Frequently Asked Questions About Arthritis - Basic Information - Q & A
Frequently asked questions about arthritis. Common questions and answers on arthritis. Basic information, articles, and other resources about arthritis.
Synvisc - What is Synvisc?
A brief explanation and fast facts about Synvisc injections.
A brief explanation and fast facts about Synvisc injections.
Is There An Arthritis Cure?
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?
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 and Arthritis - Is alcohol to be avoided completely?
Alcohol may interact with arthritis medications or exacerbate some symptoms associated with some rheumatic diseases. Is it safe for arthritis patients to drink alcohol?
Alcohol may interact with arthritis medications or exacerbate some symptoms associated with some rheumatic diseases. Is it safe for arthritis patients to drink alcohol?
Alternative & Natural Treatments - Are They Useful For Arthritis?
Why should arthritis patients consider natural therapies and alternative treatments?
Why should arthritis patients consider natural therapies and alternative treatments?
Analgesics - When Are Pain Medications Appropriate For Arthritis?
When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed for arthritis patients?
When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed for arthritis patients?
Anemia - Is anemia commonly associated with chronic arthritis?
Anemia is often a symptom associated with chronic arthritis.
Anemia is often a symptom associated with chronic arthritis.
Anti-CCP - What is anti-CCP?
Anti-CCP is a diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis.
Anti-CCP is a diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritic Joints - Are all joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Arthritis can affect any joint. Patients present symptoms which can vary.
Arthritis can affect any joint. Patients present symptoms which can vary.
Arthritides - What is an Arthritide?
A brief explanation and fast facts about this often confused term.
A brief explanation and fast facts about this often confused term.
Arthritis Flare - What is an arthritis flare?
Arthritis patients often say they are in a flare. What defines an arthritis flare?
Arthritis patients often say they are in a flare. What defines an arthritis flare?
Arthritis Medications - Does it matter if a person takes arthritis medications with or without food?
Follow instructions from your pharmacist when taking arthritis medications.
Follow instructions from your pharmacist when taking arthritis medications.
Arthritis Medications - How long should a patient stick with a new medication before considering it ineffective?
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.
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.
Arthritis Pain Research - What Research Is Being Conducted on Arthritis Pain?
Research looks to increase understanding of arthritis pain.
Research looks to increase understanding of arthritis pain.
Arthritis Remission - What defines a remission in RA?
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can subside for a period of time. What defines a true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Clinical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can subside for a period of time. What defines a true remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
Biologic Drugs - Are Some Arthritis Patients Unsuitable Candidates For Biologic Drugs?
The medical history of some arthritis patients make them unsuitable candidates for biologic drugs such as Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Orencia, and Rituxan.
The medical history of some arthritis patients make them unsuitable candidates for biologic drugs such as Enbrel, Remicade, Humira, Orencia, and Rituxan.
Blood Donation - Are rheumatoid arthritis patients able to donate blood?
Blood donation is a generous gift to give. Are people with rheumatic diseases excluded from blood donation?
Blood donation is a generous gift to give. Are people with rheumatic diseases excluded from blood donation?
Cortisone Injections - Why are cortisone injections into a joint variable in effectiveness?
Cortisone can be injected directly into a painful joint, but the effect is not always the same.
Cortisone can be injected directly into a painful joint, but the effect is not always the same.
Blood Donation - What Is An Autologous Blood Donation?
People may sometimes do an autologous blood donation prior to an elective surgery.
People may sometimes do an autologous blood donation prior to an elective surgery.
Blood Tests - Used To Monitor Arthritis Treatments
Blood tests are used to monitor the effectiveness of arthritis treatments and any problems which may be occurring, such as toxicity.
Blood tests are used to monitor the effectiveness of arthritis treatments and any problems which may be occurring, such as toxicity.
Blood Tests for Arthritis - What blood tests are commonly ordered to diagnose and monitor arthritis?
Blood tests help rheumatologists diagnose and monitor arthritis, but clinical symptoms are an important aspect too.
Blood tests help rheumatologists diagnose and monitor arthritis, but clinical symptoms are an important aspect too.
Carpal - Can Computer Use & Repetitive Movements Cause Carpal Tunnel?
Can computer use and other repetitive hand and wrist movements cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Can computer use and other repetitive hand and wrist movements cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
Cause of Fibromyalgia - What Causes Fibromyalgia?
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, but there are probably a number of factors involved.
The exact causes of fibromyalgia are still unknown, but there are probably a number of factors involved.
Chronic Fatigue - What is "Chronic Fatigue" vs. "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome"?
Just what is the difference between "chronic fatigue" and "chronic fatigue syndrome"?
Just what is the difference between "chronic fatigue" and "chronic fatigue syndrome"?
Colds, flu, infection - How to avoid colds, flu, infection when on immunosuppressant drugs
How can people who take immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatic disease avoid colds, flu, and infection?
How can people who take immunosuppressant drugs for rheumatic disease avoid colds, flu, and infection?
Common Mistakes Made By Arthritis Patients - Most Common Arthritis Mistakes
What are the most common mistakes made by arthritis patients?
What are the most common mistakes made by arthritis patients?
Comorbid condition - What is a comorbid condition?
What is a comorbid condition? Do most people with arthritis have a comorbid condition? Does it make them harder to treat?
What is a comorbid condition? Do most people with arthritis have a comorbid condition? Does it make them harder to treat?
CPPD (Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition Disease): What Is It?
A brief explanation and fast facts about CPPD(Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition Disease), which is also known as pseudogout.
A brief explanation and fast facts about CPPD(Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Deposition Disease), which is also known as pseudogout.
CRP and ESR - What is the significance of the blood tests CRP and ESR?
An explanation of the significance of blood tests CRP and ESR.
An explanation of the significance of blood tests CRP and ESR.
Degenerative Arthritis - What is Degenerative Arthritis?
Patients are often confused by the diagnosis of "degenerative arthritis".
Patients are often confused by the diagnosis of "degenerative arthritis".
Depression - When Does Sadness/Frustration Cross Over Into Depression?
Sadness is a normal emotion that we all feel at times. It's not the same as depression.
Sadness is a normal emotion that we all feel at times. It's not the same as depression.
DHEA - What is DHEA? (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
A brief explanation and fast facts about DHEA.
A brief explanation and fast facts about DHEA.
Diet and Arthritis - Does diet have a direct impact on arthritis?
Many people believe diet has a direct impact on arthritis and related conditions. Gout is one such example but are there others?
Many people believe diet has a direct impact on arthritis and related conditions. Gout is one such example but are there others?
DMARDS - Should a DMARD always be included in RA patient's treatment regimen?
DMARDS are a necesary part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
DMARDS are a necesary part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Drug allergy - Can a person develop a drug allergy at any time?
Information about developing a drug allergy - can it happen at any time?
Information about developing a drug allergy - can it happen at any time?
Early Diagnosis of Arthritis - Is it Important?
Early diagnosis of arthritis sets the stage for a proper treatment plan. Don't self-treat until you are properly diagnosed.
Early diagnosis of arthritis sets the stage for a proper treatment plan. Don't self-treat until you are properly diagnosed.
Early, Aggressive Arthritis Treatment - Is early, aggressive treatment the recommendation for newly diagnosed patients?
Early, aggressive treatment for arthritis can prevent joint damage and deformity.
Early, aggressive treatment for arthritis can prevent joint damage and deformity.
Edema - What are causes of intermittent edema in RA?
Intermittent edema in the ankles and calves can be an associated symptom of RA.
Intermittent edema in the ankles and calves can be an associated symptom of RA.
Elimination Diets - Are elimination diets appropriate for 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?
Some people tout diet as part of a treatment plan for RA. Is there any basis for elimination diet as a treatment for RA?
Emotional Impact of Arthritis - Recommendations for adjusting to emotional impact of living with chronic arthritis
Rheumatologist offers recommendations for adjusting to the emotional impact of living with chronic arthritis.
Rheumatologist offers recommendations for adjusting to the emotional impact of living with chronic arthritis.
Enbrel - What causes the lull in effectiveness reported by some patients using Enbrel?
Some patients have reported a lull in effectiveness after using Enbrel for a couple of months.
Some patients have reported a lull in effectiveness after using Enbrel for a couple of months.
Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira - How are the drugs similar and different?
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?
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?
Fibromyalgia - How is fibromyalgia viewed by the medical community?
The medical community differs on their views of fibromyalgia.
The medical community differs on their views of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia - Is fibromyalgia psychological, physical, or both?
It's still a debate whether the cause of fibromyalgia is psychological, physical, or both.
It's still a debate whether the cause of fibromyalgia is psychological, physical, or both.
Fibromyalgia Prognosis - Will Fibromyalgia Get Better With Time?
Fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease.
Fibromyalgia is not a progressive disease.
Fibromyalgia and RA - How common is it to have fibromyalgia in combination with RA?
Fibromyalgia can occur as a primary or secondary condition.
Fibromyalgia can occur as a primary or secondary condition.
Fibromyalgia Research - What Are Researchers Learning About Fibromyalgia?
Research improves understanding of fibromyalgia.
Research improves understanding of fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia Diagnosis - How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with many other conditions.
Symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with many other conditions.
Fibromyalgia in Women, Men and Children - Who Gets Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia affects as many as one in 50 Americans.
Fibromyalgia affects as many as one in 50 Americans.
Fibromyalgia Syndrome - What Is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease.
Fibromyalgia is a syndrome rather than a disease.
Flu Shots - Should people with RA/rheumatic diseases get a flu shot?
Flu shots are important for people with chronic illness, including rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Flu shots are important for people with chronic illness, including rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Folic Acid and Methotrexate - Why is it necessary to take folic acid with methotrexate?
Folic acid is prescribed along with methotrexate. Learn why this is necessary.
Folic acid is prescribed along with methotrexate. Learn why this is necessary.
Gold Injections - Oral Gold - Is Gold Commonly Or Rarely Used To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Gold shots were used years ago as a standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Gold is rarely used now to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Gold shots were used years ago as a standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Gold is rarely used now to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Gouty Arthritis - What is Gouty Arthritis?
A brief explanation and fast facts about gouty arthritis.
A brief explanation and fast facts about gouty arthritis.
Hair Loss Caused By Medications - Can It Be Prevented Or Treated?
Hair loss is an unwanted side effect of some arthritis medications. Can hair loss be stopped or prevented with treatment?
Hair loss is an unwanted side effect of some arthritis medications. Can hair loss be stopped or prevented with treatment?
Hand deformity - What can be done to prevent hand deformity in rheumatoid arthritis?
Eventually, in rheumatoid arthritis, the small peripheral joints of the hands and the wrists will become involved, leading to contractures and deformities.
Eventually, in rheumatoid arthritis, the small peripheral joints of the hands and the wrists will become involved, leading to contractures and deformities.
Hearing Loss - Can Arthritis Cause Hearing Loss?
Some people with arthritis complain of ear problems or hearing loss. Is there a connection between arthritis and hearing loss?
Some people with arthritis complain of ear problems or hearing loss. Is there a connection between arthritis and hearing loss?
HLA B27 - What is the significance of HLA B27 in rheumatic disease?
HLA B27 is an inherited gene marker associated with a number of related rheumatic diseases.
HLA B27 is an inherited gene marker associated with a number of related rheumatic diseases.
Hoarseness Or Voice Change: Possibly Related To RA?
Hoarseness or voice change can be related to arthritis. Do you know how?
Hoarseness or voice change can be related to arthritis. Do you know how?
Inflammatory arthritis - Polyarthritis/inflammatory arthritis/RA same?
Terminology for inflammatory arthritic conditions is explained.
Terminology for inflammatory arthritic conditions is explained.
Insomnia - What causes the insomnia?
Insomnia is prevalent in people suffering with chronic arthritis.
Insomnia is prevalent in people suffering with chronic arthritis.
Joint Effusion - What Is Joint Effusion?
Joint effusion is a symptom of arthritis. It is an abnormal buildup of joint fluid.
Joint effusion is a symptom of arthritis. It is an abnormal buildup of joint fluid.
Joint protection - What are the basic principles of joint protection?
The principles of joint protection are important to reduce pain, joint damage, and disability.
The principles of joint protection are important to reduce pain, joint damage, and disability.
Joint Replacement - When is the time right to get a joint replacement
Is it possible to be too young? Doctor advises when the time is right to get a joint replacement.
Is it possible to be too young? Doctor advises when the time is right to get a joint replacement.
Knee resurfacing - Is knee resurfacing a viable alternative to joint replacement surgery?
Resurfacing a joint is a surgical treatment option.
Resurfacing a joint is a surgical treatment option.
Lymphedema vs. Edema - What Is The Correlation With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
An explanation of the differences between lymphedema and edema.
An explanation of the differences between lymphedema and edema.
Magnet therapy - How does magnet therapy help arthritis?
Static magnet therapy is believed to relieve pain by increasing circulation. The effectiveness of arthritis magnet therapy for relieving pain is still in question.
Static magnet therapy is believed to relieve pain by increasing circulation. The effectiveness of arthritis magnet therapy for relieving pain is still in question.
Manual Dexterity - What Actions Help Preserve Manual Dexterity?
What actions help preserve manual dexterity in people with arthritis of the hand?
What actions help preserve manual dexterity in people with arthritis of the hand?
Medical Journals - Are doctors reading medical journals to stay current on the latest information?
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?
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?
Minocycline - Is minocycline functioning as an antibiotic when used to treat arthritis?
Some people have had good results while taking minocycline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some people have had good results while taking minocycline for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
Mixed Connective Tissue Disease - What Is Mixed Connective Tissue Disease?
The diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is complicated. How is Mixed Connective Tissue Disease different from Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease?
The diagnosis of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease is complicated. How is Mixed Connective Tissue Disease different from Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease?
Monoclonal Antibody - What Is A Monoclonal Antibody?
Some of the newest biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are monoclonal antibodies. What is a monoclonal antibody?
Some of the newest biologic treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are monoclonal antibodies. What is a monoclonal antibody?
Morning Stiffness - What is the significance of morning stiffness as it relates to arthritis?
Morning stiffness is a symptom which can help determine what type of arthritis you have.
Morning stiffness is a symptom which can help determine what type of arthritis you have.
Mortality and RA - What is the effect of rheumatoid arthritis on mortality?
It has been reported that rheumatoid arthritis can impact mortality.
It has been reported that rheumatoid arthritis can impact mortality.
Mouth Sores - What Causes And Heals Mouth Sores In Arthritis Patients?
Mouth sores are not uncommon in arthritis patients. We examine the reasons for mouth sores and treatments for mouth sores.
Mouth sores are not uncommon in arthritis patients. We examine the reasons for mouth sores and treatments for mouth sores.
MRI - Is MRI of value in the clinical setting for arthritis patients?
X-rays have long been a useful tool in diagnosing and monitoring arthritis. Are MRI scans becoming a more valuable tool?
X-rays have long been a useful tool in diagnosing and monitoring arthritis. Are MRI scans becoming a more valuable tool?
MSM and SAMe - What should people know who are interested in MSM or SAMe to treat arthritis?
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.
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.
Muscle Relaxers And Arthritis - When Are Muscle Relaxers Prescribed For Arthritis Patients?
When are muscle relaxers appropriately prescribed for arthritis patients?
When are muscle relaxers appropriately prescribed for arthritis patients?
Normal Blood Test Results - Do normal blood test results preclude the diagnosis of RA or other rheumatic diseases?
Do normal blood test results rule out rheumatic disease?
Do normal blood test results rule out rheumatic disease?
Orencia vs. TNF Antagonists - What's The Difference Between Orencia And Other Biologics?
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?
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?
Osteoarthritis - Do Athletes Develop Premature Osteoarthritis?
Is there a correlation between athletics and developing osteoarthritis?
Is there a correlation between athletics and developing osteoarthritis?
Osteoporosis - What should people be doing to prevent osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is a silent disease but bone density exams can help detect bones which are becoming weak.
Osteoporosis is a silent disease but bone density exams can help detect bones which are becoming weak.
Osteoporosis Risk - Is there an increased risk of osteoporosis for people who have rheumatic disease?
Certain risk factors make it more likely that a patient will develop osteoporosis.
Certain risk factors make it more likely that a patient will develop osteoporosis.
Pain - What is Pain?
A brief explanation about acute and chronic pain.
A brief explanation about acute and chronic pain.
Pain Medications - When Are Pain Medications Appropriate For Patients?
When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed?
When is it appropriate for pain medications (analgesics) to be prescribed?
Pain Tolerance - Arthritis Patients Vary In Pain Tolerance
Pain tolerance or pain perception can vary among people with arthritis.
Pain tolerance or pain perception can vary among people with arthritis.
Plateau effect - Is there such a thing as a plateau effect for arthritis medications?
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.
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 count - Is a high platelet count common with RA?
Platelet counts are often elevated in inflammatory conditions.
Platelet counts are often elevated in inflammatory conditions.
Potassium - Can Low or High Potassium Levels Be Caused by Medications?
Potassium levels in the blood can be abnormally high or low due to medication side effects.
Potassium levels in the blood can be abnormally high or low due to medication side effects.
Prednisone - Benefits vs. Risks Of Longterm Prednisone Use
Prednisone is a potent medications used to control symptoms of arthritis but there are potential side effects with longterm use.
Prednisone is a potent medications used to control symptoms of arthritis but there are potential side effects with longterm use.
Prednisone Withdrawal - Does tapering minimize withdrawal symptoms?
Prednisone withdrawal symptoms can occur if steroids are not discontinued gradually. Tapering the dose of prednisone minimizes prednisone withdrawal symptoms.
Prednisone withdrawal symptoms can occur if steroids are not discontinued gradually. Tapering the dose of prednisone minimizes prednisone withdrawal symptoms.
Prescription Abbreviations - Understanding The Prescription Abbreviations
What do the prescription abbreviations mean?
What do the prescription abbreviations mean?
Prosorba Column - Who is a good candidate for the Prosorba Column?
Prosorba column is a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis if all conventional treatments have failed.
Prosorba column is a possible treatment for rheumatoid arthritis if all conventional treatments have failed.
Psoriatic Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis - What are the differences between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Distinction between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic Arthritis - What are the primary symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and how is it treated?
A description of the variants of psoriatic arthritis and how the condition is treated.
A description of the variants of psoriatic arthritis and how the condition is treated.
Range Of Motion - What is Limited Range Of Motion?
A brief explanation and fast facts about limited range of motion and range of motion exercise.
A brief explanation and fast facts about limited range of motion and range of motion exercise.
Remicade - Is It Possible To Decrease Risk Of An Allergic Reaction?
Dr. Zashin explains what can be done to decrease the chance of having an allergic reaction to Remicade.
Dr. Zashin explains what can be done to decrease the chance of having an allergic reaction to Remicade.
Remission - Do most RA patients reach the point when their disease is "burned out"?
An explanation of the term burn-out as it relates to RA, or is it just a remission?
An explanation of the term burn-out as it relates to RA, or is it just a remission?
Repicci knee - Is the Repicci Knee a valid alternative for total knee replacement?
Is the Repicci knee system a good alternative to total knee replacement?
Is the Repicci knee system a good alternative to total knee replacement?
Restless Legs Syndrome - Is RLS Chronic Or Treatable?
Scott Zashin M.D. describe possible causes of RLS and treatment options.
Scott Zashin M.D. describe possible causes of RLS and treatment options.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - What's the prognosis for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a scary diagnosis. Is there a way to determine what the future holds?
Rheumatoid arthritis can be a scary diagnosis. Is there a way to determine what the future holds?
Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand - Is rheumatoid arthritis hand deformity preventable?
Rheumatoid arthritis hand deformity is a common symptom of the disease. Can it be prevented?
Rheumatoid arthritis hand deformity is a common symptom of the disease. Can it be prevented?
Rheumatoid Factor - What is the significance of a positive RA factor?
80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have a positive rheumatoid factor, while 20% are negative for rheumatoid factor. What is the significance?
80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis have a positive rheumatoid factor, while 20% are negative for rheumatoid factor. What is the significance?
Rheumatoid Lung Disease - What Is Rheumatoid Lung Disease?
Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.
Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Factor - What is the significance of a positive RA factor?
When told that they have a positive rheumatoid factor, patients often assume they have developed rheumatoid arthritis. Is that the case?
When told that they have a positive rheumatoid factor, patients often assume they have developed rheumatoid arthritis. Is that the case?
Rheumatoid nodules - Why do rheumatoid nodules develop and what do they signify?
Firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Firm, non-tender, subcutaneous nodules develop in about 25% of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Rheumatologist - What can patients expect at their first visit?
Patients can prepare for their first appointment at a rheumatologist by knowing what to expect.
Patients can prepare for their first appointment at a rheumatologist by knowing what to expect.
Rheumatologist shortage - Is there a shortage of rheumatologists?
There is a need for medical doctors who specialize in arthritis (rheumatologists).
There is a need for medical doctors who specialize in arthritis (rheumatologists).
Sedentary lifestyle - How important is it for an arthritis patient to avoid a sedentary lifestyle?
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.
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.
Side Effects Of Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira - Weighing The Risk vs. Benefits
Arthritis patients sometimes fear the side effects of the TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Should they be afraid and avoid these drugs?
Arthritis patients sometimes fear the side effects of the TNF blockers Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira. Should they be afraid and avoid these drugs?
Small joints - Is joint replacement an option for the small joints of hands and feet?
Joint replacement is common for knees and hips. Prostheses for the small bones of hands and feet are not as successful or developed.
Joint replacement is common for knees and hips. Prostheses for the small bones of hands and feet are not as successful or developed.
Sports injury - Is it common for arthritis to develop after trauma, accident, or sports injury?
Repetitive trauma to the joints is almost a guarantee of problems, such as arthritis.
Repetitive trauma to the joints is almost a guarantee of problems, such as arthritis.
Steroid Injections - When are steroid injections indicated as a treatment for arthritis?
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and arthritis. When are local steroid injections indicated?
Corticosteroids are used to treat inflammation and arthritis. When are local steroid injections indicated?
Stopping Medications Pre-Op - Is it necessary to stop all medications prior to surgery?
It's common to be told to stop all medications prior to surgery. Is it always necessary?
It's common to be told to stop all medications prior to surgery. Is it always necessary?
Stress and Arthritis - How much impact does stress have on arthritis?
Stress is often pointed out as an aggravator of illness, including arthritis.
Stress is often pointed out as an aggravator of illness, including arthritis.
Substance P - What is Substance P?
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.
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.
Synvisc - What is Synvisc and is it only used for the knee?
An explanation of Synvisc and viscosupplementation.
An explanation of Synvisc and viscosupplementation.
Systemic Effects of RA - How common are systemic effects, such as lung involvement, with rheumatoid arthritis?
Although most problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis involve the joints, there can be systemic involvement.
Although most problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis involve the joints, there can be systemic involvement.
Taxes - Are Pools, Spas & Other Improvements Tax Deductible?
Improvements such as: pools, spas, elevators, lifts and ramps "may" be tax deductible.
Improvements such as: pools, spas, elevators, lifts and ramps "may" be tax deductible.
Taxes - Can Food, Diet Foods & Weight-Loss Programs be Tax Deductible?
Can weight-loss programs, diet foods or a doctor-recommended special diet be tax deductible?
Can weight-loss programs, diet foods or a doctor-recommended special diet be tax deductible?
Taxes - Can You Deduct NonRX Drugs or Supplements on Your Taxes?
Taxes and over-the-counter products and other nonpresciption medical supplies.
Taxes and over-the-counter products and other nonpresciption medical supplies.
TENS Unit - What is a TENS Unit?
A brief explanation and fast facts about a TENS unit.
A brief explanation and fast facts about a TENS unit.
TNF - TNF Drugs and Infection Risk
TNF drugs have an infection risk.
TNF drugs have an infection risk.
TNF Blocker Drug - When Is It Appropriate To Switch TNF Blocker Drugs?
If an patient is on one of the TNF blocker drugs, when is it appropriate to switch to another?
If an patient is on one of the TNF blocker drugs, when is it appropriate to switch to another?
Tylenol side effects - What is the consequence of either longterm use or use of high doses of Tylenol?
Tylenol is a widely distributed and effective analgesic medication. But what about its safety?
Tylenol is a widely distributed and effective analgesic medication. But what about its safety?
Variation in response - Why are no two cases of arthritis alike?
Arthritis patients have dissimilar courses of disease and treatment effectiveness.
Arthritis patients have dissimilar courses of disease and treatment effectiveness.
Weather - Is there any true effect of weather on arthritis?
The effect of weather on arthritis is true for some, but just an old wives tale to others.
The effect of weather on arthritis is true for some, but just an old wives tale to others.
Weight Loss - Sound Advice For People With Arthritis About Weight Loss
Many people with arthritis have a hard time controlling their weight.
Many people with arthritis have a hard time controlling their weight.
Muscle Relaxers - When Are Muscle Relaxers Prescribed For Arthritis?
When are muscle relaxers appropriately prescribed for arthritis patients?
When are muscle relaxers appropriately prescribed for arthritis patients?