Tag Archives: RA

Tennis Star Caroline Wozniacki Talks About Her RA

Caroline Wozniacki tells her story, from being the number one world tennis champion to facing a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

I wanted to write this blog to tell you all a little bit about my rheumatoid arthritis journey so far. I was diagnosed in 2018 (which was a total shock to me), and I’ve learned so much about it and other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis, since then. Continue reading Tennis Star Caroline Wozniacki Talks About Her RA

arthritis news roundup

February Arthritis News Roundup

We consistently learn more about identifying the symptoms of arthritis and how it affects people’s day-to-day lives. Here are a few inspiring developments in the world of arthritis over the past month.

FDA Issues Warnings Related to Arthritis Community

The FDA has issued a warning regarding gabapentin and pregabalin, stating they are associated with breathing problems when used with central nervous system depressants or in patients with lung problems. This warning also includes drugs fibromyalgia patients may be taking. Talk to your doctor if this warning may apply to you.

Learn more about the drugs used to treat fibromyalgia in the arthritis drug guide.

6 Tip-offs to Rip-offs: Don’t Fall for Health Fraud Scams

The FDA issues a buyer-beware warning on supplements to help you avoid health fraud scams, including claims from some supplements for weight loss or treating arthritis. Read their tips to avoid wasting your money and what to look out for.

The FDA also noted 50% of dietary supplement manufacturers do not have documented quality control on their products, citing continued violations of “basic” manufacturing requirements.

Shop smart when looking to buy any type of dietary supplement. You can find tips on how to warning regarding gabapentin and pregabalin. If you’re considering CBD supplements, be sure to check the Arthritis Foundation CBD Guidance for Adults With Arthritis before you buy.

High-Dose Flu Shot Best for Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to researchers writing in The Lancet Rheumatology, a high-dose version of the influenza vaccine is safer and more effective than the regular flu shot for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Both older people and RA patients experience reduced responses to flu shots because of chronic inflammation and use of multiple prescription medications, in addition to the difficulties that arise from patients dealing with multiple diseases at once. Because of this similarity, the study sought to find out if RA patients would see benefits from high-dose flu shots in the same way older patients do.

Although this is the first study of its kind, its results show promise for both RA patients and future studies. You can also read about why flu vaccines are especially important for children with JA.

Ideal Management of RA in Pregnancy Improves Outcomes

Pregnancy can already be difficult, and rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t make it any easier. But new research shows that women whose rheumatoid arthritis is carefully managed before and during pregnancy have a significantly lower risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage or perinatal death.

First author Alessandra Bortoluzzi, MD, PhD, from the rheumatology unit at the University of Ferrara (Italy) and co-authors looked at seven diagnostic, therapeutic and follow-up health care quality indicators during the pre-pregnancy and perinatal period. Overall, women with RA had a significantly higher rate of thyroid diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes and miscarriage or perinatal death when compared with controls. However, those who followed the ideal clinical pathway during pregnancy had a 40% lower odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Preparing for pregnancy while you have arthritis isn’t easy, but these tips can help!

CDC Update: Adult Physical Inactivity Map of the U.S.

Research strongly supports physical activity playing a huge role in treating arthritis. How does your state stack up? Do you live in a place that’s rated more physically inactive than others? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just released an adult physical inactivity prevalence map, which shows inactivity levels vary among adults by location, race and ethnicity. Find out where your state ranks.

Staying physically active with arthritis is often very challenging, especially when you’re in pain. Here are tips to get you started with physical activity. You can also check out a recent blog on physical activity or tune in to the Live Yes! With Arthritis podcast’s latest episode on arthritis and physical activity to learn about the benefits and how to take the first step.

CDC Releases Updated Statistics on Arthritis, Mental Distress and Depression

Chronic pain from arthritis is associated with anxiety and depression in many people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released state-specific prevalence data last month showing a higher incidence of frequent mental distress in the Appalachian and southern states. The CDC says all adults with arthritis will benefit from systematic mental health screenings by their health care team.

Arthritis can make everyday life difficult for the millions of Americans struggling with its many forms. Learn when to seek treatment and care options available for anxiety and depression in arthritis. Get the resources you need and get connected with others like you by joining the Live Yes! Arthritis Network.

Reminder to diet and exercise on small chalkboard with dumbbell

How Shedding Pounds Eases Arthritis Symptoms

You’ve heard this before, but it bears repeating: One of the best things you can do for arthritis is to lose excess weight. Research shows that while diet and exercise combined are most effective for dropping pounds, dieting alone helps more than exercise alone. No one’s saying it’s easy, but evidence shows it pays off. Here’s how it can help. Continue reading How Shedding Pounds Eases Arthritis Symptoms

arthritis severity factors

What Determines How Severe Your Arthritis May Become?

A diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis can leave you wondering what you’re in for: Will you face along, bumpy road with your disease, or will it respond well to minimal treatment? Although there is no crystal ball, research into different forms of inflammatory arthritis is identifying factors that predict the likelihood of more or less severe disease.

Knowing these factors enables your doctor to target treatment, says David Pisetsky, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and immunology at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. “With evidence of a worse prognosis, most rheumatologists will monitor patients more closely, try to get disease control more rapidly and adjust medications to achieve a [disease] activity score as low as possible,” he says. Plus, steps to taper treatment in those who achieve remission “would be more cautious and gradual,” he adds.

Here are prognostic factors your doctor may consider. Continue reading What Determines How Severe Your Arthritis May Become?

Healthy Choices: Massage Therapy a Part of a Lifestyle Makeover

Kathleen Stoddart Rheumatoid ArthritisWhen Kathleen Stoddart was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) two years ago, she knew there would be some things she couldn’t control. But, when she realized some things were within her control, she immediately got to work.

“When I was diagnosed with RA, one thing the doctor mentioned was smoking,” recalls Kathleen. “I had been a smoker for a long time. “I kept thinking that if there was any behavior I had that contributed to making my RA worse, I would do anything to change it. Within a month of my diagnosis, I quit smoking completely.”

Continue reading Healthy Choices: Massage Therapy a Part of a Lifestyle Makeover