Current Arthritis News and Research » Osteoarthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com Regular Updates on the Many Forms of Arthritis Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:30:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Height Controlling Genes Linked to Osteoarthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com/height-controlling-genes-linked-to-osteoarthritis/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/height-controlling-genes-linked-to-osteoarthritis/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:19 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/2008/04/07/height-controlling-genes-linked-to-osteoarthritis/ Like all aspects of the development of the human body, genetics dictate each individual’s height. Last year a team of researchers identified the initial common gene that influences height. That same team has now identified 20 additional genetic regions that can collectively influence height differences of almost 2.5 inches.

According to the research team, [...] No related posts.]]> Like all aspects of the development of the human body, genetics dictate each individual’s height. Last year a team of researchers identified the initial common gene that influences height. That same team has now identified 20 additional genetic regions that can collectively influence height differences of almost 2.5 inches.

According to the research team, 90% of the variation in height is a result of genetics. This is different than weight issues, such as obesity, which is a result of a mixture of environmental and genetic causes. That first height gene discovered last year is only responsible for less than a quarter of an inch.

The team from the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter and the University of Oxford studied DNA samples from over 30,000 people. These samples were obtained from the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium, the Cambridge Genetics of Energy Metabolism consortium and the CoLaus Study in Switzerland. From these samples the researchers discovered 20 loci, or regions of genetic code, which have an impact on the height.

One of these regions has been identified as an important factor in the development of osteoarthritis. This particular locus is thought to be involved in the growth of cartilage.

“There may be more than a hundred genes which affect our height, many of which will work in surprising or unpredictable ways,” according to Dr. Mike Weedon, lead author on the paper. “The challenge now for us is to understand how they influence growth in the body. This could open up new avenues for treating a range of diseases.”

Originally posted 2008-04-07 19:47:27. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

No related posts.

]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/height-controlling-genes-linked-to-osteoarthritis/feed/ 0 Glucosamine, Chondroitin May Not Help Osteoarthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com/glucosamine-chondroitin-not-help-osteoarthritis/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/glucosamine-chondroitin-not-help-osteoarthritis/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:16 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=209 Similar to a Dutch study we reported on in February, results from a U.S. study indicates that glucosamine does not impede the progression of osteoarthritis.

The 2 year Dutch study of the benefits of glucosamine on patients with hip osteoarthritis found that there was no improvement in pain, stiffness, function or disease progression. In addition, 15 of the 222 participants had hip replacement surgery before the end of the study.

The current study, an extension of the National Institutes of Health-funded Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), did not measure effectiveness as a pain reliever, but specifically at impacts on disease progression.

In 2006, researchers from the GAIT trial reported that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements were no better than a placebo for use in reducing knee osteoarthritis pain. That conclusion was based on input from 1,600 participants who took either one, or both, of the supplements.

Of the original participants in the GAIT study, 572 participated in an 18 month extension of the trial. All of these patients were diagnosed with moderate to sever osteoarthritis. The rate of disease progression was measured using a specific X-ray protocol. Results at the end of the extension showed no significant difference between the glucosamine and placebo groups.

According to lead researcher Dr. Allen Sawitzke of the University of Utah School of Medicine: “While we found a trend toward improvement among those with milder osteoarthritis of the knee in those taking glucosamine alone, we were not able to draw any definite conclusions.

“That’s not the same as saying there is no difference. The result was influenced by the slow rate of progression for everybody. The study actually says more about what we need to do for the next investigation than for what patients should do.”

The results of the Utah study were published in the October, 2008 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Originally posted 2008-10-02 21:02:20. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

No related posts.

]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/glucosamine-chondroitin-not-help-osteoarthritis/feed/ 1 New Research Planned into Arthritis Placebo Treatment http://4-arthritis-info.com/research-arthritis-placebo-treatment/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/research-arthritis-placebo-treatment/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:12 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=119 The University of Manchester is currently recruiting 90 people for an upcoming study into how placebos work. This group includes 30 with chronic, widespread pain, 30 with osteoarthritis and 30 healthy people as controls. The recruits will be from the musculoskeletal pain clinic at Hope Hospital in Salford and other pain clinics.

Most trials [...] No related posts.]]> The University of Manchester is currently recruiting 90 people for an upcoming study into how placebos work. This group includes 30 with chronic, widespread pain, 30 with osteoarthritis and 30 healthy people as controls. The recruits will be from the musculoskeletal pain clinic at Hope Hospital in Salford and other pain clinics.

Most trials include some form of placebo in order to determine the true results of the tested treatment. Patients receiving a placebo frequently experience improvement in their symptoms due to the “power of suggestion” as opposed to any effect from an actual drug. It is this effect that researchers hope to bring light upon as potential treatments for chronic conditions, such as arthritis.

Neuro Rheumatology Professor Anthony Jones, of the Human Pain Research Group at Hope Hospital, is the research lead for a team that has been looking into the placebo effect for several years. His team has studied the body’s response to pain and how to measure anticipation of pain using EEG.

So far they have found that pain relief as a result of the placebo effect appears to be related to structures in the front of the brain that manage the anticipation of pain.

The planned study will look into the placebo effect on fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis patients to determine if they release natural pain killers, known as “endogenous pain control mechanisms”.

The research team believes that people with chronic widespread pain have abnormalities the way that they anticipate and focus on pain. It is suggested that this results in them feeling greater pain than other people.

“Placebo can affect patients’ response to pain therapy and also influence the results of clinical trials,” said Professor Jones.

“We have shown that responses to experimental placebo alter how the brain responds to pain and, also, that responses to experimental placebo persist in repeated testing in healthy volunteers. This allows us to measure how the brain’s pain control system is being activated under different conditions.

“We hope this study will help us understand how the brain deals with pain, and is also likely to lead to the development of new pain-killing therapies and better ways of testing then.”

Originally posted 2008-08-08 21:47:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

No related posts.

]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/research-arthritis-placebo-treatment/feed/ 0 Playing Golf with Arthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com/playing-golf-arthritis/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/playing-golf-arthritis/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:08 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/?p=737 If you suffer from arthritis, there is great news for you! You do not have to quit playing golf. Actually, golf can help improve the symptoms of arthritis and add strength and mobility!

Exercise has been found to be one of the best ways to treat osteoarthritis. Exercise can help your mood, act [...] No related posts.]]> If you suffer from arthritis, there is great news for you! You do not have to quit playing golf. Actually, golf can help improve the symptoms of arthritis and add strength and mobility!

Exercise has been found to be one of the best ways to treat osteoarthritis. Exercise can help your mood, act as a pain reliever, increase your flexibility, help you to maintain your weight, improve your cardiovascular system, and make you generally healthier!

Osteoarthritis normally comes on very gradually. First, joints may be sore after working hard physically or exercising. Any joint may be affected by osteoarthritis, but it usually occurs in the hands, hips, knees, or spine.

Yes. All of the areas that osteoarthritis usually affects are used in playing golf.

Don’t let it worry you though. Playing golf can also help increase your balance and your range of motion. If you walk the golf course, you will benefit your health even more! That is why golf is one of the exercises that is recommended for someone with osteoarthritis!

Here is what you need to remember there are many special products that are produced just to make golf easier on your joints and body.

The Arthritis Foundation or arthritis.org has some tips for arthritic golfers that can help you enjoy golfing and they even suggest products that can enable you to enjoy it even more!

Wrist braces and gloves are a great tool to wear when you play golf. Stabilizing the joints in your hands and wrists will help your osteoarthritis and both of these items are not very expensive.

A lower compression ball is also a great training aid.

Wearing spikeless golf shoes may be much more comfortable for you.

Ask your local golf store associate or golf pro if there are any products that they recommend to make golf easier on your joints. There are new products introduced all the time.

It is very important to always warm up before you play golf. Stretch your muscles and swing a few times for practice. Swing half-strength at first and don’t try to hit the ball too hard. Everyone should warm up and start swinging slowly. A hard swing is not necessary, it is accuracy that is most important!

Use tees when you play golf. It will help.

Water is very important for any golf player while you are playing.

When you begin to feel tired, rest a bit. It is not a rule that you have to play all 18 holes. You need to make sure you enjoy the game.

When you feel sore after you play, here are a few tips to relieve your pain and stiffness:

  • A warm shower can feel great on stiff muscles.
  • Gently stretch your muscles.
  • Apply an ice pack to any sore areas.
  • Sore joints need to be rested.
  • Magnetic therapy has been found to work.
  • Keep your weight at a healthy level. If you carry too much weight, it can make your hips and knees hurt.

If you are still in pain for more than 1 hour after playing golf, then you need to consult your physician or physical therapist. Work with them to see if there are ways to adjust your game if you notice any of the following symptoms of over exercise:

  • Unexplained or chronic tiredness
  • Feeling weak
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Joint swelling increases
  • Pain that continues for more than one hour after exercising

Actually, golf coupled with proper warm ups can really help your osteoarthritis and it is fun too!

Originally posted 2010-03-08 07:00:05. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

No related posts.

]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/playing-golf-arthritis/feed/ 0 Bromelain Potential Treatment for Arthritis http://4-arthritis-info.com/bromelain-treatment-arthritis/ http://4-arthritis-info.com/bromelain-treatment-arthritis/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 22:47:03 +0000 awesome http://4-arthritis-info.com/wp/?p=204 Bromelain is an enzyme that is derived from the pineapple plant that has been used as a traditional medicine by natives in South and Central America for generations. The most common use today of bromelain is as a meat tenderizer. It is reported that approximately 90% of all meat tenderizers used in homes contain bromelain.

Bromelain has been available as a therapeutic since 1957 for treatment of sinusitis, athletic injuries, phlebitis, digestive problems, and aiding healing after surgery.

It has also been used for treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain, although there had been no controlled studies to verify its effect. That changed in 2002 with the publication of a study in the International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology.

That study investigated how bromelain impacted mild knee pain that had lasted for less than 3 months. 318 volunteers from the UK, 77 of whom were ultimately selected, were recruited by way of magazine and newspaper articles.

The study group consisted of 22 men and 55 women, between the ages of 25 and 50 years of age. The group excluded any who were already taking anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs, or those who had undergone any type of knee surgery. Pregnant and lactating women were also excluded.

The volunteers were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) prior to, and at the conclusion of the 30 day trial. 43 participants were given a dose of 200 mg of bromelain per day. The remaining 34 were given 400 mg per day.

After 1 month, the lower dose group reported a 44.6% decrease in pain as measured by the WOMAC. The higher dose group experienced a 58.2% reduction in pain. The final comprehensive score, which reflects pain, stiffness and physical function, were reduced by 41% and 59% respectively. In addition, the higher dose group also showed a 19.2% improvement in general well being scores (anxiety, depression, well being, self control, general health and vitality).

The highest concentrations are in the stem of the pineapple. There is some in the fruit itself, but the concentration is too low to provide any benefit. Commercial supplements containing bromelain are widely available.

Originally posted 2008-10-03 20:02:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

No related posts.

]]> http://4-arthritis-info.com/bromelain-treatment-arthritis/feed/ 0