Frequently asked questions about arthritis. Common questions and answers on arthritis. Basic information, articles, and other resources about arthritis.
Contradictory information about an arthritis cure can be confusing for new arthritis patients. There are many books and articles written about an arthritis cure, but other resources claim there is no arthritis cure. Which is correct?
Alcohol may interact with arthritis medications or exacerbate some symptoms associated with some rheumatic diseases. Is it safe for arthritis patients to drink alcohol?
Why should arthritis patients consider natural therapies and alternative treatments?
When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed for arthritis patients?
Anemia is often a symptom associated with chronic arthritis.
Anti-CCP is a diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis can affect any joint. Patients present symptoms which can vary.
A brief explanation and fast facts about this often confused term.
Arthritis patients often say they are in a flare. What defines an arthritis flare?
Follow instructions from your pharmacist when taking arthritis medications.
New medications can take time to become fully effective. It's hard to tell sometimes if you have given it a fair chance or if you should give up on a particular drug.
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can subside for a period of time. What defines a true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
The medical history of some arthritis patients make them unsuitable candidates for biologic drugs such as Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Orencia, and Rituxan.
Blood donation is a generous gift to give. Are people with rheumatic diseases excluded from blood donation?
People may sometimes do an autologous blood donation prior to an elective surgery.
Blood tests are used to monitor the effectiveness of arthritis treatments and any problems which may be occurring, such as toxicity.
Blood tests help rheumatologists diagnose and monitor arthritis, but clinical symptoms are an important aspect too.
Can computer use and other repetitive hand and wrist movements cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, but there are probably a number of factors involved.
Just what is the difference between "chronic fatigue" and "chronic fatigue syndrome"?
How can people who take immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatic disease avoid colds, flu, and infection?
What are the most common mistakes made by arthritis patients?
What is a comorbid condition? Do most people with arthritis have a comorbid condition? Does it make them harder to treat?
A brief explanation and fast facts about CPPD(Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition Disease), which is also known as pseudogout.
An explanation of the significance of blood tests CRP and ESR.
Patients are often confused by the diagnosis of "degenerative arthritis".
Sadness is a normal emotion that we all feel at times. It's not the same as depression.
A brief explanation and fast facts about DHEA.
Many people believe diet has a direct impact on arthritis and related conditions. Gout is one such example but are there others?
DMARDS are a necesary part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Information about developing a drug allergy - can it happen at any time?
Early diagnosis of arthritis sets the stage for a proper treatment plan. Don't self-treat until you are properly diagnosed.
Early, aggressive treatment for arthritis can prevent joint damage and deformity.
Intermittent edema in the ankles and calves can be an associated symptom of RA.
Some people tout diet as part of a treatment plan for RA. Is there any basis for elimination diet as a treatment for RA?
Rheumatologist offers recommendations for adjusting to the emotional impact of living with chronic arthritis.
Some patients have reported a lull in effectiveness after using Enbrel for a couple of months.
Patients are often advised to weigh the benefit and risk of any medication, including TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. What similarities and differences are there between the three drugs?
The medical community differs on their views of fibromyalgia.
It's still a debate whether the cause of fibromyalgia is psychological, physical, or both.
Fibromyalgia can occur as a primary or secondary condition.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with many other conditions.
Fibromyalgia affects as many as one in 50 Americans.
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease.
Flu shots are important for people with chronic illness, including rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Folic acid is prescribed along with methotrexate. Learn why this is necessary.
Gold shots were used years ago as a standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Gold is rarely used now to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
A brief explanation and fast facts about gouty arthritis.
Hair loss is an unwanted side effect of some arthritis medications. Can hair loss be stopped or prevented with treatment?
Eventually, in rheumatoid arthritis, the small peripheral joints of the hands and the wrists will become involved, leading to contractures and deformities.
Some people with arthritis complain of ear problems or hearing loss. Is there a connection between arthritis and hearing loss?
HLA B27 is an inherited gene marker associated with a number of related rheumatic diseases.
Hoarseness or voice change can be related to arthritis. Do you know how?
Terminology for inflammatory arthritic conditions is explained.
Insomnia is prevalent in people suffering with chronic arthritis.
Joint effusion is a symptom of arthritis. It is an abnormal buildup of joint fluid.
The principles of joint protection are important to reduce pain, joint damage, and disability.
Is it possible to be too young? Doctor advises when the time is right to get a joint replacement.
Resurfacing a joint is a surgical treatment option.
An explanation of the differences between lymphedema and edema.
Static magnet therapy is believed to relieve pain by increasing circulation. The effectiveness of arthritis magnet therapy for relieving pain is still in question.
What actions help preserve manual dexterity in people with arthritis of the hand?
It is important for doctors to stay current on the lastest research news. Where do doctors primarily get their information - medical journals or pharmaceutical company information?
Some people have had good results while taking minocycline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
The diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is complicated. How is Mixed Connective Tissue Disease different from Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease?
Some of the newest biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are monoclonal antibodies. What is a monoclonal antibody?
Morning stiffness is a symptom which can help determine what type of arthritis you have.
It has been reported that rheumatoid arthritis can impact mortality.
Mouth sores are not uncommon in arthritis patients. We examine the reasons for mouth sores and treatments for mouth sores.
X-rays have long been a useful tool in diagnosing and monitoring arthritis. Are MRI scans becoming a more valuable tool?
Nutritional supplements are getting more and more attention. People are searching for information on both MSM (the supplement touted by actor James Coburn) and SAM-e.
When are muscle relaxers appropriately prescribed for arthritis patients?
Do normal blood test results rule out rheumatic disease?
Orencia (abatacept) is the first approved T-cell co-stimulation modulator approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. How is Orencia (abatacept) different from Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and Anakinra?
Is there a correlation between athletics and developing osteoarthritis?
Osteoporosis is a silent disease but bone density exams can help detect bones which are becoming weak.
Certain risk factors make it more likely that a patient will develop osteoporosis.
A brief explanation about acute and chronic pain.
When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed?
Pain tolerance or pain perception can vary among people with arthritis.
It has been the experience of many arthritis patients that after taking a particular NSAID for awhile it seems to stop working or lose effectiveness.
Platelet counts are often elevated in inflammatory conditions.
Potassium levels in the blood can be abnormally high or low due to medication side effects.
Prednisone is a potent medications used to control symptoms of arthritis but there are potential side effects with longterm use.
Prednisone withdrawal symptoms can occur if steroids are not discontinued gradually. Tapering the dose of prednisone minimizes prednisone withdrawal symptoms.
What do the prescription abbreviations mean?
Prosorba column is a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis if all conventional treatments have failed.
Distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
A description of the variants of psoriatic arthritis and how the condition is treated.
A brief explanation and fast facts about limited range of motion and range of motion exercise.
Dr. Zashin explains what can be done to decrease the chance of having an allergic reaction to Remicade.
An explanation of the term burn-out as it relates to RA, or is it just a remission?
Is the Repicci knee system a good alternative to total knee replacement?
Scott Zashin M.D. describe possible causes of RLS and treatment options.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a scary diagnosis. Is there a way to determine what the future holds?
Rheumatoid arthritis hand deformity is a common symptom of the disease. Can it be prevented?
80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have a positive rheumatoid factor, while 20% are negative for rheumatoid factor. What is the significance?
Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.
Firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Patients can prepare for their first appointment at a rheumatologist by knowing what to expect.
There is a need for medical doctors who specialize in arthritis (rheumatologists).
It is rather easy to become less active and fall into the pattern of a sedentary lifestyle because of the pain, fatigue, and limitations caused by chronic arthritis.
Arthritis patients sometimes fear the side effects of the TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Should they be afraid and avoid these drugs?
Joint replacement is common for knees and hips. Prostheses for the small bones of hands and feet are not as successful or developed.
Repetitive trauma to the joints is almost a guarantee of problems, such as arthritis.
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and arthritis. When are local steroid injections indicated?
It's common to be told to stop all medications prior to surgery. Is it always necessary?
Stress is often pointed out as an aggravator of illness, including arthritis.
Substance P is a neurotransmitter related to the sensation of pain. Substance P has been implicated in pain syndromes such as low back pain, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.
An explanation of Synvisc and viscosupplementation.
Although most problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis involve the joints, there can be systemic involvement.
Improvements such as: pools, spas, elevators, lifts and ramps "may" be tax deductible.
Can weight-loss programs, diet foods or a doctor-recommended special diet be tax deductible?
Taxes and over-the-counter products and other nonpresciption medical supplies.
A brief explanation and fast facts about a TENS unit.
TNF drugs have an infection risk.
If an patient is on one of the TNF blocker drugs, when is it appropriate to switch to another?
Tylenol is a widely distributed and effective analgesic medication. But what about its safety?
Arthritis patients have dissimilar courses of disease and treatment effectiveness.
The effect of weather on arthritis is true for some, but just an old wives tale to others.
Many people with arthritis have a hard time controlling their weight.
