Your Arthritis dot org http://www.yourarthritis.org Helping you and your arthritis Mon, 14 May 2012 23:15:09 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Results of a study on arthritis treatment for lupus nephritis to be presented at medical meeting http://www.yourarthritis.org/results-of-a-study-on-arthritis-treatment-for-lupus-nephritis-to-be-presented-at-medical-meeting/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/results-of-a-study-on-arthritis-treatment-for-lupus-nephritis-to-be-presented-at-medical-meeting/#comments Mon, 14 May 2012 23:15:09 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/results-of-a-study-on-arthritis-treatment-for-lupus-nephritis-to-be-presented-at-medical-meeting/ The treatment ORENCIA® (abatacept) currently approved for rheumatoid arthritis is being explored as a possible therapy for lupus nephritis (kidney disease). Results will be presented by Richard Furie, MD at the upcoming European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Annual European Congress of Rheumatology in Berlin, June 6-9 medical meeting. A member of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Furie is Director, The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Autoimmune Disease Treatment Center and Chief, Division of Rheumatology and Allergy-Clinical Immunology, North Shore-LIJ Health System.

Article source: http://www.lupusny.org/lupus-news/2012/05/14/results-study-arthritis-treatment-lupus-nephritis-be-presented-medical-meeting

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/results-of-a-study-on-arthritis-treatment-for-lupus-nephritis-to-be-presented-at-medical-meeting/feed/ 0 Arthritis sufferers have to wait THREE YEARS to be diagnosed condemning them to ‘unbearable pain’ http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-have-to-wait-three-years-to-be-diagnosed-condemning-them-to-unbearable-pain/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-have-to-wait-three-years-to-be-diagnosed-condemning-them-to-unbearable-pain/#comments Wed, 09 May 2012 21:30:50 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-have-to-wait-three-years-to-be-diagnosed-condemning-them-to-unbearable-pain/

By
Sophie Borland


PUBLISHED:

19:17 EST, 8 May 2012

|

UPDATED:

08:00 EST, 9 May 2012


Crippling: Patients with osteoarthritis wait an average of nearly three years to be diagnosed and referred for treatment, according to a report by Arthritis Care

Crippling: Patients with osteoarthritis wait an average of nearly three years to be diagnosed and referred for treatment, according to a report by Arthritis Care

More than a quarter of arthritis sufferers have to visit their GP at least three times to get a diagnosis, a report reveals.

Patients with osteoarthritis, the most common form, wait an average of nearly three years to be diagnosed and referred for treatment.

The number of Britons suffering from the crippling condition is expected to double over  the next 20 years due to the ageing population and higher levels of obesity.

There are an estimated 8.5million people with osteoarthritis but by 2030 this will have reached 17million, according to the report by Arthritis Care.

The charity is concerned that many patients are enduring ‘unbearable’ pain, seeing it as an inevitable part of old age but wrongly believing nothing can be done about it.

A survey of 2,000 patients carried out on behalf of the charity found that nearly three-quarters (71 per cent) are in constant pain.

For one in eight, the symptoms severely restrict their daily lives, preventing them from walking or going upstairs.

On average the patients waited 2.8 years from noticing symptoms to being given a diagnosis by their family doctor.

Judith Brodie, chief executive of the charity, blamed the delay on patients’ reluctance to seek help and a lack of awareness among GPs.

She said: ‘Many people, particularly the elderly, are very stoical about pain. They may well think nothing can be done.

‘There’s an issue of awareness among GPs and in primary care about osteoarthritis. It could be a lot better.

‘But our message is that there is something you can do. A lot of people are really denying themselves a good old age.’ The poll also found that patients spent an average of £500 a year of their own money on treatment and travel costs.

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Bleak outlook: The number of Britons suffering from the crippling condition is expected to double over the next 20 years due to the ageing population (picture posed by model)

Bleak outlook: The number of Britons suffering from the crippling condition is expected to double over the next 20 years due to the ageing population (picture posed by model)

A third said the condition had forced them to retire early or substantially reduce the numbers of hours they worked.

Osteoarthritis, which normally develops after the age of 50, causes damage to the cartilage, the smooth tissue covering joint surfaces, which leads to pain in the hips, knees, hands and feet.

It is more common among the overweight.

There is no cure but the pain can be substantially reduced through exercise, weight loss and some complementary therapies such as acupuncture.

Many patients take regular painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Experts warn that the surge in the numbers of patients will  place huge strain on the health service.

Already the condition is estimated to cost the economy £3.2billion in lost working time.

About 140,000 hip and knee replacements a year are performed on the NHS because of osteoarthritis at a cost of at least £700million.

Philip Conaghan, professor of musculoskeletal medicine at the University of Leeds, said: ‘Britain is facing a tsunami of pain due to osteoarthritis as the number of people over 50 increases dramatically and obesity levels continue to rise.

‘Action is needed immediately. We have to bust this myth that painful joints are an inevitable part of getting older that we have to put up with.’ 

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I have OA in the hands, neck knees there is no treatment offered my GP – just taking ibuprofen( I don’t like these!) and keeping active,I have always eaten healthily am not overweight but worry about having to keep working until late sixties another 10 years as no option of retirement and it is an effort at times to keep going.

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Weight doesnt have much to do with it. I know it’s fashionable to bash overweight people, a trend I detest, but I was 5’9″ and weighed 130 lbs woman when I started having osteoarthritis problems. Had both knees replaced, cortisone shots in hips, ankles and shoulders. Hands were next to become inflamed, painful, and disfigured by arthritis. Now my back is going. My heart goes out to all OA sufferers. It is truly an awful disease.

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I must be very lucky. I was struck with severe pain in July 2006 and by December that same year I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I cannot praise the NHS highly enough for the care and understanding I received and within two months of diagnosis I was on the right balance of medication to relieve my pain. Yes I do get flare ups which can be hard – I am in my early 40′s and I have no ‘visible’ disability. I do work in an office, but I have had days where I cannot hold a pen as my fingers do not want to work and some days I struggle to walk or sit without constant pain due to pain in my groin and hips.
My NHS experience has been first rate!

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I was diagnosed with Arthritis. I started looking around to see what I could do myself. Over the years my life style and eating habits have been changed and my Arthritis has much improved. Check out the Arthritis Association and their eating/drinking advice. Don’t just wait around for GPs and tablets look at your own lifestyle. This may not work for everyone or for all forms of Arthritis, but if you do not try you will never know.

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I was finally diagnosed with OA in 2006 after years of pain in my right hip and knee. As usual told to take painkillers which dull the pain but not much else. An old friend recommended a few drops of cider vinegar mixed with water honey to take everyday. I’ve been drinking this ever since and no pain – still got OA but no pain…!

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There we go again it is because you are overweight , I didn’t gain weight until I got osteoarthritis in both knees, I was a cliff climber, hiker, hurdler and walked everywhere, I had physically active jobs and now can’t walk without pain, I can’t use an anti inflammatory because I have Asthma. So am on an opiate- Tramadol which turns me in to a zombie, so I try not take it ,so I have to put up with the pain. I have now gained 4 stone because of lack of mobility and am now told that not only I am too young to have my knees replaced I am now to overweight. Catch 22
I would not wish arthritis on my worst enemy, because you are never out of pain ever. I have tried Glucosamine and all the other alternatives and they do not work, even my consultant said that these things don’t work.

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Jackie, Trowbridge, 9/5/2012 13:40 – You have displayed 2 pieces of total ignorance with that comment. Firstly you clearly have no knowledge of this illness and how it works. Secondly, do you know the background of the poster you responded to? For example, if he’d been a bricklayer all his life he would find it hard to just jump into a job using computers. My father has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for 15 years and was a builder before that. He encountered the ignorance you have displayed when applying for DLA – one Jobcentre advisor said ‘get an office job’. He can use his hands but both his knees, both elbows, one hip and both feet/ankles have been eaten away by arthritis, he can’t walk or stand and is in constant pain. Couple that with the fact he’s not qualified/experienced in any office-based jobs, explain how he’s meant to work? It’s a horrible disease, disgracefully overlooked by the NHS and without proper attention it will only become a bigger problem.

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Jackie, Trowbridge, 9/5/2012 6:40….you obviously don’t comprehend chronic, relentless pain. ‘Rob Hull stated he has “back/neck/shoulder/knee and hand problems” that the meds don’t work. Keyboarding a short comment on a computer is far different than working a full-time job. You must be a doctor to make such a short-sighted comment as that.

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Lupus falls under the ‘arthritis’ category. 20 years for a diagnosis for me. I kept meticulous notes, have copies of all my records. I went to a new doctor after moving, told him what my health problems were. He immediately questioned my honesty, integrity, intelligence; was condescending tried to dismiss my concerns bcuz there were “no records to refer to”. I pulled my stack of records out of my satchel, his immediate reply was, “I don’t know who these people are that made the diagnosis I don’t know how reputable these labs are that did the tests so as far as I’m concerned you don’t have lupus.” Then told me to go home take prednisone if I thot it would make me feel better. That’s just one example of the craziness out there called “doctors” one reason why it can be so difficult to get (and keep) any diagnosis for any chronic illness. Private, military, NHS. US. It doesn’t seem to matter. It causes years of unnecessary pain anguish. It wearies to me even think about it.

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Rob , Hull, 09/5/2012 10:53 – If, as you have proved, you are able to use a computer, then you should be working.

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2141583/Arthritis-sufferers-wait-THREE-YEARS-diagnosed-condemning-unbearable-pain.html?ITO=1490

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-have-to-wait-three-years-to-be-diagnosed-condemning-them-to-unbearable-pain/feed/ 0 Women’s risk of osteoporosis in later life ¿doubles after early menopause¿ http://www.yourarthritis.org/womens-risk-of-osteoporosis-in-later-life-doubles-after-early-menopause/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/womens-risk-of-osteoporosis-in-later-life-doubles-after-early-menopause/#comments Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:34:35 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/womens-risk-of-osteoporosis-in-later-life-doubles-after-early-menopause/

By
Jenny Hope


PUBLISHED:

18:28 EST, 24 April 2012

|

UPDATED:

18:28 EST, 24 April 2012

Women who go through the menopause early are almost twice as likely to suffer from osteoporosis in later life, a study suggests.

Those who stop having periods before the age of 47 for no medical reason were also found to be at a higher risk of breaking bones and dying earlier.

In the UK, the average age at which women begin the menopause is 51.

A study has found those who had their menopause before 47 were at a higher risk of thinning bones and dying earlier

A study has found those who had their menopause before 47 were at a higher risk of thinning bones and dying earlier

The loss of oestrogen means women lose their natural protection against heart disease and thinning bones – but the risks when this happens earlier have seldom been quantified.

The findings come from Swedish research that began in 1977, when 390 white North Europeans aged 48 were recruited for the Malmo Perimenopausal Study and divided into two groups: those who had started the menopause before turning 47, and those who had not.

Three decades later, 92 of the women had died and 100 had relocated or declined further participation. The remaining 198 had their bone mineral density measured.

The study found that at the age of 77, some 56 per cent of women who had experienced an earlier menopause had osteoporosis, compared with 30 per cent of women in the other group. Mortality and fracture rates were also higher in the early group.

The study did not look at women who had gone through an early menopause because of cancer treatment or surgery to remove the ovaries.

Ola Svejme of the Skåne University Hospital in Malmo said: ‘The results suggest that early menopause is a significant risk factor for osteoporosis, fragility fracture and mortality in a long-term perspective. To our knowledge, this is the first study with a follow-up period of more than three decades.’

The research is published today in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

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After having breast cancer I am taking Arimidex for 5 years. This zaps calcium out of your bones. I try and eat calcium loads loaded foods. I also take calcium with vit D every day. Plus magnesium every night. Also get a bone density test every year or two once you turn 50 so your doctor can monitor you.

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I am 58 and started the menopause in my mid 30′s by the time I was 38 I had ceased to have periods – now that is 20 years ago and my GP told me all of this then, so none of this is new. He also told me how to deal with it. First taking HRT for around 5 years, then through a healthy diet and exercise – it needs to be load bearing exercise. So far I am doing all right in spite of having other health issues which are completely unrelated.
I have fallen many times as I have a problem with balance and I have a knees which give way on me – caused by worked related issues, in all my many falls I have collected lots of bruises but so far no broken bones – so it would appear that my GP’s advice has worked.

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This is by no means the only cause of lack of bone density, which is caused mainly by lack of bone-bearing excersise in your youth, ie. walking and running and will become more common as girls are more likely to be ferried around in cars, to school etc nowadays. Low body weight can also be a significant factor in the development of osteoporosis but hey, lets not spoil things by facts that no-one wants to hear.

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Perhaps a healthy diet could contribute to stronger bones post menopause? hate to think what the young skeletal girls of today will be like in 40 or so years time, but possibly some simply do not have periods to start with?
@ Sheila, Somerset – I thought that too

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Cant help feeling that this study was slightly flawed. I have a genetic form of osteoporosis which started well before the menopause. Surely I cant be the only person similarly afflicted.

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HRT doesn’t suit everyone, and there are different ways of looking at HRT. Menopause is meant to happen, it’s a natural part of a woman’s life, like menstruation . . . . menopause is not an illness. Please stop the scare stories DM, I did menopause at 42, and I enjoy being post-menopausal. No more trouble with periods, or fertility, mood swings, contraception . . . .

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If women stayed on HRT they would be fine,not all women get cancer or high blood pressure.

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Why have you published a picture of a woman with arthritis in this article? Arthritis and osteoporosis are two completely different things.

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2134735/Womens-risk-osteoporosis-later-life-doubles-early-menopause.html?ITO=1490

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/womens-risk-of-osteoporosis-in-later-life-doubles-after-early-menopause/feed/ 0 Happy pill that eases the agony of arthritis http://www.yourarthritis.org/happy-pill-that-eases-the-agony-of-arthritis/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/happy-pill-that-eases-the-agony-of-arthritis/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 06:42:01 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/happy-pill-that-eases-the-agony-of-arthritis/

By
Pat Hagan


PUBLISHED:

19:57 EST, 23 April 2012

|

UPDATED:

02:26 EST, 24 April 2012


Getting moving again: Doing the Charleston could become a lot easier thanks to a 'happy pill' that is tipped to ease the pain of arthritis

Getting moving again: Doing the Charleston could become a lot easier thanks to a ‘happy pill’ that is tipped to ease the pain of arthritis

A ‘happy pill’ that costs less than a pound a day could help ease osteoarthritis pain.

The drug, called duloxetine, halved pain levels in patients with damaged knees compared to a dummy pill, according to a recent report in the Journal of Rheumatology.

Duloxetine, which costs around £22 for a month’s supply, was originally developed as an antidepressant and acts on serotonin and noradrenalin, chemical messengers in the brain and spinal cord.

However, emerging evidence suggests the drug can also dampen down pain, possibly by blocking signals from reaching the brain.

An
estimated eight million people in Britain have some degree of
osteo-arthritis, which causes the destruction of cartilage — the body’s
built-in shock absorber.

As
the body ages, major joints such as the hips, knees and wrists suffer
wear and tear; the cartilage then wears away, leaving the bones to rub
together and disintegrate, causing swelling and pain.

There
is no cure and many sufferers rely on anti-inflammatory painkillers to
ease their suffering. While these help, they can damage the stomach if
used for a long time.

In more severe cases, patients  may be offered steroid injections  to dampen down inflammation. Around 60,000 people a year in Britain end up needing a knee replacement because their joints are too badly eroded.

In the new U.S. study, researchers at the University of Maryland gave one group of osteoarthritis patients a daily dose of duloxetine for 13 weeks, while another group had an identical looking placebo pill.

Help at hand? The drug could treat an estimated eight million people in Britain who have some degree of osteo-arthritis, which causes the destruction of cartilage

Help at hand? The drug could treat an estimated eight million people in Britain who have some degree of osteo-arthritis, which causes the destruction of cartilage

The duloxetine group experienced a drop in pain levels by between a third and a half compared to those on the dummy tablet.

The mechanism by which the drug reduces
pain is poorly understood. One theory is that it boosts levels of
serotonin and noradrenalin, which dilute the strength of the pain
signals that travel from the spinal cord to the brain.

GLOVE COULD TRANSFORM DIAGNOSIS OF ARTHRITIS

Meanwhile, scientists have developed a high-tech glove that measures joint movements in the hand.

This
could transform the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs
when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks cartilage in the
joints.

The computerised
glove, which has been developed at the University of Ulster, is packed
with tiny sensors that monitor mobility of the wrist, thumb and finger
joints.

Patients will wear
the glove at home so doctors can compile a picture of how severe joint 
stiffness is at different times of the day.

Rheumatoid
arthritis affects 350,000 people in Britain. Doctors rely on X-rays and
patients self-reporting to assess the severity of joint stiffness.

The
degree of stiffness can affect which drugs are prescribed, but the
quality of diagnosis can vary from one clinician to another.

This could potentially allow the disease to progress and do irreversible damage to joints.

The
high-tech glove downloads data on to a doctor’s computer to create a
3-D image of the patient’s hand movements, enabling them to get the
correct drug therapy much sooner.

A prototype of the glove is being tested on patients with rheumatoid arthritis at Altnagelvin Hospital in Londonderry.

Duloxetine is also used to treat other types of pain. A recent report from the highly respected Cochrane Library found that it can tackle diabetic neuropathic pain, which occurs when high blood sugar levels cause nerve damage.

This causes a burning or stabbing sensation in various parts of the body.

Studies show that duloxetine can reduce this by 50 per cent — one-and-a-half times more than a placebo pill.

However, the experts caution that around  one in six people stop taking the pill due to the side-effects,  which include nausea and dizziness.

Antidepressant drugs have also been found to work for other types of chronic pain, such as the discomfort caused by shingles. This burning pain, often found on the face, is thought to be caused by nerve damage, and tricyclic antidepressant drugs, such as amitriptyline, can be effective.

These work on chemical transmitters in the brain and block unpleasant pain signals coming from peripheral nerves in the skin.

The dose is usually slowly increased from a low level, such as 10mg, and then increased to 25mg or 75mg.

However, a common problem is that a patient usually doesn’t see a reduction in pain from the pills until after three or four weeks of taking them, and so too many people stop and give up too soon.

Commenting on the use of the duloxetine for knee arthritis, a spokeswoman for the charity Arthritis Research UK said: ‘We know antidepressants have a propensity to modify back pain in particular, but it’s not clear if they work well in peripheral joint osteoarthritis.

‘There have been a number of trials of this drug, but they have shown mixed results.’

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As Tom has said cannabis has all the natural lipids that you need and chemicaly works identicaly to ALL anti D’s it lowers a lipid called AEA, it reduces pain while being able to reduce opiate medications. may i suggest you read up on the endocannabinoid system folks and what it does. You all know what your vitimins do what your minerals do but how many know what thier lipids do ?

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Interesting info but if the writer would include some of the horrendous side effects of this “wonder” drug perhaps it would make a more rounded article. Granted, many (the fortunate ones) don’t suffer any of these side effects but… Just search ‘duloxetine side effects’ with one of the popular search engines and read for your selves.

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I loathe the term ‘happy pill’

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I have been taking duloxetine for over a year for my fibromyalgia and it has changed my life. I am able to do more work and take far less painkillers than I used to

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Cannabis works far better with arthritis, the pain receptors the artical is on about is part of the endocannabinoid system, GOOGLE IT AND LEARN SOMETHING!!! Fake sudo chemicals or compounds from a plant that are balanced with our body, your choice!! Your Liver!!!

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I have read that depression is often a condition exacerbated by rheumatoid arthritis (which I have) and can even cause it in some people. It is depressing to find you can’t always do the active things you once loved to do due to pain, whether it be due to osteo or rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you are only in your forties or younger.

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Anti-depressants similar to the type mentioned here are also remarkable at reducing severe menopause symptoms (due to surgical menopause rather than natural). Instead of having 25-30 major hot flushes (to the point of passing out) per day, and more again at night, I can now pass the entire day with just some minor flushes. It’s made a huge difference.

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I have just been moved on to this drug for my fibromyalgia and Elhers-Danlos syndrome and its made a difference already

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2134193/Happy-pill-eases-agony-arthritis.html?ITO=1490

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/happy-pill-that-eases-the-agony-of-arthritis/feed/ 0 Oral bacteria may cause problems in arthritis patients http://www.yourarthritis.org/oral-bacteria-may-cause-problems-in-arthritis-patients/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/oral-bacteria-may-cause-problems-in-arthritis-patients/#comments Thu, 19 Apr 2012 05:10:54 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/oral-bacteria-may-cause-problems-in-arthritis-patients/ The culprit behind a failed hip or knee replacements might be found in the mouth. DNA testing of bacteria from the fluid that lubricates hip and knee joints had bacteria with the same DNA as the plaque from patients with gum disease and in need of a joint replacement.

This study is one of many coming from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine that have linked oral bacteria to health problems when they escape from the mouth and enter the blood.

Working with University Hospitals Case Medical Center researchers, the dental, orthopedic and arthritis researchers suggest it might be the reason why aseptic loosening or prosthetic wear of the artificial joints fail within 10 years when no infection appears to be present. The pilot study’s findings were reported in the April issue of the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.

Dr. Nabil Bissada, chair of the Department of Periodontics at the dental school, said the objective of the study, “Identification of Oral Bacterial DNA in Synovial Fluid of Patients with Arthritis with Native and Failed Prosthetic Joints,” was to see if bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Serratia proteamaculans found in patients with gum disease were present in the fluid.

“For a long time, we’ve suspected that these bacteria were causing problems in arthritis patients, but never had the scientific evidence to support it,” Bissada says.

The researchers recruited and studied 36 patients seeking care at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center for osteoarthritis (the wearing of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease).

These study participants had both natural and artificial joints. Researcher extracted samples of their synovial fluid, which is much like oil that keeps a door from squeaking. These patients also had signs of periodontitis or gum disease and undergone exams where dental plaque was obtained for the study.

Article source: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120419/Oral-bacteria-may-cause-problems-in-arthritis-patients.aspx

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/oral-bacteria-may-cause-problems-in-arthritis-patients/feed/ 0 New injection could offer hope to millions of arthritis sufferers http://www.yourarthritis.org/new-injection-could-offer-hope-to-millions-of-arthritis-sufferers/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/new-injection-could-offer-hope-to-millions-of-arthritis-sufferers/#comments Fri, 06 Apr 2012 23:55:47 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/new-injection-could-offer-hope-to-millions-of-arthritis-sufferers/

  • Molecule found to encourage cartilage regeneration
  • Could form the basis of new drug-based therapy

By
Sadie Whitelocks


PUBLISHED:

05:03 EST, 6 April 2012

|

UPDATED:

09:51 EST, 6 April 2012

An injection could help cure the crippling symptoms of arthritis, say scientists.

A study found that a molecule, called kartogenin, encourages damaged cartilage to regenerate.

It is now hoped that the substance could form the basis of a new drug-based therapy, targeting the degenerative joint and bone disease which causes cartilage to wear away.

In the UK, arthritis affects over 9 million people, the most common forms being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

In the UK, arthritis affects over 9 million people, the most common forms being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Main symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness and restricted movement in the joints, and in the UK it affects more than 9 million people.

Currently these is no cure for the condition, only anti-inflammatory painkillers to relieve symptoms, and in severe cases, costly joint replacements are advised.

Commenting on the latest study researchers at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation in San Diego and Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California said: ‘This may ultimately lead to a stem-cell based therapy for osteoarthritis.’

It is thought that kartogenin would be administered via injection to the areas affected (stock picture)

It is thought that kartogenin would be administered via injection to the areas affected (stock picture)

While Dr Kristen Johnson, added: ‘We’re excited about the biology because it’s a new way of targeting the stem cells.’

During the study, published in the journal Science, 22,000 drug-like molecules were tested using a robotic screen, applying each one to bone marrow stem cells.

When kartogenin was administered to mice with osteoarthritis-like symptoms, it prompted stem cells to change into cartilage cells.

A patent has already been filed, however more work is needed to understand exactly how the molecule works.

Judith Brodie, chief executive of Arthritis Care, said: ‘We are delighted with any potential breakthrough for people with arthritis. 

‘We hear every day about the pain suffered by people with osteoarthritis and, although treatments are some years away, we look forward to anything that will help relieve their condition.’

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Around eight million people in Britain suffer from osteoarthritis and 140,000 hip and knee replacements are performed on the NHS as a result of the illness, at a cost of more than £1 billion.

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While I agree there is no cure. A successful treatment to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis is glucosamine sulphate (made from shellfish). Take one and a half grams per day for eight weeks, as a trial. At the end of 8 weeks you will know if it works for you. For every two people who give glucosamine sulphate a trial, one will find that the pain of their arthritis simply goes away. I have been taking it for fourteen years and it works for me. Why not find out if it will work for you.

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That is fantastic! My mother has suffered for years with this condition and she is relatively younger than most people who get it, so by the time she’s 80 or so she would probably be wheelchair bound becuase she is in so much pain, finally hope!
Also osteoarthritis is in my family so i really hope this works because i dont want to end up like my poor mother :(

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That is fantastic! My mother has suffered for years with this condition and she is relatively younger than most people who get it, so by the time she’s 80 or so she would probably be wheelchair bound becuase she is in so much pain, finally hope!
Also osteoarthritis is in my family so i really hope this works because i dont want to end up like my poor mother :(

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That is fantastic! My mother has suffered for years with this condition and she is relatively younger than most people who get it, so by the time she’s 80 or so she would probably be wheelchair bound becuase she is in so much pain, finally hope!
Also osteoarthritis is in my family so i really hope this works because i dont want to end up like my poor mother :(

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2126004/New-injection-offer-hope-millions-arthritis-sufferers.html?ITO=1490

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/new-injection-could-offer-hope-to-millions-of-arthritis-sufferers/feed/ 0 Popular osteoporosis drug ‘raises risk of sight problems in elderly’ http://www.yourarthritis.org/popular-osteoporosis-drug-raises-risk-of-sight-problems-in-elderly/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/popular-osteoporosis-drug-raises-risk-of-sight-problems-in-elderly/#comments Wed, 04 Apr 2012 07:27:42 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/popular-osteoporosis-drug-raises-risk-of-sight-problems-in-elderly/

By
Jenny Hope


PUBLISHED:

11:09 EST, 2 April 2012

|

UPDATED:

03:11 EST, 3 April 2012

Women taking drugs to prevent osteoporosis may have a higher risk of serious inflammatory eye disease, say researchers.

Researchers found women taking bisphosphonates for the first time had a 45 per cent increased risk of the eye disorders uveitis and scleritis.

In rare cases sufferers may develop blindness, although prompt medical treatment usually reverses the symptoms and patients are taken off the drugs.

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. Now scientists say drugs used to treat it could have a detrimental affect on the eyes

Osteoporosis is a disease of the bone that leads to an increased risk of fracture. Now scientists say drugs used to treat it could have a detrimental affect on the eyes

The report in the Canadian Medical Association Journal says the absolute number of people suffering the side effect is low but are warning doctors and patients to be aware of signs such as pain, redness and blurred vision in one or both eyes.

Around 1.4 million British women are eligible for treatment with oral bisphosphonates such as Fosamax, also known as alendronate, because of osteoporosis.

The drugs are the most common form of medication taken long term by thousands of women in a bid to prevent thinning bones.

Previous reports have shown a link between these drugs and the development of anterior uveitis and scleritis, inflammatory eye diseases that can seriously affect vision.

Researchers from the Child and Family Research Institute and the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, carried out a study to quantify the risk.

They included 934,147 people in British Columbia who had visited an ophthalmologist between 2000 and 2007. Of the total, 10,827 were first-time users of bisphosphonates and 923,320 were nonusers.

The researchers found for every 10,000 people taking bisphosphonates for the first-time for a year, 29 developed uveitis compared with 20 among non-users.

Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax are a common treatment for thinning bones

Bisphosphonates such as Fosamax are a common treatment for thinning bones

The rates were 63 scleritis sufferers per 10,000 new users, compared with 36 cases among non-users. The overall rise in risk was put at around 45 per cent.

Dr Mahyar Etminan, Therapeutic Evaluative Unit, the Child and Family Research Institute and the Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, said: ‘We found that first-time users of bisphosphonates are at an increased risk of scleritis and uveitis.

‘The risk of inflammatory ocular adverse events, including scleritis and uveitis, is not highlighted in most package inserts included with oral bisphosphonates.

‘Our study highlights the need for clinicians to inform their patients about the signs and symptoms of scleritis and uveitis, so that prompt treatment may be sought and further complications averted.’

The drugs work by disrupting and slowing down normal bone turnover, but the researchers speculate that they cause a surge in inflammatory agents that may trigger eye disease.

Uveitis is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which in rare cases can lead to blindness, while scleritis is inflammation of the outer wall of the eye.

Drug-induced inflammatory eye disease is usually reversible with prompt treatment using corticosteroids, and patients are advised to stop taking the drugs.

Last year a study suggested long-term use of bisphosphonates might double the risk of oesophageal cancer, while other reports of side effects have found unusual fractures and irregular heartbeats.

Dr Claire Bowring, Medical Policy Manager of the National Osteoporosis Society said: ‘This study seems to confirm what has been reported previously – that inflammation of the eye is a rare adverse side effect and is already currently listed in the Patient Information Leaflets in packages of bisphosphonate treatment here in the UK.

‘Bisphosphonates are a safe and very effective osteoporosis treatment reducing the risk of future fracture, but if patients have an existing inflammatory eye problem or develop symptoms they should discuss this with their doctor.

‘We welcome further understanding of the risks linked with bisphosphonate therapy and this study adds to our knowledge.’

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This is silly – all drugs have side effects, and this particular one is already well known for bisphosphonates. Uveitis is, for the most part, treatable and those who have it most severely, risking blindness, will be those patients with serious long-term inflammatory conditions. And I say this as both a uveitis patient and someone who’s had bisphosphonates. Speak to your doctor if you’re worried but don’t panic.

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Please read the save our bones programme on the net. You will find it really useful.

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I got uveitis first up on Fosamax . It’s an evil drug .

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Another problem with this drug (alendronic acid) is that a very small number of people have suffered osteonecrosis after using it. That means bone death and collapse in the jaw. It can be triggered by tooth extractions and other dentistry. It first came to my attention when a dentist refused to pull a tooth because I had been taking the drug. I have refused to take alendronic acid for 3 years now because the restoration of my mouth was impossible and my bone scan anyway showed me on the low side of normal. Government guidelines on dentistry seem to be unclear. Dentists still refuse me or insist I sign a disclaimer. Don’t just stop taking it without regular scans (which consultants often forget to order!). Keep taking the calcium (adcal). Don’t panic these side effects are very rare. Take charge of your own health research multiple sites online. Thus make informed decisions.

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Samphirem…
you`re`re right …i am overjoyed.
is this why my eyes are blurred ….I was blaming my glasses…lol
Struggling to read me paper ;;;;; etc

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Has nobody heard of strontium? A Canadian company makes a strontium supplement, my wife’s bone density increased significantly over a two year period and has maintained improvement in the five years since. The drugs are designed to make money for the manufacturers, they have no other positive function. Many people taking drugs for osteoporosis are being misinformed and maimed. Look up necrosis of the jaw and fosamax.

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i have just started using this, dont really want to continue. im 30

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And the irony is that those with uveitis are treated with steroid and some on extended courses of high dose steroid or long term steroid need to take alendronate because of the side effect steroid has on bones. They’ll be over joyed reading this article.

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2124073/Popular-osteoporosis-drug-raises-risk-sight-problems-elderly.html?ITO=1490

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/popular-osteoporosis-drug-raises-risk-of-sight-problems-in-elderly/feed/ 0 Study confirms link between breast cancer and autoimmune arthritis http://www.yourarthritis.org/study-confirms-link-between-breast-cancer-and-autoimmune-arthritis/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/study-confirms-link-between-breast-cancer-and-autoimmune-arthritis/#comments Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:36:55 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/study-confirms-link-between-breast-cancer-and-autoimmune-arthritis/ New research shows it may be no accident when doctors observe how patients suffering from both breast cancer and arthritis seem to have more aggressive cancer. However, the new-found interaction between the two diseases may also suggest a possible treatment.

A potential relationship between metastatic breast cancer and autoimmune arthritis, as suggested by past epidemiological studies, has led researchers from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to perform a series of mouse model experiments that appear to confirm the connection.

“Epidemiological studies have implied that breast cancer survival is significantly lower in patients who also had autoimmune arthritis,” noted Pinku Mukherjee, Irwin Belk Distinguished Scholar of Cancer Research at UNC Charlotte, whose lab conducted the experiments. “As there is no obvious reason this should be so, we were interested in exploring possible cancer mechanisms that might explain why.”

The experiments point to an intimate relationship between mast cells – immune system cells that are located in various tissues and that can cause inflammation – and metastatic tumors.

In previously published studies, UNC Charlotte cancer researcher Lopamudra Das Roy and her mentor Mukherjee established that breast cancer associated metastases were significantly higher in arthritic mice, with a threefold increase in lung metastases and a twofold increase in bone metastases.

In their most recent work, the researchers found that mast cells and their associated inflammation are present in larger numbers in the bones and lungs of arthritic mice than they are in non-arthritic mice. Their findings point to a relationship between the cKit receptor found on mast cells and the transmembrane stem cell factor (SCF) ligand found on metastatic breast cancer cells. The interaction between SCF and cKit appears to play a critical role in facilitating metastasis.

“We confirmed the relationship we suspected between autoimmune disease and metastastic breast cancer cells,” Mukherjee said. “This is an exciting result for us because it confirms an interesting interdependence between cancer metastasis and a specific component of the immune system.”

The study results will be presented by Lopamudra Das Roy, Research Assistant Professor at UNC Charlotte, and Mukherjee at the 2012 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in Chicago at a press conference on April 1.

The researchers worked with two strains of mice. The first group had spontaneous arthritis (SKG mice) and the second group of mice had spontaneous breast cancer (MMTV-PyV MT mice). Each of the mouse strains were artificially induced to develop the other disease and then tested for differences.

Article source: http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120402/Study-confirms-link-between-breast-cancer-and-autoimmune-arthritis.aspx

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/study-confirms-link-between-breast-cancer-and-autoimmune-arthritis/feed/ 0 British scientists develop 80p-a-day pill that can slow progress of osteoarthritis http://www.yourarthritis.org/british-scientists-develop-80p-a-day-pill-that-can-slow-progress-of-osteoarthritis/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/british-scientists-develop-80p-a-day-pill-that-can-slow-progress-of-osteoarthritis/#comments Sat, 24 Mar 2012 04:16:31 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/british-scientists-develop-80p-a-day-pill-that-can-slow-progress-of-osteoarthritis/

By
Sophie Borland


PUBLISHED:

22:14 EST, 22 March 2012

|

UPDATED:

05:12 EST, 23 March 2012


There are around eight million people in Britain suffer from osteoarthritis, according to NHS figures

There are around eight million people in Britain suffer from osteoarthritis, according to NHS figures

A pill that slows the progression of crippling arthritis has been developed by British scientists.

The 80p-a-day treatment has been found to reduce the damage caused to knee joints by osteoarthritis by a third.

Studies have also shown that it drastically lowers pain and improves patient’s movement.

Oxford scientists behind the treatment believe it may be available on the NHS within the next year.

Around eight million people in Britain suffer from osteoarthritis and 140,000 hip and knee replacements are performed on the NHS as a result of the illness.

It causes the cartilage lining the bones to wear away which leads to damage to the joints, particularly the knee and hip.

There is no cure at present and patients with mild symptoms are normally given exercises or painkillers.

Those with more severe forms of the disease may need hip or knee replacements.

Scientists at the University of Oxford and University of Southampton carried out a trial on 1,683 patients with osteoarthritis that had caused damage to their knee.

Half were given this new pill called Protelosa and the other half a placebo.

Over the next three years the scientists measured their pain, their ability to move the knee joints and any deterioration of the cartilage.

They found that those on the pills suffered an average of a third less damage to the cartilage.

So if they were taking them for three years the progression of the disease would be slowed by one year.

The drug is expected to be licensed by the drugs watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, for use on arthritis patients within the next few months

The drug is expected to be licensed by the drugs watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, for use on arthritis patients within the next few months

The pills contains the chemical strontium ranelate which is thought to encourage the body to produce cartilage.

Professor Cyrus Cooper who presented his findings at the European Congress on Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis in France said: ‘This is a major breakthrough.

‘Osteoarthritis is a painful and debilitating condition, and for over 20 years we have been searching for a treatment that would allow us to alter the course of the disease, rather than just manage the symptoms.

‘The results today are it, and could totally change the way we treat osteoarthritis.

‘For the first time we have a treatment that can slow the development of this debilitating disease and could reduce or even eliminate the need for expensive and painful joint replacement surgery.’

The drug is already used to treat osteoporosis – thinning of the bones.

But it is expected to be licensed by the drugs watchdog, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, for use on arthritis patients within the next few months.

After that the NHS rationing body NICE will consider whether it should be available on the NHS.

But as the drug is so cheap and it has been found to be so effective, the scientists are confident it will be given the green light.

 

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I hope this work for me, im 46 and I’ve just has trochlear grove micro fracture in the hope it will put off a TKR until my late 50′s

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so, along with the 7million taking statins a day costing the nhs £3 million a day(works out a£1Bn a year) add 8 million on this one. 8 million at 80 p a day is about £7million? another 7 x 365 = £2.5 Bn a year. That makes £.3.5 Bn a year on just these two drugs….easy to see where all the money is going to. ……

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Omega 3 and 6 and eat greens great sources for protein.

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Protelos contains aspartame which has 92 side effects.

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“Colin, the study was paid for by servier. Of course they will benefit but hopefully so will lots of patients with osteoarthritis. It is the only treatment with proven benefit and as it has been on the market since 2004 for osteoporosis has a proven safety record
- Zoe, Hampshire, 23/3/2012 08:12″………………………..Turmeric reduces swelling in arthritic knee. I have seen it. It takes about a teaspoon a day for a couple of weeks to see a big improvement.

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I hope it won’t contain ASPARTAME like Calci-Chew does (that is the calcium supplement given to people after they break their hips.)

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What a shame that recent safety data shows Strontium Ranelate causes fatal bloodclots.

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I have Arthiritis in my spine and I have had that for 20 years or so. Hopefully this would help me a lot. I will ask the doctor.

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So many hundreds of thousands both young and old are now suffering from this complaint but knowing this present government they won’t have money available for such a treatment but they can find money for other “useless” escapades.

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Colin, the study was paid for by servier. Of course they will benefit but hopefully so will lots of patients with osteoarthritis. It is the only treatment with proven benefit and as it has been on the market since 2004 for osteoporosis has a proven safety record

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Article source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2119085/British-scientists-develop-80p-day-pill-slow-progress-osteoarthritis.html?ITO=1490

]]> http://www.yourarthritis.org/british-scientists-develop-80p-a-day-pill-that-can-slow-progress-of-osteoarthritis/feed/ 0 Arthritis sufferers ’40 per cent more likely to develop fatal heart problems’ http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-40-per-cent-more-likely-to-develop-fatal-heart-problems/ http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-40-per-cent-more-likely-to-develop-fatal-heart-problems/#comments Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:10:22 +0000 Florence http://www.yourarthritis.org/arthritis-sufferers-40-per-cent-more-likely-to-develop-fatal-heart-problems/

By
Sophie Borland


PUBLISHED:

19:13 EST, 8 March 2012

|

UPDATED:

03:04 EST, 9 March 2012

Arthritis sufferers are far more likely to develop fatal heart problems and strokes, a major study reveals today.

It shows that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a 40 per cent higher risk of suffering from an irregular heartbeat which can lead to heart attacks and death.

They have also been found to be at 30 per cent greater risk from suffering strokes.

A survey found that arthritis sufferers have a 40 per cent higher risk of suffering from an irregular heartbeat

A survey found that arthritis sufferers have a 40 per cent higher risk of suffering from an irregular heartbeat

Danish researchers believe the inflammation of joints that occurs in arthritis may cause the heart to beat irregularly – a condition known as atrial fibrillation.

This can lead to the formation of blood clots which in turn can trigger a stroke.

Around 400,000 people in England and Wales suffer from rheumatoid arthritis which causes debilitating pain and swelling in the joints.

Scientists from Copenhagen University studied more than 4 million people of whom 18,250 had rheumatoid arthritis over a period of five years.

Those with rheumatoid arthritis were 40 per cent at higher risk of atrial fibrillation and 30 per cent higher risk of strokes than the general public.

Although this seems like a big increase, the overall risk still of having heart problems or strokes still remains low.

In a group of 1,000 normal patients, six would likely suffer from atrial fibrillation in any given year while 5.7 would be likely to have a stroke.

But amongst a group of 1,000 rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, 8 would be expected to have atrial fibrillation while 7.6 would be likely to have a stroke.

However the researchers – whose findings are published on the website BMJ.com – point out that doctors need to be aware of these heightened risks amongst their patients.

Professor Michael Ehrenstein, of Arthritis Research UK said: ‘Inflammation plays a central role in rheumatoid arthritis and in the disease process of many other related conditions, so it’s not surprising that it may also play a role in the development of atrial fibrillation.’

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to strike between the ages of 40 and 70 and is more common amongst women than men.

It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the cells lining the joints making them swollen, stiff and very painful.

Experts believe that it may trigger inflammation of the blood vessels which in turn triggers heart problems.

In 2010 Swedish researchers who had looked at 400,000 people found the condition was also linked to heart attacks.

They were found to be 60 per cent more at risk compared to other patients.

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- Common Dog, UK, 9/3/2012 8:12 and Eyes wide open~, Somewhere in England. Thankyou for your kind words, I am on 35 different pills a day, Sulfasalazine being the main one for the RA nothing is working, it’s got to the stage where I can barely work (have it in hips, shoulders , hands, wrists) Treatment isn’t working at the moment, I try to keep active but live at the top of a 6 flats, without a lift so getting out is very difficult (moved before diagnosed, waiting on council to move us) I just hope to find something that works, eases the constant pain and makes it ever to move. Im glad to here both that your stories have been successful hopefully one day I can be part of one of them!

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As if these poor people have not got enough to cope with and all the pain they have to endure without being told this!
My mother suffered terribly with this disease over 30 years ago and died at the age of 52 of meningitis and we thought at the time some cure would be found but as we know it hasn’t. My thoughts are with all of you suffering this terrible illness and hope a cure will be found very very soon x.

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But ATOS Healthcare will still pass them as fit to work

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disease which affects the whole body, including internal organs. It’s more than a few aching joints and will not be cured by drinking vinegar or eating gelatine. I have had RA since I was 30 (I’m 47 now) and currently control the symptoms with a combination of aggressive drugs. However during flare-ups I’m frequently bed-ridden or need to use a wheelchair.

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About 10 years ago I was found to be lactose intolerant. I was told that research suggested that unchecked lactose intolerance could lead to heart disease and rhumatoid arthritis amongst other things. My father had died 3 years previously with heart disease and arthritis and also had many of the symptoms that had led me to be teated for lactose intolerance such as tiredness, diahorrea and skin problems. Coincidence?

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Does anyone know anything about Scarcioditis ? The Doctors aren’t sure whether I’ve got that or RA ?
- Was Proud To Be English, But Not Anymore, Sheffield, UK, 09/3/2012 07:45…I think you might mean Sarcoidosis, which produces nodules caused by inflammation in the body, You can also get nodules with RA (they are a different type from Scarcoidosis), maybe that is why there is a confusion. Search for Sarcoidosis rather than Scarcioditis and see if that matches up with what you’ve got. It can often take a while to get a diagnosis for RA if they cannot pick it up in blood tests, but I’m sure they’ll get to the bottom of it. You should get a referral to a rheumatologist, if you haven’t already.

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Suffers should try Apple Cider Vinegar. .they take time to get into the system but they have no nasty side effects.- J Robinson, West Mids, 09/3/2012 08:31…No they shouldn’t, as it does not work, and it does have nasty side effects – it allows the disease to progress and do more irreparable damage. I have RA and had a friend who put pressure on me to try this ‘wonder cure’ – I did it just to please her, but it made no difference (unsurprisingly). RA is a serious disease and doesn’t respond to fad alternative treatments. Apart from conventional medicine, the only thing that works is a strict vegan diet, consisting of lots of dark leafy green veg, other veg and fruit. Fasting can also make a huge difference in the short term. I have experience huge relief using this – but I am also on conventional meds as well and would be in a wheelchair without them.

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Severe chronic pain everyday R A.,for so long now,but will try every remedy you have suggested here,thanks people.

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Suffers should try Apple Cider Vinegar. A teaspoon or two in a mug of warm water 3 times per day…….works wonders…..and good for GERD and indigestion too. This newspaper has carried interviews over the years with people who have found refief using ACV. It doesnt taste bad….but if you don’t like it you can put a spoonful of honey in it, or dring it in vegetable juice. Try it for a couple of weeks…..natural remedies are not like a painkiller……they take time to get into the system but they have no nasty side effects.
- J Robinson, West Mids, 09/3/2012 08:31
This is an old remedy. I tried it many years ago but couldn’t do it! I use lots of it in salad dressings and soups instead!

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Its about time the medical profession moved with the times and offered a more holistic form of healing instead of giving us statistics and pills full of chemicals and poison.
- Anon, London, 9/3/2012 8:51 ==================================== Everything that happens inside your body is the result of a chemical reaction. RA is the result of your immune system attacking various parts of your body. The medical profession is trying very hard to find what causes it and cure it, holistic therapies have been around for thousands of years so it is hardly moving with the times. We still have diseases because holistic therapies haven’t cured them. Trust me, when my body is in screaming agony because my RA has flared up the last thing I want is a cup of pot pouri and some water!

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