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Arthritis & Joint Conditions: Most Popular Articles

These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Arthritis Screening Quiz
Arthritis screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms of arthritis.
Lupus Screening Quiz
Lupus screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms of lupus.
Gout Diet - Foods to Avoid
Diet is important if you have gout. Learn which foods to avoid if you have gout.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Screening Quiz
Rheumatoid arthritis screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
Fibromyalgia screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Osteoarthritis Screening Quiz
Osteoarthritis screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms.
Gout Diet - Foods to Eat
People with gout are advised to avoid purine-rich foods, but what should they eat?
Gout Screening Quiz
Gout screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms of gout.
10 Facts About Tramadol
Tramadol is a popular arthritis pain reliever. It is prescribed to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
Sjogren's Syndrome Screening Quiz
Sjogren's syndrome screening quiz helps you determine if you have symptoms of Sjogren's syndrome.
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Symptoms, cause, and treatment of RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome), which is also referred to by several other names including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.
Gout Diet Quiz
Gout is one of the forms of arthritis truly affected by diet. Take our quiz and test your knowledge.
Quiz: Is it Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis?
There are specific symptoms and distinguishing characteristics between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Quiz: Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis or Lupus?
There are specific symptoms and distinguishing characteristics, as well as overlapping symptoms, between rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome?
10 Facts About Prednisone
Safe use of prednisone decreases the chance for undesirable side effects.
Guide to Lupus
Lupus symptoms can be confusing. Learn more about signs and symptoms of the autoimmune disease which can affect skin, other organs, and joints.
The Prednisone Quiz - True or False?
Do you know the important facts associated with prednisone use? Take our true or false prednisone quiz.
ANA (Antinuclear Antibody)
ANA is a blood test. The presence of the antinuclear antibody is associated with several of the autoimmunes diseases.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms associated with Anklyosing Spondylitis?
How to Treat Gout With Diet
Gout is one of the most painful types of arthritis. Gout attacks can be controlled or prevented by lifestyle changes and the use of certain medications.
Cut Back Purine-Rich Foods With Gout
Watching yout fory is part of the solution for reducing gout attacks. Cutting back on purine-rich foods is recommended.
Prednisone Withdrawal
Prednisone withdrawal symptoms can occur if steroids are not discontinued gradually. Tapering the dose of prednisone minimizes prednisone withdrawal symptoms.
What Is CRP?
CRP, C-reactive protein, is a blood test which indicates inflammation and is a marker for some diseases.
Arthritis Signs and Symptoms
Arthritis symptoms can vary because there are many different types of the disease. The most common symptoms include joint pain, joint stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.
10 Facts About Lyrica
Lyrica (pregabalin) safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about Lyrica (pregabalin) should be respected. Lyrica has been approved for the treatment of fibromyalgia. Several million patients have taken Lyrica worldwide, including those who were prescribed the drug for other indications. Here are 10 things you should know about Lyrica, including safety warnings.
Gout - Test Your Knowledge About Gout
Gout quiz tests your knowledge of gout.: arthritis screening quiz gout diet diet quiz osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis Screening Quiz
Psoriatic arthritis has symptoms which mimic rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or reactive arthritis. Take the screening quiz.
Arthritis Hand Photo Gallery
Arthritis can result in joint deformity. Hand deformity is one of the known characteristics associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Hand damage and deformity caused by arthritis can include nodules, swelling, stiffness, ulnar drift, contractures, and other problems.
Lyme Disease Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms associated with Lyme disease?
The Pain Quiz - Acute vs. Chronic Pain
Do you know the basic facts about pain, including the difference between acute and chronic pain?
Handicapped Parking Permits
People with chronic disabilities such as arthritis often wait too long before getting a handicapped parking permit. People think they don't qualify or its too much trouble, but it's not. Here's how to obtain a handicapped parking permit.
What Is Joint Effusion?
Joint effusion is a symptom of arthritis. It is an abnormal buildup of joint fluid.
Medications and Sun Sensitivity
Some medications cause sun sensitivity. The reaction can be severe, so protecting yourself is essential.
10 Facts About Methotrexate
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall) should be respected. Methotrexate is a DMARD (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug) used to treat certain types of arthritis and rheumatic conditions. There are important safety facts and warnings you should know about methotrexate.
Prescription Abbreviations
Prescription abbreviations can be hard to follow. What do the prescription abbreviations mean?
Pain Relief - Pain Relief Quiz
How much do you know about pain relief?: arthritis screening quiz osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis chronic arthritis rheumatoid arthritis
Scleroderma Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms associated with scleroderma?: arthritis screening quiz osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis test your knowledge rheumatoid arthritis
10 Facts About Plaquenil
Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine) should be respected. Plaquenil is an older disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug used to treat rheumatic and autoimmune conditions.
Raynaud's Phenomenon Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms associated with Raynaud's phenomenon?
Facts Of Corticosteroids
A look at the facts of corticosteroid treatment for arthritis.
The Back Pain Quiz
Do you know the basic facts about back pain?: arthritis screening quiz osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis test your knowledge low back pain
The Facts of Painkillers
Analgesic medications are commonly referred to as painkillers. There are basically two kinds of analgesics: non-narcotics and narcotics.
10 Lupus Facts You Should Know
Lupus is an autoimmune rheumatic disease. Lupus affects the joints, skin, and other organs of the body. Check out 10 important facts about the disease.
Testing For Kidney Problems
Kidney problems can be determined by specific blood tests or urine tests. Kidney problems can develop as side effects of some arthritis medications.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), one of 100 types of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease. How much do you know about RA? Take the quiz.
What Is Rheumatoid Factor?
About 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor. The other 20% have seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
Naproxen - NSAID for Arthritis
Naproxen, classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), is a popular arthritis medication but patients must be aware of potential side effects.
What Are Rheumatoid Nodules?
The description of a rheumatoid nodule with photos of actual rheumatoid nodules.
Early Arthritis Symptoms
It's not easy to recognize early arthritis symptoms. Initial symptoms are often mistaken for injury.
Lupus - Test Your Knowledge About Lupus
Lupus is difficult to diagnose initially. How much do you know about lupus? Take the quiz.
Medrol Dosepak - What You Need to Know
Medrol can be given in a tapering dose over a 6-day period. For ease of use, it is sold as the Medrol dosepak (dosepack).
What Is Anti-CCP?
Anti-CCP is a diagnostic test for rheumatoid arthritis.
10 Facts About Colchicine
Colchicine safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about colchicine should be respected. Colchicine is used for the treatment of gout. For safe use of the drug, here are 10 things you should know about colchicine including how it works, potential side effects, and warnings.
Joint Replacement Screening Quiz - When Is It The Right Time?
When is it the right time to have joint replacement surgery?
10 Facts About Voltaren Gel
Voltaren Gel is the first FDA approved topical prescription treatment for osteoarthritis. Voltaren Gel is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication in topical form that will mostly be used on knees and hands.
Inflammation - Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about inflammation? Take this quiz.
What is Facet Arthropathy?
Facet arthropathy is caused by facet joints becoming arthritic and painful. Facet arthropathy can be a cause of back pain.
Wrist Fracture (Broken Wrist)
Wrist fracture is the most common type of fracture before the age of 75. In women, the number of wrist fractures increases at menopause and plateaus after age 65. This increased incidence is most likely related to the rapid loss of bone in the years following menopause.
8 Actions to Do for Arthritis
Help yourself live well with arthritis through these actions. Here are the 8 best things to do for arthritis.
First Visit to Rheumatologist
A rheumatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in arthritis and related diseases. Why should you see a rheumatologist?
Fibromyalgia - Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about fibromyalgia? Take this quiz.
Arthritis & Diet Quiz
How does diet impact arthritis?: arthritis screening quiz gout diet diet quiz osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis
Fibromyalgia Tender Points
Tender points are specific places on the body that are exceptionally sensitive to touch in people with fibromyalgia. Tender points exist at nine bilateral muscle locations.
10 Facts About Gout
Gout is an intensely painful type of arthritis. Check out these 10 facts about gout.
What Are Osteophytes?
Osteophytes are also commonly known as bone spurs. Osteophytes develop in deteriorating joints damaged by arthritis.
Gout Risk Factor Quiz
What risk factors increase the chance of developing gout?
Methotrexate For RA
Methotrexate is considered the standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
Knee Pain: Step-By-Step
Knee pain can result from joint damage caused by arthritis. A step-by-step look at what causes knee pain.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 types of rheumatic diseases and related conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Tendons, muscles, skin, and organs are involved in certain types of arthritis.
Guide to Shoulder Problems
There are many causes of shoulder problems. Some shoulder problems arise from the disruption of soft tissues as a result of injury or from overuse or underuse of the shoulder. Other shoulders problems arise from a degenerative process in which tissues break down and no longer function well.
Does My Child Have Arthritis? - Juvenile Arthritis Screening Quiz
Does you child have symptoms associated with Juvenile Arthritis?
Gin-Soaked Raisins & Arthritis
Eating gin-soaked raisins is among the most popular folk remedies for arthritis pain.
Liver Blood Tests
Doctors routinely order liver blood tests to detect potential problems with liver function, a possible side effect of arthritis medications.
Arthritis Medications for Dogs
Pain medications for dogs provide relief to millions of dogs with arthritis, joint problems or with pain after surgery. Learn more about pain medications for dogs in our three part guide.
Gout Prevention and Treatment
Avoiding certain foods can help prevent gout. Certain medications help to control gout symptoms.
Blood Tests Used For Arthritis
Blood tests can help diagnose arthritis, monitor treatments, and track disease activity.
Morning Stiffness
Morning stiffness is a symptom which can help determine what type of arthritis you have. The duration of morning stiffness offers clues to your diagnostician.
Longterm Prednisone Use
Prednisone, one of the corticosteroids, is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. Prednisone benefits and risks must be weighed.
10 Rheumatoid Arthritis Facts
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million Americans and three times as many women as men. There are important facts you should know about rheumatoid arthritis.
How is Arthritis Treated?
There are many treatment options for arthritis. Medications are considered traditional treatment for arthritis but some patients look for natural alternatives. No matter what treatment you choose, weigh the risks and benefits.
What Are TENS Units?
A brief explanation and fast facts about a TENS unit.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis which affects the joints and may affect other parts of the body. Photos help explain rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis - Test Your Knowledge About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is most common in older people. How much do you know about osteoarthritis? Take the quiz.
Lupus Poses Many Challenges
The most common symptoms of lupus disease are skin rashes, extreme fatigue, arthritis, unexplained fevers, and kidney problems.
Osteoporosis Screening Quiz
Do you have symptoms or risk factors associated with osteoporosis?
10 Facts About Aspirin
Aspirin safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about aspirin should be respected. Aspirin is commonly used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. There are 10 things you should know about aspirin.
Peripheral Neuropathy Guide
A five-part guide to peripheral neuropathy (damage to the peripheral nerves). More than 100 types of peripheral neuropathy have been identified, each with its own set of symptoms, causes, and treatment. Since every peripheral nerve has a specialized function in a specific part of the body, a wide array of symptoms can occur when nerves are damaged.
What Is Crepitus?
Crepitus is a clinical symptom characterized by peculiar cracking. Crepitus may or may not be associated with pain in arthritis patients.
Significance Of CRP & Sedrate
An explanation of the significance of blood tests CRP (C-reactive protein) and ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
10 Facts About Tylenol
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is a popular painkiller. The maximum allowable dosage must be followed to reduce adverse side effects.
Arthritis Risk Factor Quiz
There are certain factors associated with an increased risk of developing arthritis. Do you have the risk factors? Take our quiz.
What Are Pinched Nerves?
A brief explanation and fast facts about pinched nerves.
Arthritis Drugs - My Options?
Arthritis drugs have long been considered the traditional treatment option. Learn more about the various options and choices of arthritis drugs.
Is It Gout or Pseudogout?
How much do you know about gout and pseudogout? Take this quiz.
Gout Attack Explained
A gout attack causes sudden and intense joint pain. Most often, a gout attack affects a single joint but it is possible for a few joints to be involved. Learn what to expect during a gout attack.
How To Exercise With Arthritis
Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. Exercise is one part of a comprehensive arthritis treatment plan. People with arthritis should discuss their exercise plans with a doctor. The amount and form of exercise recommended for each individual will vary depending on which joints are involved, the amount of inflammation, how stable the joints are, and whether a joint replacement procedure has been done.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will lead to an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. If you are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, see a doctor.
Gout Signs and Symptoms
Gout symptoms are very painful and are caused by monosodium urate crystals in joints and surrounding tissues. Gout symptoms can occur with more frequency if untreated.
Arthritis & Exercise Quiz
How does exercise impact arthritis?: arthritis screening quiz starting an exercise program osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis rheumatoid arthritis
Inflammation - Battle Within
Inflammation is a natural defense of the body to protect against foreign substances or injury. Inflammation, though, can cause problems in certain diseases.
Guide To Dry Eyes
Dealing With Dry Eyes Tears serve as a protective coating for the eyes. They keep the eyes moist, provide
10 Fibromyalgia Facts
Fibromyalgia is an arthritis-related syndrome which can be difficult to diagnose. There are important facts you should know about fibromyalgia.
22 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis for 6 years (both hands)
22 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis for 6 years. Photo of hand deformity caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Anabolic Vs. Corticosteroids
: What Is The Difference Between Anabolic Steroids And Corticosteroids? The term steroids is often misunderstood.
Facts of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, disabling, inflammatory type of arthritis. This basic overview of the disease provides you with quick, but essential, facts.
Ways To Manage Your Pain
Pain management helps preserve quality of life. Pain management techniques can stop the vicious cycle of pain. Management of pain is an important part of treating people with arthritis.
What Is the Placebo Effect?
The placebo effect is the measurable, observable, or felt improvement in health not attributable to treatment.
How to Recognize Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread pain and tenderness in muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Fibromyalgia symptoms can overlap with autoimmune diseases and other musculoskeletal conditions making it difficult to diagnose.
What Are Autoimmune Diseases?
An autoimmune condition develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy body tissue. There are many autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.
10 Ways to Fight Fatigue
Fatigue is different than ordinary tiredness. Fatigue is disruptive and inteferes with all aspects of daily living. About 10 million doctor visits each year are attributed to fatigue, and many of those are tied to arthritis-related conditions.
What Are Steroids?
Glossary definition of steroids
What Are Cytokines?
Cytokines are proteins that serve as messengers between cells. Cytokines regulate various inflammatory responses, some of which are involved in rheumatoid arthritis. What exactly are cytokines? Are there different kinds of cytokines?
Arthritis Pain Relief Creams
Arthritis creams can be effective for soothing minor arthritis and muscle pain.
Weightbearing Exercise
Weightbearing exercise is recommended to preserve bone health and bone density. What is weightbearing exercise?
How Is Fibromyalgia Diagnosed?
Research shows that people with fibromyalgia typically see many doctors before receiving the diagnosis. Symptoms of fibromyalgia overlap with many other conditions. Doctors rule out other causes before making a diagnosis of fibromyalgia.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about carpal tunnel syndrome? Take this quiz.
The Facts of Arthrotec
Arthrotec dosage, side effects, drug interactions, and safety warnings. Arthrotec, generic drug name diclofenac with misoprostol, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat arthritis.
Osteoporosis Risk Factor Quiz
There are certain factors associated with an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Do you have the risk factors? Take our quiz.
Rheumatoid Lung Disease
Lung abnormalities are not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin Dose
How much glucosamine or chondroitin should a patient take to achieve a beneficial or therapeutic effect?
What Is Sjogren's Syndrome?
Sjogren's syndrome is an arthritis-related condition. Dry eyes, dry mouth, joint pain, and fatigue are primary symptoms.
Arthritis - Test Your Knowledge About Arthritis
How much do you know about arthritis?: arthritis screening quiz arthritis risk osteoporosis screening juvenile arthritis test your knowledge
35 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 months (right hand)
35 year old female with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 months. Photo of joint swelling and damage from rheumatoid arthritis.
15 Weight Loss & Diet Myths
With so many products and weight loss theories out there, it's easy to get confused. How much do you really know about weight loss, nutrition, and diet?
What Is Gouty Arthritis?
Gouty arthritis refers to a form of arthritis caused by deposits of needle-like crystals of uric acid. Gouty arthritis is one of the most painful rheumatic diseases. Usually a single joint, most commonly the big toe, is affected by gouty arthritis.
Guide to Gout
A number of risk factors are related to the development of hyperuricemia and the cause of gout.
Exercise - Essential Treatment
Exercise is a vital part of arthritis treatment. Arthritis patients must participate in regular exercise to improve joint function.
Types Of Scleroderma
Scleroderma is not a single disease but is a symptom of a group of diseases complicated by the abnormal growth of connective tissue which supports the skin and internal orgrans. Some types of scleroderma have a limited abnormal process. Other types of scleroderma are more complicated and affect blood vessels and internal organs
Arthritis Quiz - Myth or Fact?
Arthritis is a complicated disease. Can you sort out the myths and facts about arthritis? Take our quiz.
10 Facts About Darvocet
Darvocet (propoxy-APAP) safety decreases the chance for undesirable side effects. Safety warnings about Darvocet should be respected. To enhance patient safety, Darvocet must be taken according to directions. Darvocet is an analgesic medication used to relieve pain.
MSM - Supplement for Arthritis
Several years ago, MSM was touted as a cure for arthritis. It's not a cure but how does MSM work to relieve arthritis?
SSDI: Do You Qualify?
There is specific criteria which must be met to qualify for SSDI ( Social Security Disability Insurance Income). Review of the criteria and qualifications for Social Security Disability Insurance Income (SSDI).
What Causes Joint Stiffness?
Joint stiffness is a common characteristic of arthritis. Joint stiffness can be one of the earliest symptoms of arthritis, a sign that you should see a doctor for a thorough physical examination and diagnostic tests. What causes joint stiffness?
What Is Hyalgan?
A brief explanation and fast facts about Hyalgan injections. Hyalgan is used to relieve knee pain due to osteoarthritis, for those who failed to respond to simple painkillers, exercise or physical therapy.
10 Osteoarthritis Facts
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. There are 10 important facts you should know about osteoarthritis.
Arthritis Blood Tests
Blood tests help rheumatologists diagnose and monitor arthritis.
What Is Supartz?
A brief explanation and fast facts about Supartz injections. Supartz injections are approved for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in those who have failed to respond to simple painkillers, exercise or physical therapy.
Folic Acid with Methotrexate
Folic acid is prescribed along with methotrexate. Learn why this is necessary.
Vasculitis - What You Need to Know
Vasculitis is a rare condition that involves inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis can affect any of the body's blood vessels.
Arthritis Flare
Arthritis patients may experience a flare-up of symptoms. An arthritis flare can be very painful and disruptive to usual activities.
Arthritis Medications - Test Your Knowledge
Several arthritis medications have been marketed since 1998. How much do you know about arthritis medications? Take the quiz.
Lab Tests - Test Your Knowledge
How much do you know about lab tests? Take this quiz.
Is it Rheumatism or Arthritis?
The terms rheumatism, rheumatic disease, and arthritis are often used interchangeably. Are they the same?
I'm Tired Of Being Tired
Fatigue is a primary symptom associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
HLA B27 gene marker
HLA B27 is an inherited gene marker associated with a number of related rheumatic diseases.
What's Missing From SAM-e?
Consumer Lab tests 13 brands of SAM-e and the results are surprising. Consumer Lab is a company which performs independent analyses of dietary supplements. SAM-e is also known by the names SAMe, S-adenosyl-methionine, and S-adenosyl-L-methionine.
10 Popular Arthritis Drugs
Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine) is a skeletal muscle relaxant approved for the relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions. Flexeril is very closely related to the antidepressant amitriptyline.
Do You Use Joint Protection Techniques? Test Yourself
Do you follow the principles of joint protection to preserve your joints?
Can WD-40 Help Arthritis?
Believe it or not, using the lubricant WD-40 for arthritis has become both an unproven and potentially harmful folk remedy for pain relief. Some people swear that the lubricant WD-40 can ease painful joints. Can the lubricant WD-40 really help arthritis?

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