link to osteoarthritis discovered

Researchers have revealed the third gene associated with osteoarthritis, a painful and debilitating disease that afflicts four out of ten people over the age of 70. The new link to osteoarthritis was found without any new genome sequencing: instead, the study included 7.2 million variants from the 1000 Genomes Project to increase the power of a genome-wide association scan.

Achieving realistic physical activity goals benefits rheumatoid arthritis patients

Researchers report that patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who have higher levels of self-efficacy for physical activity are more likely to achieve their physical activity goals. According to the study, achievement of physical activity goals is associated with lower self-reported arthritis pain and increased health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

Defect in A20 gene expression can contribute to onset of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers in Belgium have shown that a defective gene can contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, an often-crippling inflammation of the joints that afflicts about one percent of the world's population.

MRI techniques can detect early osteoarthritis

Researchers have found that advanced MRI techniques can be used to detect subtle changes in joint cartilage microstructure -- and provide physicians a diagnostic tool for finding key markers of early osteoarthritis.

Arthritis sufferers’ increased risk of heart disease due to disease-related inflammation and other factors, study finds

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) sufferers are at an increased risk of dying due to cardiovascular disease. A new five-year study showed that the risk of cardiovascular disease for people with RA is due to disease-related inflammation as well as the risk factors which affect the general population. Treatment of arthritis with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs also reduced the patient's risk of heart disease.

Arthritis sufferers are not engaging in physical activity critical to their health

Being physically active is one of best ways people with arthritis can improve their health, but a new study shows that more than half of women and 40 percent of men with arthritis are virtually couch potatoes.

Curry spice could offer treatment hope for tendinitis

A derivative of a common culinary spice found in Indian curries could offer a new treatment hope for sufferers of the painful condition tendinitis, researchers have shown. The researchers have shown that curcumin, which also gives the spice turmeric its trademark bright yellow coloring, can be used to suppress biological mechanisms that spark inflammation in tendon diseases.

B-cell discovery suggests why women suffer more autoimmune disease

Researchers report the discovery of a new type of cell that makes autoantibodies, which attack the body's own tissues. It is more common in elderly female mice and humans with autoimmune disease. An application for a patent has been made for a method to treat autoimmune disease by depleting these cells.

B-cell discovery suggests why women suffer more autoimmune disease

Researchers report the discovery of a new type of cell that makes autoantibodies, which attack the body's own tissues. It is more common in elderly female mice and humans with autoimmune disease. An application for a patent has been made for a method to treat autoimmune disease by depleting these cells.

Don’t suffer in silence with toe pain

While deformities of the lesser toes (all toes other than the big toe) can be very painful, there are numerous surgical and nonsurgical treatments for these conditions that are usually quite effective. A new review shows that because lesser toe deformities are often treatable, and can be symptoms of other conditions, early assessment and treatment by an orthopedic surgeon is important.

Blue collar workers work longer and in worse health than their white collar bosses, study finds

Researchers looked at aging, social class and labor force participation rates to illustrate the challenges that lower income workers face in the global marketplace using the burden of arthritis to examine these connections. The researchers found that blue collar workers are much more likely to work past 65 than white collar workers and are much more likely to suffer from conditions like arthritis, reducing their quality of life and work productivity.

Anti-malaria drug chloroquine finding may lead to treatments for arthritis, cancer and other diseases

In a new study, scientists demonstrate on the molecular level how the anti-malaria drug chloroquine represses inflammation, which may provide a blueprint for new strategies for treating inflammation and a multitude of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis and certain cancers.

Vitamin D insufficiency prevalent among psoriatic arthritis suffers

New research reports a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency among patients with psoriatic arthritis. Seasonal variation in vitamin D levels was not observed in patients in southern or northern locations. The findings also show no association between disease activity and vitamin D level.

Male smokers less likely to need joint replacement surgery of hip or knee

Surprising results from a new study revealed that men who smoke had less risk of undergoing total joint replacement surgery than those who never smoked. Researchers also reported that men who were overweight, or who engaged in vigorous physical activity were more likely to need arthroplasty.

A wise man’s treatment for arthritis: Frankincense?

The answer to treating painful arthritis could lie in an age old herbal remedy -- frankincense, according to scientists. They have been examining the potential benefits of frankincense to help relieve and alleviate the symptoms of the condition.

Etanercept shows promise for treating dermatomyositis, study suggests

A multicenter pilot study of etanercept for treatment of dermatomyositis found no major safety concerns and many patients treated with the drug were successfully weaned from steroid therapy. These results are encouraging, but larger studies are needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of etanercept.

Joint replacement surgery riskier at hospitals with low surgical volume, study finds

Patients who undergo elective total hip or total knee arthroplasty at hospitals with lower surgical volume had a higher risk of venous thromboembolism and mortality following the procedure. The complications following joint replacement surgery at low-volume sites may be reduced by modifying systems and procedures used before and after surgery, according to new findings.

Financial conflicts of interest are associated with reporting of positive study outcomes, research reveals

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with authors receiving consulting fees/honoraria from the pharmaceutical industry have a significantly greater likelihood of reporting positive outcomes than RCTs without such financial conflicts of interest, according to a new study.

Arthritis patients taking newer treatments do not have an overall increased cancer risk, research finds

Newer biologic treatments, including infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi) and etanercept (Enbrel), used in patients with arthritis do not increase the risk of cancer, according to data from over 13,000 patients.

Siginificant benefits of yoga in people with rheumatoid arthritis, study shows

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who practice yoga showed statistically significant improvements in disease activity, according to a small study.

Study identifies novel role for a protein that could lead to new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis

A new study by rheumatologists has shown that a powerful pro-inflammatory protein, tumor necrosis factor, can also suppress aspects of inflammation. The researchers say the identification of the mechanism of how this occurs could potentially lead to new treatments for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

T’ai chi helps prevent falls and improve mental health in the elderly, review finds

T'ai chi has particular health benefits for older people, including helping to prevent falls and improving mental wellbeing, reveals a new review.

Macrophage activation syndrome: Clues to calming a cytokine storm

By analyzing complex interactions of the immune system in an animal study, pediatric researchers have found potential tools for controlling a life-threatening condition called a cytokine storm that may strike children who have juvenile arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. The study is a first step toward developing new treatments for a condition called macrophage activation syndrome.

Deer tick bacteria DNA in joint fluid not reliable marker of active lyme arthritis, study finds

New research shows that polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Borrelia burgdorferi DNA--the spirochetal bacteria transmitted by deer ticks--in joint fluid may confirm the diagnosis of Lyme arthritis, but is not a reliable indicator for active joint infection in patients whose arthritis persists after antibiotic therapy.

Sonography complements physical exam in identifying juvenile inflammatory arthritis in children

Juvenile inflammatory arthritis (JIA) is a potentially debilitating childhood disease. Early detection and treatment of active arthritis may avert long term joint damage and disability. Research has shown that sonography with power Doppler can facilitate making assessments in joint activity and sub-clinical disease, according to new research.

Adults with arthritis suffer with poorer health related quality of life

A new study reports that the health-related quality of life for US adults with arthritis is much worse than for those without this condition. Both physical and mental health are affected by arthritis, which poses a significant health and economic burden as the number of those diagnosed continues to climb.

GM-CSF required for the immune attack in multiple sclerosis

The neutralization of the cytokine GM-CSF could halt the development of multiple sclerosis, new research in an animal model suggests. Unlike other known cytokines, this messenger substance is essential for the development of the disease. By the end of this year, a clinical trial will be launched in which GM-CSF is to be neutralized in MS patients.

Injectable gel could spell relief for arthritis sufferers

Some 25 million people in the United States alone suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or its cousin osteoarthritis, diseases characterized by often debilitating pain in the joints. Now researchers report an injectable gel that could spell the future for treating these diseases and others.

Researchers mimic body’s own healing potential to create personalized therapies for inflammation

Scientists have found a way of mimicking the body's natural mechanism of fighting inflammation. The discovery paves the way for new personalized treatments to target uncontrolled inflammation that need not rely on synthetic biomaterials, therefore reducing potential toxicity.

New clinical practice guidelines developed for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The American College of Rheumatology has developed new guidelines for starting and monitoring treatments for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These are the first JIA guidelines endorsed by the ACR, with the goal of broad acceptance within the rheumatology community.

When the body attacks itself

Those afflicted with psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney inflammation are all victims of their own immune system; their bodies are attacking healthy cells. Medicines targeted at one troublesome enzyme could make life easier for people suffering from these conditions.

Depression can worsen knee arthritis symptoms in older adults

Clinical depression can exacerbate the symptoms of knee arthritis beyond what is evident on X-rays, according to a new study. Patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis are especially affected by depression, the study notes.

Engineered protein has potential for new anti-inflamatory treatment

Researchers have created a new protein molecule derived from the growth factor progranulin may provide the basis for new therapies in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study.

Rituximab combined with a TNF inhibitor and methotrexate shows no safety signal in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, study finds

A recent trial of rituximab in combination with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor and methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) found the safety profile to be consistent with other RA trials with TNF inhibitors. While the trial reported no new safety risks, clear evidence of an efficacy advantage in RA patients receiving the combination therapy was not observed in this study sample.

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers armed with kitchen safety tool

For sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), cooking tasks can be both difficult and dangerous. However, a new assistive technology invented by a student offers a safe way for people to lift cookware, relying on the strength of their forearms.

Joint pain in children: Is it just a sore knee, or could it be juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

While lab tests and imaging can sometimes help diagnose juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a physical examination and thorough patient history are the most valuable tools in identifying this disease.

Weight loss improves knee pain from common arthritic condition, study says

Knee pain related to osteoarthritis is a common complaint among obese individuals and retired professional athletes, especially former NFL players, but researchers presenting their work at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine's Specialty Day program (Feb. 19) say they have a simple solution: lose weight.

Safety of biologic treatment for arthritis depends on the drug

Some biologic drugs may be safer than others according to a new systematic review. Biologics are a broad class of drugs based on biological molecules. The drugs are used to reduce inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Obesity and knee osteoarthritis shorten healthy years of life

Due to obesity and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, Americans over the age of 50 will together lose the equivalent of 86 million healthy years of life, concluded researchers who investigated the potential gains in quality and quantity of life that could be achieved averting losses due to obesity and knee OA.

Unexpected new mechanism behind rheumatoid arthritis

A team of researchers in Sweden has identified an enzyme that protects against inflammation and joint destruction. Made when the researchers blocked production of the enzyme GGTase-I in transgenic mice, this unexpected discovery could lead to the identification of new mechanisms that control the development of inflammatory disorders, as well as new medicines.

Rheumatoid arthritis researchers redefine remission

The American College of Rheumatology has announced the release of two new provisional definitions of rheumatoid arthritis remission, which are to be applied to future RA clinical trials.

Effective treatment of Lyme-disease-related arthritis depends on proper diagnosis

Early, correct diagnosis is the best way to prevent the development of Lyme arthritis in individuals with the tick-borne illness, according to a new study. In patients who do develop the condition, most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics, the review found.

Many rheumatoid arthritis patients not getting recommended drugs, researchers find

Despite medical guidelines recommending that patients receive early and aggressive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis with these medications, only 63 percent of Medicare-managed care patients diagnosed with the disease received any amount of the prescription drugs, according to a new study.

Fostamatinib shown to be safe but not effective in rheumatoid arthritis patients unresponsive to biologic agents

In a previous study, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who failed to respond to methotrexate were shown to experience positive results with fostamatinib disodium (R788), an oral spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) inhibitor that is thought to block immune cell signaling involved with bone and cartilage destruction. In the current study, RA patients who failed to respond to biologic agents were studied. In contrast to the prior study, however, fostamatinib was not effective in this group of patients, although the drug did appear to be safe.

Low socioeconomic status increases depression risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients

A recent study confirmed that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher risk of depressive symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Statistically significant differences in race, public versus tertiary-care hospital, disability and medications were found between depressed and non-depressed patients.

Knee osteoarthritis: When you can’t walk fast enough to cross busy streets

When a traffic light at a busy intersection flashes the "walk" sign, people with knee osteoarthritis worry if they can walk fast enough to make it across the street in time. New research shows people with this common arthritis are more likely to walk fast enough, if they lead physically active lives. Knee osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in adults. As it progresses, it can threaten an individual's ability to live independently.

Uric acid may increase likelihood of severe osteoarthritis

The amount of uric acid in one's joints may increase the likelihood of severe osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis worldwide, according to researchers.

‘Master switch’ for key immune cells in inflammatory diseases discovered

Scientists have identified a protein that acts as a "master switch" in certain white blood cells, determining whether they promote or inhibit inflammation. The study could help researchers look for new treatments for diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis that involve excessive inflammation.

Lifetime risk of adult rheumatoid arthritis determined

Researchers have determined the lifetime risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and six other autoimmune rheumatic diseases for both men and women.

New drug target in atherosclerosis: Anaphylatoxin C5a

For decades, doctors have looked at fitness levels, weight, and overall health risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Now, they may soon add a new risk factor to the list: activation of the complement system. In a new study, scientists from Europe and the United States show that anaphylatoxin C5a, a protein released when complement is activated, contributes to atherosclerotic disease.

Current smokers with early rheumatoid arthritis less responsive to TNF inhibitors, methotrexate

Patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who are current smokers were less likely to achieve good response to methotrexate (MTX) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors than those who never smoked. The study by researchers from Sweden also found that RA patients who smoked in the past did not experience a lower response to these therapies.

Garlic could protect against hip osteoarthritis

Researchers have discovered that women who consume a diet high in allium vegetables, such as garlic, onions and leeks, have lower levels of hip osteoarthritis.

Smoking behind more than a third of severe rheumatoid arthritis cases

Smoking accounts for more than a third of cases of the most severe and common form of rheumatoid arthritis, indicates new research.

Heart attack risk increases rapidly after rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed

The risk of having a heart attack is 60% higher just a year after a patient has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and it is very important that they are monitored for heart issues. Swedish researchers followed 7,469 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), together with 37,024 matched controls without RA to determine the risk of ischaemic heart disease, with particular reference to myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Genetic link found between spinal arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease

Researchers have found that a form of spinal arthritis is genetically linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Cigarette Smoking Increases Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk in African Americans

A new study determined that African Americans who smoke cigarettes have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA risk is more pronounced among individuals positive for the HLA-DRB1 shared epitope, a genetic risk factor for RA.

Early Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Crucial to Positive Outcomes for Patients

Positive outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are closely linked to early diagnosis and treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Patients who are assessed by rheumatologists soon after RA symptoms appear are more likely to experience less joint destruction and improved chances of DMARD-free disease remission, new research suggests.

Lower back and foot pain associated with more severe knee osteoarthritis symptoms

A new study found that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who also have pain in other joints were more likely to experience greater knee pain. Specifically, pain in the lower back as well as foot pain and elbow pain on the same side as the affected knee were associated with more severe knee pain.

Umbilical cord cells may treat arthritis, studies suggest

Umbilical cord stem cells may be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Animal and in vitro experiments have shown that mesenchymal stem cells taken from umbilical cord blood can suppress inflammation and attenuate collagen-induced arthritis.

Homeopathic consultations — but not homeopathic remedies — linked to benefits for patients, study finds

In a new study, researchers in the UK have found that homeopathic consultations -- but not homeopathic remedies -- are associated with clinically relevant benefits for patients with active but relatively stable rheumatoid arthritis.

Study sheds light on aromatase inhibitor joint pain syndrome

Breast cancer patients are more likely to have joint pain from taking aromatase inhibitors (AIs) if they have advanced stage cancer, according to new research. The study is one of the first to identify factors that increase the likelihood that a patient will suffer joint pain from AI therapy.

Tai Chi relieves arthritis pain, improves reach, balance, well-being, study suggests

A new study found that there are significant benefits of Tai Chi for individuals with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Joint pain linked to breast cancer drug not inflammatory arthritis or autoimmune disease

A new study suggests joint complaints attributed to aromatase inhibitors (AI), popular breast cancer drugs, are not associated with inflammatory arthritis or autoimmune disease. Because of that, researchers say women who were primarily concerned about the threat of arthritis should be encouraged to continue taking the medication.

Juvenile arthritis: Etanercept helps restore normal growth in children with, study finds

Researchers observed a statistically significant increase in mean height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who were treated with etanercept or etanercept plus methotrexate (MTX). JIA patients treated with MTX alone did not display an increase in growth percentiles.

Proteasome inhibitor reduces inflammation and promotes bone healing in arthritis models

A new study by Greek researchers suggests that the biologic drug bortezomib (Velcade), a proteasome inhibitor used to treat multiple myeloma (bone marrow cancer), may represent a promising treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, bortezomib displayed favorable effects in an animal model of inflammatory arthritis that mimics RA, in reducing disease severity and inflammation, and promoting bone healing.

Arthritis drugs could help prevent memory loss after surgery, study suggests

Anti-inflammatory drugs currently used to treat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis may also help prevent cognitive problems after surgery, according to a new study.

DMARDs, glucocorticoids and biologics equally effective for rheumatoid arthritis

A study conducted in Denmark showed that treatment of rheumatoid arthritis with disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), glucocorticoids, biologic agents, or a combination of agents significantly reduced radiographic evidence of joint destruction, with a relative effect of 48-72 percent as compared with placebo.

Abatacept found ineffective in treatment of non-life threatening lupus, trial results show

Results from a 12-month multi-center clinical trial did not show therapeutic benefit of abatacept over placebo in patients with non-life threatening systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Abatacept failed to prevent new disease flares in SLE patients tapered from corticosteroids in an analysis where mild, moderate and severe disease flares were evaluated together.

CRP genetic variants crucial in interpreting inflammatory disease activity

CRP is commonly used as a serum marker for inflammation or infection, but the genetic effects of CRP variants on acute-phase serum CRP concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis may be large enough to have a clinically relevant impact on the assessment of inflammatory disease activity, which in turn may influence therapeutic decision-making.

Eating broccoli could guard against arthritis

Scientists are launching a new project to investigate the benefits of broccoli in the fight against osteoarthritis.

A Natural Home Remedy for Arthritis

Tart cherry juice concentrate is fast becoming the natural choice for legions of arthritis and gout pain suffers. So with all of the sources and varieties of tart cherry juice available, what should consumers look for to make a wise buying decision?

What to look for when selecting a tart cherry juice product:

There are five critical areas consumers should look for when making a tart cherry juice concentrate purchase: type of cherry, quality, taste, packaging and a sediment-free guarantee.

Type of Cherry: The majority of research you read about the joint pain fighting ability of tart cherries and cherry juice has been conducted on the Montmorency tart cherry. While several other varieties of cherries exist including black cherry, Balaton and Rainer, the type of cherry that has most amount of published research is the Montmorency tart cherry. Although the Montmorency tart cherry juice is slightly more expensive than black cherry juice, the research backs up the ability of the tart cherry to fight joint pain due to arthritis and gout.

Quality: Not all cherry juice concentrate products are the same. One very important measurement of quality for tart cherry juice concentrate is this brix level (pronounced bricks). This is a measurement of the amount of natural sugar in the product. The highest marker for tart cherry juice is 68 brix. Be sure to know the brix level in any cherry product you buy. This information is usually printed on the label or published on the website. If the brix level is lower than 68 brix, you should reconsider the overall quality of the product.

Taste: Like all consumable products, taste is very important. Cherry juice is available in plastic bottles, aluminum cans and glass bottles. Based on research funded by the cherry industry, participants in the study preferred the taste of cherry juice packaged in glass bottles over plastic and aluminum bottles. Based upon results of the study, people indicated the cherry juice packed in glass bottles offered a fresher taste. One of the reasons could be the fact that glass bottles prevent leaching. Leaching is a result of products being packed on plastic and the product itself actually absorbs plastic molecules from the plastic bottle. Leaching is not a concern for cherry juice packed on glass.

Packaging: Two types of cherry juice packaging for cherry juice products are available: cold-packed and hot packed. Here is a basic definition of each:

Cold-packed – The cherry juice concentrate is pumped from a 52 gallon drum and bottled into individual bottles. Also, the companies selling cold-packed cherry juice indicate cold-packed cherry juice must be refrigerated. That is they the majority of tart cherry juice concentrate products are only available in the refrigerated section of your local grocery stores. Cold-packing is also the less expensive way to bottle cherry juice concentrate since some companies simply fill their bottles over a utility sink.

Hot-packed – The cherry juice is pumped from a 52 gallon drum, flash pasteurized, and then packed into individual bottles. Hot-packed cherry juice concentrate is shelf-stable and doesn’t need refrigeration during shipping, storage or until the product is open. After the product is open it does need to be refrigerated. Hot-packed cherry juice can be shipped without refrigeration and is shelf stable. The hot-pack process is very similar to the canning process where all of the oxygen is removed from the bottle.

Unfortunately, some companies lead the consumer to belief that cold-packed cherry juice is never heated (pasteurized). This is simply not true. Cherry juice concentrate is packed in 52 gallon drums and prior to the cherry juice being packed in these drums the product is flash pasteurized. So if a company simply pumps the cherry juice from 52 gallon drums and fills individual the cherry juice has been heated. If a company indicates that their product is cold-packed and has not been heated, they may not be telling the whole truth.
Stability: Product stability is vital not only for shipping purposes but also storage. The majority of companies selling cherry juice are selling cold-packed in plastic bottles. This means the product should be refrigerated during shipping and storage. Yet many of these companies freely ship cold-packed cherry juice across the country in unrefrigerated cardboard boxes with statements saying the product must be refrigerated when the product is received. This simply doesn’t make since. It would be similar to shipping a gallon of milk from New Jersey to Texas in a cardboard box and asking the customer to place it in the refrigerator when it arrives. Hot-packed cherry juice can be shipped without refrigeration and stored without refrigeration.

Sediment-Free Guarantee: Sedimentation is a concern for many cherry juice drinks. Sedimentation occurs when the concentrate breaks apart and thick residue settles on the bottle of the bottle. Sedimentation may be a result of poor quality concentrate or a poor bottling process. Look for cherry juice products that offer a sediment free guarantee.

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