Arthritis Basics
By George Harper
Maybe pain occurs, like when trying to open a jar. What’s it all about? Let’s look at the basics and learn more.

Arthritis actually means “joint inflammation” and has over 100 related conditions or type / forms of disease. Left untreated, it can advance, resulting in joint damage that cannot be undone or reversed. So early detection and treatment are important.

The two most common types of are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid (RA). Although both have similar symptoms, both happen for different reasons. When joints are overused and misused, the results can be OA. What happens is that the cushioning cartilage that protects the joint breaks down, resulting in the bones rubbing together. This generally happens in the knees, but can be found in the hips, spine and hands often, too. And only in later stages will a person most often feel pain, after quite a bit of cartilage is lost.

The second type, RA, refers to the body’s immune system attacking joint tissue. Still not fully understood in the medical community, this condition most often starts in a person’s hands, wrists and feet. Then it advances to shoulders, elbows and hips.

Similar symptoms include pain, stiffness, fatigue, weakness, slight fever and inflamed tissue lumps under the skin. And both OA and RA generally develop symmetrically, i.e. affecting the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body.

A difference in OA and RA to note is with swelling. With RA, people report “soft and squishy” swelling. While with OA, people report “hard and bony” swelling. Another difference is that a person is more likely to develop RA if a sibling or parent had it. While a person with a history of joint damage, either an injury or chronic strain, runs a higher risk for developing OA.

There is no specific age for sufferers. While it can affect every age group, it seems to focus on those over 45 years of age.And while neither gender is immune, a reported 74 percent of OA cases (or just over 15 million) occur with women and a slightly lower percentage of RA cases occur with women. People with excess weight tend to develop OA, especially in the knees when reaching over 45 years of age. However, losing weight can turn the odds around almost by half. Regular activity combined with exercise also reduces risk, strengthening joint muscles and reducing joint wear.

Although there are no cure-alls for arthritis, there are a variety of pain relief treatment strategies. Aside from medications, remedies, replacement alternatives and other helpful treatment options and alternatives, the four main relief aids are gentle exercise, good nutrition, a positive attitude and rest. And each will be discussed further in subsequent sections, because education can play a huge role to dispel “old wives tales” and myths that “nothing can be done about arthritis.” Notable is that today, only a small percentage of those afflicted with become crippled. And most never need canes, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory devices.

Also note if you suspect you may have arthritis, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Because healthcare providers can help to determine if the symptoms are not something else like a virus or tendonitis or other similar problem that cold potentially worsen if left untreated.

Types Of Arthritis

There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic pain today to find relief. Available are arthritic diets, exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, relaxation and positive emotion coping techniques. Also available are surgeries, supplements, home remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first. Then as time and resources allow, check out the other options.

After osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid (RA), three other major types of are systemic lupus erythematosis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. Let’s take a look at each:

Systemic Lupus Erythematosis (SLE) – This form of mainly affects women. It develops in the skin, internal organs and joints.

Ankylosing Spondylitis – This form or affects

Infants Should Be Screened For Hip Trouble
Developmental hip dysplasia is the most common congenital defect in newborns. The condition occurs when a hip joint is shallow, unstable or when the joint is dislocated. Infants with the condition are often at risk of developing arthritis of the hip as a young adult. (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Better Classification And Treatment Of Juvenile Arthritis Via Gene Expression
Scientists have discovered gene expression differences that could lead to better ways to classify, predict outcome, and treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Infants should be screened for hip trouble
(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) Developmental hip dysplasia is the most common congenital defect in newborns. The condition occurs when a hip joint is shallow, unstable or when the joint is dislocated. Infants with the condition are often at risk of developing arthritis of the hip as a young adult. A new study published in the July 2009 issue of the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery finds that screening all infants for hip dysplasia can significantly decrease their chance of developing early arthritis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Trends and determinants of adequate gastroprotection in patients chronically using NSAIDs
To identify determinants and trends of gastroprotection in patients chronically using NSAIDs.Design: retrospective cohort study. Data source: Agis Health Database (AHD) containing annual prescription records of approximately 1.5 million patients. Patients: All patients using more than 180 daily defined doses (DDD) annually, of any NSAID from 2001 to 2007. Main outcome measures: prevalence of NSAID use, adequate prescription of gastroprotective drugs (PPI, misoprostol or COX-2 inhibitor use), determinants of adequate gastroprotection.The percentage of patients chronically using NSAIDs rose from 7.3% of the total NSAIDs users in 2001 to 7.5% in 2007. The percentage of patients on NSAIDs receiving adequate gastroprotective medication in line with actual guidelines increased from 39.6% in 2001...
AstraZeneca Development Partner, Pozen, Inc., Submits New Drug Application for PN400
AstraZeneca announced that its development partner, Pozen, Inc., has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for VIMOVO (PN400) (enteric coated naproxen/esomeprazole magnesium) tablets, a product under investigation for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in patients who are at risk of developing NSAID-associated ulcers. (Source: World Pharma News)
Exploratory Analysis of the Relationships between Aerobic Capacity and Self-Reported Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polymyositis, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Conclusions: This study confirms that patients with chronic, but stable RA, PM, or CFS are fatigued and have significantly decreased aerobic capacity. Self-reports of physical activity predicted VO2peak, and may be used as an indicator of activity-based aerobic capacity. Self-reports of fatigue, however, did not correlate with VO2peak and hence are assessing something other than an index of aerobic capacity, and provide additional information about patients' perceptions, which will require further investigation. (Source: PM&R)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Knee replacement 'cost-effective for osteoarthritis patients'
Total knee replacement surgery is a cost-effective solution for people with osteoarthritis, new research has shown. (Source: Arthritis Research Campaign)
New psoriatic arthritis drug shows positive results in Phase II trial
Apremilast has shown good results for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in a Phase II clinical trial. (Source: Arthritis Research Campaign)
Depression screening 'should be offered to arthritis patients'
People with arthritis and other rheumatic diseases should be screened for depression, Canadian researchers suggest. (Source: Arthritis Research Campaign)
Antibodies to cyclic citrullinated protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate predict hand bone loss in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of short duration: a longitudinal study
Conclusions: Anti-CCP and ESR were found to be independent predictors of early localised BMD loss. This finding adds to the understanding of anti-CCP and ESR as important predictors of bone involvement in RA. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Broad-range PCR, cloning and sequencing of the full 16S rRNA gene for detection of bacterial DNA in synovial fluid samples of Tunisian patients with reactive and undifferentiated arthritis
Conclusions: Broad-range PCR followed by cloning and sequencing the entire 16S rDNA, allowed the identification of the bacterial DNA environment in the SF samples of arthritic patients. We found a wide spectrum of bacteria including those known to be involved in ReA and others not previously associated with arthritis. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Increased production of soluble CTLA-4 in patients with spondylarthropathies correlates with disease activity
Conclusions: SpA patients exhibit high levels of circulating sCTLA-4 that may result from an alternative splicing of CTLA-4 transcripts. This may influence immune activation and regulation in SpA. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Feasibility of electrodialysis as a fast and selective sample preparation method for the profiling of low-abundant peptides in biofluids
Considerable interest exists in endogenous peptides as potential biomarkers, since they act as signaling molecules and are formed by degradation of proteins. A crucial step in the profiling of these peptides is the sample preparation, which aims to enrich the low-abundant peptides, while removing interfering matrix compounds. In a feasibility study we examined the suitability of electrodialysis (ED) for this purpose. A custom-made device was developed from the low-binding material Kel-F. It consisted of two compartments separated by a dialysis membrane, over which a voltage was applied. One compartment served as donor (containing the sample), while the smaller acceptor compartment collected the peptides. The procedure was optimized by investigating the effect of the applied voltage, ammoni...
Bayesian inference from incomplete longitudinal data: A simple method to quantify sensitivity to nonignorable dropout
Bayesian approach has been increasingly used for analyzing longitudinal data. When dropout occurs in the study, analysis often relies on the assumption of ignorable dropout. Because ignorability is a critical and untestable assumption without obtaining additional data or making other unverifiable assumptions, it is important to assess the impact of departures from the ignorability assumption on the key Bayesian inferences. In this paper, we extend the Bayesian index of local sensitivity to non-ignorability (ISNI) method proposed by Zhang and Heitjan to longitudinal data with dropout. We derive formulas for the Bayesian ISNI when the complete longitudinal data follow a linear mixed-effect model. The calculation of the index only requires the posterior draws or summary statistics of these dr...
A Necropsy Survey of Neurologic Diseases in 4,319 Horses Examined in Normandy (France) from 1986 to 2006
Abstract: The frequencies of neurologic diseases and various corresponding causes were analyzed in 4,319 Norman horses examined by autopsy between 1986 and 2006. Five hundred forty-three cases of nervous system disorders were detected, or a total prevalence of 12.6%. One hundred eighty-seven of the 543 horses (34.4%) exhibited lesions of a traumatic origin affecting the skull or the vertebral column at different levels. Their frequency was less in foals younger than 1 month of age and higher in horses aged 6 months to 2 years. Eighty-three cases of cervical vertebral compressive myelopathy (CVCM) (15.3%) were identified. Males and geldings were more often affected than females. CVCM was diagnosed mostly in animals aged 6 months to 2 years. Horses affected with lesions in the mid-cervical r...
Weather Alerts Warn Arthritis, Migraine Patients
There's a unique new way to be able to avoid suffering from medical conditions like arthritis and migraines. (Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Masitinib May Be Effective Against Refractory Rheumatoid Arthritis
Researchers report RA patients find relief with masitinib from their symptoms. WebMD Health News (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)
Common prognostic factors of work disability among employees with a chronic somatic disease: a systematic review of cohort studies.
CONCLUSIONS: As many prognostic factors for work disability are similar for employees with various chronic diseases, it is possible to detect high risk groups. This information supports the development and implementation of a general disability management intervention for employees suffering from a chronic disease to overcome health-related limitations at work. PMID: 19562236 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health)
In this issue
No abstract. (Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism)
Clinical and immunogenetic prognostic factors for radiographic severity in ankylosing spondylitis
To improve prognostic ability in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), we sought to identify demographic, clinical, and immunogenetic characteristics associated with radiographic severity in a large cohort of patients.Patients with AS for [ge]20 years were enrolled in a cross-sectional study (n = 398). Pelvic and spinal radiographs were scored using the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index for the spine (BASRI-s), and radiographic severity was measured as the BASRI-s/duration of AS. Clinical factors and HLA-B, DR, DQ, and DP alleles associated with the highest quartile of the distribution of radiographic severity were identified by first using random forests and then using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Similar procedures were used to identify factors associated with the lowest ...
Gene Expression Findings a Step Toward Better Classification and Treatment of Juvenile Arthritis
Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Related MedlinePlus Topics: Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
New Open Access Journal Now Accepting Papers in Stem Cell Research & Therapy
From the publisher&#8217;s news release: A new BioMed Central journal, Stem Cell Research & Therapy, is now accepting submissions. Stem Cell Research & Therapy aims to be the major forum for translational research into stem cell therapies. An international peer-reviewed journal, it will publish open access research articles of outstanding quality. The journal will have a special emphasis on translational, laboratory, and clinical research into stem cells. It will include animal trials, pre-clinical and clinical trials. We will consider adult, embryonic, and induced pluripotent stem cell research, especially with a focus on cell-based transplantation, drug discovery and testing, cell-mediated tissue response and biological effects stimulated by endogenous cells. We will have a uniqu...
Abbott Must Pay $1.67 Billion in Patent Case
A federal jury in Texas ordered that Abbott Laboratories pay a J&J unit $1.67 billion for violating a patent on arthritis treatment Remicade in one of the largest infringement verdicts. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)
Increased Levels Of Certain Cytokines And Chemokines Predict Onset Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Up-regulation of certain cytokines and chemokines (signaling molecules involved in the functioning of the immune system) can predict the development of rheumatoid arthritis three years before the onset of symptoms, according to the results of a new study presented at EULAR 2009, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Source: ScienceDaily Headlines)
Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Target?
Title: Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Target?Category: Health NewsCreated: 6/30/2009Last Editorial Review: 6/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Chronic Pain General)
Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Target?
(Source: eMedicineHealth.com)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Kidney Stones
Title: Kidney StonesCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 6/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis General)
Disease Prevention in Women
Title: Disease Prevention in WomenCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 3/22/2001 7:23:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis General)
Discovery Points to Regulation of Calcium Metabolism
Title: Discovery Points to Regulation of Calcium MetabolismCategory: Health NewsCreated: 6/30/2009 7:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 6/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis General)
Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Target?
Title: Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Target?Category: Health NewsCreated: 6/30/2009Last Editorial Review: 6/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis General)
Spondylolisthesis
Title: SpondylolisthesisCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 6/30/2009Last Editorial Review: 6/30/2009 (Source: MedicineNet Rheumatoid Arthritis General)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Abbott Loses Drug Patent Suit
A unit of Johnson & Johnson said that a jury has ordered Abbott Laboratories to pay $1.67 billion in a patent infringement suit over rheumatoid arthritis drugs. (Source: NYT &gt; Health)
Rheumatoid Arthritis: New Treatment Target
Scientists have found a potential new target for rheumatoid arthritis treatment: an immune system compound called tenascin-C. (Source: WebMD Health)
Risk of tuberculosis from arthritis medication examined
(Wiley-Blackwell) Treatment with anti-tumor necrosis factor agents is recognized as a risk factor for tuberculosis in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)
Co-existence of acute myeloid leukemia with multilineage dysplasia and Epstein-Barr virus-associated T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
We here report a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with acute myeloid leukemia with multilineage dysplasia (AML-MLD) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder (T-LPD). A 64-year-old healthy man suffered from arthralgia, and was ultimately diagnosed with RA based on bilateral hand X-rays showing mild swelling and destruction of the MP and PIP joints. Since non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were not effective, prednisolone and bucillamine were administered. After 4 months, his pancytopenia gradually progressed, and bone marrow (BM) examination revealed the presence of AML-MLD. A chemotherapeutic drug regimen including low-dose cytarabine led to nearly complete remission, but several weeks later, high fever and dyspnea suddenly appeared. Computer tomograp...
Pathogenesis of tendinopathies: inflammation or degeneration?
The intrinsic mechanisms of tendinopathies are largely unknown and whether inflammation or degeneration have the prominent pathogenetic role is debated.Assuming that there is a continuum from physiology to pathology, overuse may be considered as the initial disease factor; microruptures of tendon fibers occur and several molecules are expressed: some of them promote the healing process, others, including inflammatory-cytokines can act as disease mediators. The neural ingrowth, accompanying the neovessels, explains the occurrence of pain and triggers a neurogenic mediated inflammation.It is conceivable that inflammation and degeneration are not mutually exclusive, but work together in the pathogenesis of tendinopathies. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Molecular therapies for systemic lupus erythematosus: clinical trials and future prospects
The prognosis of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus has greatly improved since treatment regimens combining corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications have been widely adopted in therapeutic strategies given to these patients. Immune suppression is evidently efficient but also leads to higher susceptibility to infectious and malignant diseases. Toxic effects and sometimes unexpectedly dramatic complications of current therapies have been progressively reported. Identifying novel molecular targets therefore remains an important issue in the treatment of lupus. The aim of this review article is to highlight emerging pharmacological options and new therapeutic avenues for lupus with a particular focus on non-antibody molecular strategies. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy...
Epidemiology, costs, and the economic burden of fibromyalgia
The assumption, that fibromyalgia is associated with a maior impact on the utilization of both healthcare and non-healthcare resources has not been thoroughly supported by many evidence-based data. Despite the differences between health care and sociopolitical systems in various countries, more recent results from epidemiological research now clearly demonstrate the socioeconomic burden of fibromyalgia and its comorbidities. The costs of the disease, calculated in single studies and countries, allow estimates for populations in other countries. The alarming results highlight the urgent need both for more research (including pathophysiology and epidemiology) and for the acceptance of emerging treatment challenges. (Source: Arthritis Research and Therapy)
Protocol for the Foot in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis trial (FiJIA): a randomised controlled trial of an integrated foot care programme for foot problems in JIA.
Background: Foot and ankle problems are a common but relatively neglected manifestation of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Studies of medical and non-medical interventions have shown that clinical outcome measures can be improved. However existing data has been drawn from small non-randomised clinical studies of single interventions that appear to under-represent the adult population suffering from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. To date, no evidence of combined therapies or integrated care for juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients with foot and ankle problems exists.Methods/design: An exploratory phase II non-pharmacological randomised controlled trial where patients including young children, adolescents and adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and associated foot/ankle problems will ...
EU approves zoledronic acid for osteoporosis
Zoledronic acid has been approved for the treatment of osteoporosis in the EU. (Source: Arthritis Research Campaign)
Stroke risk 'increases with high uric acid'
High levels of uric acid, a common symptom of gout, could increase the risk of suffering a stroke, new research has suggested. (Source: Arthritis Research Campaign)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Distal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis in Seven Cattle Using the Acutrak Plus Screw
To report a technique for arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIPJ) with two 6.5 mm Acutrak Plus (AP) compression screws from a solar approach and outcome in 7 cattle. Case series. Cattle (n=7) with DIPJ arthritis. Retrieved data from medical records of cattle that had undergone DIPJ arthrodesis using 2 AP screws via a solar approach were signalment, history, clinical signs, preoperative blood work, preoperative radiographs, complications, postoperative radiographs, and postoperative lameness evaluation. Outcomes, assessed by owner interview 6[ndash]26 months after surgery, were classified as excellent, good, or poor. Fusion of the DIPJ was evident by 6 months. All cattle returned to full function with minimal lameness and normal appearance to the distal aspect of the limb. Fo...
New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug in the Works
An experimental drug called masitinib may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in people who aren't helped by other drugs, a new study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)
New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug in the Works
An experimental drug called masitinib may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in people who aren't helped by other drugs, a new study shows. (Source: WebMD Health)
Gene Expression Findings a Step Toward Better Classification and Treatment of Juvenile Arthritis
Scientists have discovered gene expression differences that could lead to better ways to classify, predict outcome, and treat juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Eventually such findings could enable doctors to target more aggressive treatment to children at risk of more severe arthritis, while those likely to have milder disease could be spared the stronger treatments that carry a greater risk of side effects. The researchers were supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), a part of the National Institutes of Health. (Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH) News Releases)
Systematic Review and Stratified Meta-analysis of the Efficacy of Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist in Animal Models of Stroke
Conclusions: The animal data supporting IL-1 RA as a candidate drug for stroke are limited, and further experiments are required before proceeding to clinical trial. (Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases)<div id="medworm"><p><b><i>MedWorm Message:</i></b> Get the very latest Swine Flu news via the MedWorm <b><a href="http://www.medworm.com/rss/search.php?qu=%2Bswine+%2B%28influenza+flu%29&t=Swine+Flu&f=infectiousdiseases&r=Any&o=d" target ="_self">Swine Flu RSS news feed</a></b> - updated hourly from thousands of authoritative health and news sources.</p></div>
Clopidogrel: Arthritis: case report
(Source: Reactions)
New hope for arthritis sufferers
A medicine that reduces inflammation could be an effective treatment for patients suffering from RA who have failed to respond to similar drugs (Source: Pharmacy Europe)
Golimumab Treats RA When Other TNF-Alpha Inhibitors Fail (CME/CE)
SAN FRANCISCO (MedPage Today) -- Golimumab (Simponi) alleviates rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in patients who have previously received another tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, researchers found. (Source: MedPage Today Geriatrics)
Simponi (Golimumab) Receives Positive Opinion from Chmp for Once-Monthly Subcutaneous Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis
SmartJect&trade; Autoinjector Horsham, PA and Kenilworth, NJ (June 25, 2009) &ndash; Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. and Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) announced today that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

the spine and can also affect the ankles, knees, lungs, heart, shoulders and eyes.

Gout – This is a painful affliction mainly for men, about one million of them in the United States alone. Uric acid build up, due to an internal chemical malfunction, forms crystals that get stuck in a joint, generally the big toe, and become inflamed.

Science Of Arthritis

Joints can handle some heavy pressure. For example, knees handle a force of three to four times a person’s total body weight on average just talking a walk. The force of a deep knee bend during a squat can increase to nine times the body weight. So just imagine multiplying weight of more than 150 pounds times a minimum of three or four, and then even more. That can sure add up to a lot of heavy work on knee joints over time.

Now for the science of this scenario. Where two bones meet, called the joint, the bone ends are covered with cartilage, also known as gristl

This cartilage is sturdy, elastic and spongy or compressible, and keeps the bones from moving against each other at the joint. The cells of this cartilage, called chondrocytes, are thought to be the longest living cells of the body. Surrounding the bones and cartilage is strong, fibrous capsule lined with synovium, a thin membrane that lubricates the joint area with fluid. The end result is less friction or smoother rubbing together of the bones. This fluid also feds the cartilage cells, keeping them healthy, and is “pumped” into them during joint movement. Thus lack of movement (activity / exercise) can be unhealthy.

Other parts of the body features involved with this arthritic scenario include muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursea and mental activity. Muscles, attached to bones with tendons and ligaments, move bones by contracting. They also cushion movement, absorbing impact or shock. Throughout the muscle and tendon areas are bursae or sacs filled with fluid. These also help cushion movement. And throughout all the coordination of these parts during movement, the brain is a part. The brain communicates via nerves throughout the body, in particular the muscles for this scenario, to prepare joints for activity.

The exact science of what actually causes is still being researched. For most of the 100-plus forms of arthritis, the causes are unknown. Injury, overuse of joints and mechanical issues with joints (like skeletal abnormalities, worn out joint muscles) can lead to arthritis. And many point to issues relating to bacteria and germs as some of the problem. Heredity, stress, drugs, food allergies and viruses have also been linked to some forms of arthritis. So have diet, poor circulation and lack of movement.

INFLAMMATION
Arthritic joints can be affected with inflammation when bacteria or a virus (or other undesirable element) enters the joint area or when an injury occurs. What happens is when foreign matter enters this area or the area sustains injury, white blood cells, antibodies and other natural “fighting” mechanisms automatically kick in internally to help. These fighters cause swelling, redness and heat as the body fluid moves around. Symptoms of inflammation, one of the uncomfortable issues associated with arthritis, are redness, swelling and tender joints.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

George Harper writes for www.arthritisresolved.info where you can find out more about athritis and other topics.