There are potential side effects with all arthritis medications. Some arthritis medication side effects are apparent (for example, a skin rash) while others may not be as obvious (such as elevated liver enzymes). You should know as much about potential side effects as you do about why you were prescribed the medication.

If bothersome side effects do occur, you have essentially three options. Learn what those options are in Arthritis Medication Side Effects - What You Should Know.

Related Resources:

• Don't Stop Medication Without Doctor's Input
• Review Prescription Medications With Your Doctor
• 10 Things You Should Do When Given a New Prescription
• How to Reduce Risks of Using Arthritis Medicines

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Roberta Osborne (iStockphoto)}

The Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis, more commonly and succinctly referred to as the Jingle Bell Run, is a 5K run or 5K walk (your choice!) to raise money and support the mission of the Arthritis Foundation, which is to prevent, control, and cure arthritis and related conditions. Not every state holds a Jingle Bell Run event, but many do. Most are held in November or December.

Several of our forum members participate in their local Jingle Bell Run, while others support someone else who participates. To learn more about when your local Jingle Bell Run event is being held, registering, forming a team, fundraising, and donating -- check out Jingle Bell Run / Walk for Arthritis.

Related Resources:

• The Arthritis Walk - Walk for a Cure
• Arthritis Foundation - What's It All About?
• Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Is Effective
• Fast Facts About Arthritis

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo © Arthritis Foundation}

A Swedish study has concluded that rheumatoid arthritis patients did not experience an increased cancer risk in the first 6 years of treatment with TNF blockers. Researchers from Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm assessed short-term and medium-term cancer risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients using Remicade, Humira, and Enbrel.

According to the report published in the November 2009 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the study was one of the largest and longest population-based assessments of cancer risk associated with immunosupressive therapy. Data from 6,366 patients who used TNF blockers between January 1999 through July 2006 was included in the study. Their data was compared to other groups of rheumatoid arthritis patients -- including more than 61,000 who were not taking medication, about 4,000 who were using methotrexate, and about 4,000 patients using a combination of DMARDs (not TNF blockers).

The overall cancer risk was found to be the same for rheumatoid arthritis patients on immunosuppressants as for those patients not taking medications. But researchers added, this is just one study and it doesn't erase uncertainty about cancer risk that will be proven over time. Patients should still have routine cancer screenings and be vigilant about any physical changes that might be indicative of cancer.

Related Resources:

• 10 Things You Should Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
• TNF-alpha Blockers - What You Need to Know
• Test Your Knowledge - TNF Blockers

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Zhe Zhang (stock.xchng)}

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may have been told by your doctor that taking fish oil is beneficial. If not told by your own doctor, you probably have heard about the recommendation. Fish oil reduces inflammation that is associated with many conditions, including arthritis. But how? Until now, there has not been a detailed explanation.

According to a paper published in Nature, researchers from Queen Mary, University of London and Harvard Medical School have determined how the body converts DHA, an ingredient found in fish oil, into a chemical referred to as Resolvin D2. They also analyzed the chemical structure of Resolvin D2 and studied how it interacts with white blood cells that adhere to the inner lining of blood vessels during the inflammatory process. The findings offer at least one explanation for how fish oil works -- important for understanding its role in preventing and treating arthritis -- and possibly other inflammatory conditions.

Related Resources:

• Inflammation - The Battle Within
• More About Fish Oil
• Fish Oil - What You Need to Know
• More About Dietary Supplements for Arthritis
• Natural Therapies and Alternative Treatments - Useful for Arthritis?

Share Your Advice and Experiences:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Stas Volik (iStockphoto)}

Gout is considered one of the most painful types of arthritis. Managing gout can be difficult. Studies have shown that people who drink a lot of milk have a lower risk of developing gout. Last week, at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers reported the results of a study which assessed the effect of skim milk on serum uric acid concentrations. Elevated uric acid concentrations can increase the risk of gout.

Along with three different types of skim milk, researchers also tested soy milk. After drinking soy milk, uric acid concentrations rose 10%. All skim milk versions brought uric acid concentration down by 10%. Bottom line -- skim milk may be beneficial for gout prevention, as well as gout treatment, because it reduces uric acid concentration short-term. Researchers are now studying long term effects.

Related Resources:

• Gout Risk Factors
• Gout Screening Quiz
• Gout Attack Explained
• Gout Diet - Foods to Avoid
• Gout Diet - Foods to Eat

Share Your Advice and Experiences:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Richard Hobson (iStockphoto)}

The rate of joint surgery in rheumatoid arthritis patients hit an all-time high in the 1990s -- and since then it has been declining, according to a report presented at the 2009 ACR (American College of Rheumatology) meeting. Over the past 25 years, rheumatoid arthritis treatment options have greatly improved, and perhaps so has the need for joint replacement.

Researchers found that the rate of knee replacement in patients age 40-59 years dropped 19% from the period 1983-1987 to 2003-2007. Over the same time period, hip replacement rates dropped by 40%. Researchers concluded that younger patients are having fewer joint replacements compared to the last decade.

Related Resources:

• More About Joint Replacement
• Joint Replacement - Is It Time?
• Too Young for Joint Replacement?
• What Is Joint Replacement Surgery?
• Types of Joint Surgery - Test Your Knowledge

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board
• Tell Us About Your Joint Replacement Surgery

_{Photo by ajsmen (stock.xchng)}

When assessing the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, doctors consider your symptoms, joint damage, and physical function. Symptoms of severe rheumatoid arthritis include a high level of joint pain, stiffness, or swelling of the affected joints. You may have trouble performing your usual daily activities. Joint deformities, especially hand deformity, are common with severe rheumatoid arthritis. The condition can also affect other organs in your body, leading to symptoms such as persistent fatigue.

Early diagnosis and treatment is essential. But even with an aggressive treatment plan, there is no cure, and there is no guarantee that the disease will not progress from mild to severe. What can you do to stave off severe rheumatoid arthritis? Start by learning all you can about the disease. When symptoms first occur, consult a doctor or rheumatologist. Decide on a treatment plan with your doctor. Be compliant with the treatment plan. Be open and honest with your doctor about changes in your condition or any concerns that develop. To help you learn about rheumatoid arthritis, we've compiled Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis - What You Need to Know.

Related Resources:

• Is There An Arthritis Cure?
• TNF Blockers for Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Options
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Versus Osteoarthritis
• Advice for Patients With Long-term Rheumatoid Arthritis

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Joanne Green (iStockphoto)}

Insecticide may increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, according to a report presented at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting. Exposure to farming and agricultural pesticide has previously been linked to the development of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Researchers examined if the two autoimmune diseases could also be linked to personal use of insecticide or exposure to commercial residential insecticide.

Data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study was used. Of nearly 77,000 people studied, the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis or lupus was higher for women who reported more insecticide use (more frequent use or for longer duration) whether or not they ever lived or worked on a farm. This suggests an increased risk in the general population related to insecticide use, not just in a farm setting.

Related Resources:

• Lupus Screening Quiz
• Lupus - 10 Things You Should Know
• Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Rheumatoid Arthritis - 10 Things You Should Know
• Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus - Which Is It?

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by Alena Brozova (iStockphoto)}

Rituxan is approved by the FDA to treat moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to methotrexate and one or more TNF blockers. In response to a supplemental BLA (biologics license application), the FDA did not support the approval of Rituxan for patients who have not tried methotrexate or those who had an inadequate response to methotrexate.

The drugmaker, Genentech, had hoped to get approval to treat rheumatoid arthritis patients earlier -- after only trying methotrexate. But the FDA declined - citing the rare possibility of PML (progressive multifocal leukeoencephalopathy). The FDA's decision does not affect previous approvals for Rituxan -- it only declines support for its use in early rheumatoid arthritis.

Related Resources:

• The Facts of Rituxan
• Rituxan Is Monoclonal Antibody
• 10 Ways to Ensure Drug Safety
• FDA Warns Rituxan Patients About PML
• Biologic Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis - Which Is Best?

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Photo by electricspace (iStockphoto)}

Chronic rhinosinusitis (more commonly referred to as chronic sinusitis) is an inflammatory condition that involves one or more of the paranasal sinuses. It usually develops following an allergic reaction or upper respiratory infection. Researchers looked at the electronic medical records of nearly 2 million patients to determine if there was a connection between chronic rhinosinusitis and other chronic conditions.

According to a paper presented at the 2009 American Academy of Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, there is a higher incidence of chronic rhinosinusitis in people who have another chronic condition -- especially among those with asthma -- who also tend to have nasal polyps. For people with arthritis or high blood pressure, there is a higher incidence of chronic sinusitis but not nasal polyps.

Related Resources:

• Sinusitis Can Mimic Arthritis Aches
• Sinusitis - An In-depth Report
• What Are Nasal Polyps?
• Sinus Congestion and Chronic Sinusitis, from About.com Guide to Alternative Medicine

Join the Discussion:

• Join Us in Our Arthritis Forum / Message Board

_{Image © A.D.A.M.}