World Arthritis Day Emphasizes Need for Psychological Support
Sunday October 12, 2008
October 12th is
World Arthritis Day. The
Think Positive theme acknowledges that
arthritis can affect you
emotionally as well as physically. It's important to realize, though, there are a number of
positive things you can do to
improve your quality of life.
Each year a survey is associated with World Arthritis Day -- a project run by EULAR Standing Committee of People With Arthritis/Rheumatism in Europe. This year, the survey was taken by more than 3,600 people. Results revealed that 97% of people with arthritis and those who care for them believe the disease affects them emotionally -- and 5% said it can lead to depression.
Even though a high number of respondents acknowledged the emotional aspect of the disease -- only 35% said they bring it up with their doctor. Approximately 85% of respondents said psychological care should be part of the overall treatment plan for arthritis and half said they would like access to self-management courses. Health care professionals also said they are increasingly aware of the psychological aspect of the disease. I've taken the survey and you can too. The World Arthritis Day "Think Positive" survey will run until the end of October.
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Saturday October 11, 2008
While
pain relief has historically been the main reason people have joint replacement surgery -- the need to improve joint function has also become motivating for patients -- especially those involved in
athletic activities. Surgeons typically recommend low-impact sports to patients who have joint replacements and steer them away from high-impact sports -- in an effort to prolong the life of the prosthesis.
If you have had joint replacement surgery and the pain is gone, you probably think you are good to go, in terms of participating in athletic activities. Most doctors will have reservations, though. To find out what doctors want you to consider before participating in strenuous athletic activities, read Athletic Activities After Joint Replacement.
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Splint, Surgery, or Watch-and-Wait?
Wednesday October 8, 2008
The best approach for treating
carpal tunnel syndrome has been studied and debated for years. An updated review of studies that appears in Issue 4 (2008) of
The Cochrane Library concludes that surgery is more effective at relieving carpal tunnel symptoms than splinting. Compared to non-surgical treatment options, patients were found to have significantly less pain, tingling, numbness, and muscle weakness at 3 months and one year following surgery.
In the updated review, Chilean researchers evaluated 4 new studies that involved 317 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients who had surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome rarely had to return for a second surgery. Patients who were first treated with medication or splinting often had surgery later.
Initially, most carpal tunnel patients are treated non-surgically, although treatment varies worldwide. Researchers concluded that surgery was better than splinting, although it was less clear whether surgery was better than a steroid injection. Some researchers believe a watch-and-wait approach is best since many patients stay the same or improve over time.
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Photo © A.D.A.M.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Fat Limbs Suffer More Disability
Sunday October 5, 2008
People with
rheumatoid arthritis who have more fat on their arms and legs tend to suffer more disability associated with the disease. According to a report in the October issue of
Arthritis Care & Research, researchers assessed body composition and disability in 197 men and women with rheumatoid arthritis. Study participants were asked to respond to a standard Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) which rated their ability or inability to perform usual
daily living activities.
Patients who had more fat on their arms and legs had higher HAQ scores (worse physical function). Patients who had more lean mass (more muscle) on their arms and legs had lower HAQ scores (better physical function). While other factors also contribute to disability -- in an effort to improve physical function and reduce disability -- rheumatoid arthritis patients should focus on muscle strengthening and fat loss.
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Photo by Mikhail Kokhanchikov (iStockphoto)
