Showing posts with label aches and pains. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aches and pains. Show all posts
Researchers claim to have found a genetic variant that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
The team at Manchester University made the discovery after studying nine genetic regions identified earlier this year as potentially holding DNA variants determining susceptibility to RA.
Writing in the journal Nature Genetics, they say that the finding has brought scientists one step closer to understanding the genetic risk factors for RA.
About 387,000 people in the UK have RA, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect nearly all joints in the body, particularly the hands and the feet.
The researchers 'unequivocally' found an RA-linked variant on chromosome six.
Although this variant is not on a gene, Professor Jane Worthington from the Arthritis Research Campaign at Manchester University said it may influence the behaviour of a nearby gene called TNFAIP3 - a gene known to be involved in inflammatory processes.
Dr Anne Barton, a clinician on the team, commented: 'We believe the genetic marker we have found may determine who develops RA or how severe the disease becomes.'
Work is now underway to understand how the variation within the chromosome six region influences the development of RA, the course of the disease and the response to treatment.
'This is a very exciting result; the validation of this association takes us one step closer to understanding the genetic risk factors behind what is a debilitating disease for sufferers and an expensive disease for the NHS,' said Professor Worthington.
The team at Manchester University made the discovery after studying nine genetic regions identified earlier this year as potentially holding DNA variants determining susceptibility to RA.
Writing in the journal Nature Genetics, they say that the finding has brought scientists one step closer to understanding the genetic risk factors for RA.
About 387,000 people in the UK have RA, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis that can affect nearly all joints in the body, particularly the hands and the feet.
The researchers 'unequivocally' found an RA-linked variant on chromosome six.
Although this variant is not on a gene, Professor Jane Worthington from the Arthritis Research Campaign at Manchester University said it may influence the behaviour of a nearby gene called TNFAIP3 - a gene known to be involved in inflammatory processes.
Dr Anne Barton, a clinician on the team, commented: 'We believe the genetic marker we have found may determine who develops RA or how severe the disease becomes.'
Work is now underway to understand how the variation within the chromosome six region influences the development of RA, the course of the disease and the response to treatment.
'This is a very exciting result; the validation of this association takes us one step closer to understanding the genetic risk factors behind what is a debilitating disease for sufferers and an expensive disease for the NHS,' said Professor Worthington.
Labels: aches and pains
The number of Britons who are actually suffering from repetitive strain injury (RSI) is far smaller than estimates suggest, experts have said.
Just one in three people who claim to suffer from RSI actually have genuine symptoms, a study by researchers at the University of Southampton's epidemiology research centre has found.
Scientists questioned 5,000 workplace injury patients about their health and jobs, including the physical nature of their job, the state of their mental and physical health, and whether they believed they were suffering from RSI.
Their analysis revealed that 46 per cent had suffered from arm pain during the previous 12 months, while 54 per cent blamed their job for either causing or aggravating their symptoms.
However, researchers claim that just 14 per cent of arm pain is due to arm-straining activities, suggesting that the contribution of RSI towards workplace injuries has been greatly exaggerated.
Writing in the British Medical Journal publication Occupational and Environmental Medicine, they note: 'Statistics from Labour Force Surveys are widely quoted as evidence for the scale of occupational illness.
'However, their validity as a measure of the burden of disease caused by work is questionable.'
Just one in three people who claim to suffer from RSI actually have genuine symptoms, a study by researchers at the University of Southampton's epidemiology research centre has found.
Scientists questioned 5,000 workplace injury patients about their health and jobs, including the physical nature of their job, the state of their mental and physical health, and whether they believed they were suffering from RSI.
Their analysis revealed that 46 per cent had suffered from arm pain during the previous 12 months, while 54 per cent blamed their job for either causing or aggravating their symptoms.
However, researchers claim that just 14 per cent of arm pain is due to arm-straining activities, suggesting that the contribution of RSI towards workplace injuries has been greatly exaggerated.
Writing in the British Medical Journal publication Occupational and Environmental Medicine, they note: 'Statistics from Labour Force Surveys are widely quoted as evidence for the scale of occupational illness.
'However, their validity as a measure of the burden of disease caused by work is questionable.'
Labels: aches and pains
A drug commonly used to treat osteoporosis could benefit women undergoing treatment for breast cancer, research presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium has shown.
Patients taking the breast cancer drug anastrozole often experience loss of bone mineral density, placing them at risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
A trial involving the osteoporosis drug bisphosphonate has now revealed that breast cancer patients taking the drug had increased bone mineral density after one year, despite having low density at the start of the trial.
The results are only preliminary, but the researchers hope that the three-year data from the IBIS-2 trial will confirm the drug's effectiveness.
Professor Jack Cuzick, co-chairman of the trial, said: 'Although these are still very early results, they are reassuring for women participating in the IBIS-2 trial and also for those who may be taking anastrozole as part of their treatment for breast cancer.'
Patients taking the breast cancer drug anastrozole often experience loss of bone mineral density, placing them at risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
A trial involving the osteoporosis drug bisphosphonate has now revealed that breast cancer patients taking the drug had increased bone mineral density after one year, despite having low density at the start of the trial.
The results are only preliminary, but the researchers hope that the three-year data from the IBIS-2 trial will confirm the drug's effectiveness.
Professor Jack Cuzick, co-chairman of the trial, said: 'Although these are still very early results, they are reassuring for women participating in the IBIS-2 trial and also for those who may be taking anastrozole as part of their treatment for breast cancer.'
Labels: aches and pains
Short and tall people may be at an increased risk of arthritis compared to individuals of an average height, research has suggested.
A new genetic connection between human height and arthritis has been established, American scientists claim, following analysis of tens of thousands of genomes.
According to the University of Michigan school of public health, both extremes of height are associated with osteoarthritis - the most common form of arthritis.
Researchers arrived at their findings by analysing the genomes of more than 35,000 people in the US and Europe.
They found shorter bones with less cartilage made joints most susceptible to damage, while longer and heavier bones produced greater levels of damaging stress to joints.
Study co-author Goncalo Abecasis, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, said many genes were already known to control height, but only a few were associated with osteoarthritis.
'In this case the gene we picked also is important in osteoarthritis and it's actually quite hard to find genes for osteoarthritis,' he explained.
'One of the things we were excited about is you could study [height] in many people, and once you've done that you have a short list of genes that you can then study for what they do in terms of osteoarthritis.'
The study's results were published today in the journal Nature Genetics.
A new genetic connection between human height and arthritis has been established, American scientists claim, following analysis of tens of thousands of genomes.
According to the University of Michigan school of public health, both extremes of height are associated with osteoarthritis - the most common form of arthritis.
Researchers arrived at their findings by analysing the genomes of more than 35,000 people in the US and Europe.
They found shorter bones with less cartilage made joints most susceptible to damage, while longer and heavier bones produced greater levels of damaging stress to joints.
Study co-author Goncalo Abecasis, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, said many genes were already known to control height, but only a few were associated with osteoarthritis.
'In this case the gene we picked also is important in osteoarthritis and it's actually quite hard to find genes for osteoarthritis,' he explained.
'One of the things we were excited about is you could study [height] in many people, and once you've done that you have a short list of genes that you can then study for what they do in terms of osteoarthritis.'
The study's results were published today in the journal Nature Genetics.
Labels: aches and pains
Improvements to the safety of elderly people's homes may be more effective than expensive drugs at preventing bone fractures, researchers have claimed.
Finnish experts suggest that drug treatment for osteoporosis can be expensive and that home safety improvements would be cheaper and may have a bigger impact.
The team, which included the University of Tampere's Dr Teppo Jarvinen, call for a 'change of approach' as many GPs do not assess elderly patients' risk of falling and consider how fractures could be prevented by reducing this risk.
Writing in the British Medical Journal, they reveal: 'Numerous studies show that among older people, falling, not osteoporosis, is the strongest risk factor for fracture.'
They conclude: 'It is time to shift the focus in fracture prevention from osteoporosis to falls. Falling is an under-recognised risk factor for fracture, it is preventable, and prevention provides additional health benefits beyond avoiding fractures.'
However, Julia Thompson, a spokeswoman for the National Osteoporosis Society, told the BBC: 'Osteoporosis treatment has to go hand-in-hand with falls prevention to help the hundreds of thousands of people in the UK at risk of breaking a bone.'
Finnish experts suggest that drug treatment for osteoporosis can be expensive and that home safety improvements would be cheaper and may have a bigger impact.
The team, which included the University of Tampere's Dr Teppo Jarvinen, call for a 'change of approach' as many GPs do not assess elderly patients' risk of falling and consider how fractures could be prevented by reducing this risk.
Writing in the British Medical Journal, they reveal: 'Numerous studies show that among older people, falling, not osteoporosis, is the strongest risk factor for fracture.'
They conclude: 'It is time to shift the focus in fracture prevention from osteoporosis to falls. Falling is an under-recognised risk factor for fracture, it is preventable, and prevention provides additional health benefits beyond avoiding fractures.'
However, Julia Thompson, a spokeswoman for the National Osteoporosis Society, told the BBC: 'Osteoporosis treatment has to go hand-in-hand with falls prevention to help the hundreds of thousands of people in the UK at risk of breaking a bone.'
Labels: aches and pains
Scientists believe they could use patients' own stem cells to help mend damaged bones and cartilage.
They say the treatment could have a major impact on conditions such as osteoarthritis and could treat trauma victims whose bones have been shattered beyond repair.
The treatment puts patients' stem cells - cells that can develop into almost any body cell - into a 'bioactive scaffold' that protects them and stimulates their growth into bone or cartilage.
This scaffold consists of a fairly rigid mesh structure that is coated with a drug that affects patients' cells.
The collaborative team behind the study aim to further the research and hope to set up a clinical trial within two years.
Dr Brendon Noble, of the University of Edinburgh's Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, said: 'This is a novel approach in terms of treating damaged bones and cartilage.
'The aim is to translate the knowledge we have gained from bone biology studies into tangible treatments for patients.'
Dr Anna Krassowska, research manager for the UK Stem Cell Foundation, commented: 'In the UK hip fractures kill 14,000 elderly people every year - more than many cancers.
'The worldwide market for orthopaedic devices alone represents some $17 billion [£8.71 billion]. This research has the potential not only to impact on a significant number of people's lives but to open up one of the largest stem cell markets in the industry.'
They say the treatment could have a major impact on conditions such as osteoarthritis and could treat trauma victims whose bones have been shattered beyond repair.
The treatment puts patients' stem cells - cells that can develop into almost any body cell - into a 'bioactive scaffold' that protects them and stimulates their growth into bone or cartilage.
This scaffold consists of a fairly rigid mesh structure that is coated with a drug that affects patients' cells.
The collaborative team behind the study aim to further the research and hope to set up a clinical trial within two years.
Dr Brendon Noble, of the University of Edinburgh's Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine, said: 'This is a novel approach in terms of treating damaged bones and cartilage.
'The aim is to translate the knowledge we have gained from bone biology studies into tangible treatments for patients.'
Dr Anna Krassowska, research manager for the UK Stem Cell Foundation, commented: 'In the UK hip fractures kill 14,000 elderly people every year - more than many cancers.
'The worldwide market for orthopaedic devices alone represents some $17 billion [£8.71 billion]. This research has the potential not only to impact on a significant number of people's lives but to open up one of the largest stem cell markets in the industry.'
Labels: aches and pains
Researchers in Scotland have found a particular gene variant that may increase the risk of gout.
Gout is a painful joint condition that tends to affect the big toe, although it can develop in any of the body's joints.
Sufferers tend to experience attacks that last for between three and ten days, in which the affected joints become swollen and inflamed.
There has recently been an increase in the incidence of gout, which has largely been attributed to unhealthy lifestyles.
Researchers at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh have now identified a variant of the SLC2A gene, which they believe makes it harder for the body to remove uric acid.
This then builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints.
Researcher Harry Campbell told the BBC: 'Some people will have higher or lower risk of gout depending on the form of the gene they inherited.
'This discovery may allow better diagnostic tools for gout to be developed.'
Gout is a painful joint condition that tends to affect the big toe, although it can develop in any of the body's joints.
Sufferers tend to experience attacks that last for between three and ten days, in which the affected joints become swollen and inflamed.
There has recently been an increase in the incidence of gout, which has largely been attributed to unhealthy lifestyles.
Researchers at the MRC Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh have now identified a variant of the SLC2A gene, which they believe makes it harder for the body to remove uric acid.
This then builds up in the blood and forms crystals in the joints.
Researcher Harry Campbell told the BBC: 'Some people will have higher or lower risk of gout depending on the form of the gene they inherited.
'This discovery may allow better diagnostic tools for gout to be developed.'
Labels: aches and pains
There has been an increase in the number of people being diagnosed with repetitive strain injury (RSI) and an expert has claimed that this could be linked to working conditions and poor preventative care.
RSIs, which are musculskeletal disorders of the upper and lower limbs, cost British industry up to £20 billion a year, according to RSI Awareness, making them a major workplace problem.
Bronwyn Clifford, a chartered occupational therapist and director of Physio at Work, said that the rising incidence of RSI is concerning because the condition is almost entirely avoidable given the correct preventative measures.
Commenting on the increase, she said: "It could be due to greater awareness of RSI among the population or it could be that people are working longer hours and are not taking sufficient breaks, or that employers are not providing the right preventative advice for their staff or the right sort of help for those who develop RSI.
"The most important thing is that employers should ensure that their staff have regular training and [understand] the potential risks that may be associated with the tasks that they are doing, such as using a computer all day,' she advised.
RSIs, which are musculskeletal disorders of the upper and lower limbs, cost British industry up to £20 billion a year, according to RSI Awareness, making them a major workplace problem.
Bronwyn Clifford, a chartered occupational therapist and director of Physio at Work, said that the rising incidence of RSI is concerning because the condition is almost entirely avoidable given the correct preventative measures.
Commenting on the increase, she said: "It could be due to greater awareness of RSI among the population or it could be that people are working longer hours and are not taking sufficient breaks, or that employers are not providing the right preventative advice for their staff or the right sort of help for those who develop RSI.
"The most important thing is that employers should ensure that their staff have regular training and [understand] the potential risks that may be associated with the tasks that they are doing, such as using a computer all day,' she advised.
Labels: aches and pains
A gluten-free vegan diet could be beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, researchers have said.
Sufferers tend to be at a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes than the general population, as the disease causes inflammation in their arteries.
However, a study at Sweden's Karolinska Institute has found that the risk of heart attack and stroke can be reduced by following a vegan diet.
Research involving 66 patients - 38 of whom ate a gluten-free vegan diet - found that those on the regime had lower levels of 'bad' low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and tended to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those on a non-vegan diet.
The Arthritis Research Campaign welcomed the study but told the BBC that it is 'difficult to get enough of some important nutrients on a vegan diet'.
However, a spokeswoman revealed: 'We do know that, for example, eating oily fish can reduce inflammation, and risk factors for developing the condition include high consumption of red meat and low consumption of fruit and vegetables, so diet does play a role - however limited.'
Sufferers tend to be at a higher risk for heart attacks and strokes than the general population, as the disease causes inflammation in their arteries.
However, a study at Sweden's Karolinska Institute has found that the risk of heart attack and stroke can be reduced by following a vegan diet.
Research involving 66 patients - 38 of whom ate a gluten-free vegan diet - found that those on the regime had lower levels of 'bad' low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and tended to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than those on a non-vegan diet.
The Arthritis Research Campaign welcomed the study but told the BBC that it is 'difficult to get enough of some important nutrients on a vegan diet'.
However, a spokeswoman revealed: 'We do know that, for example, eating oily fish can reduce inflammation, and risk factors for developing the condition include high consumption of red meat and low consumption of fruit and vegetables, so diet does play a role - however limited.'
Labels: aches and pains
A spokeswoman for the charity Arthritis Care has claimed there is a lack of awareness of the condition considering the impact it has in the UK.
The charity says that despite there being nine million people in the UK with arthritis there is 'nothing like enough awareness of the breadth of the condition and the toll it takes upon individuals, the community and the economy'.
'It accounts for one in four visits to the GP and yet arthritis isn't even one of the conditions on which GPs' performance is assessed and their pay awarded,' the spokeswoman noted.
The expert suggested that employers should think 'more creatively' about how to support people with arthritis at work, with 72 per cent of sufferers meeting the legal definition for disability.
'The Health and Safety Executive estimates that arthritis costs the economy £5.7 billion a year - and arthritis and related conditions are the second most common cause of days off work in both men and women,' she revealed.
The spokeswoman also highlighted the inaccuracy of the assumption that arthritis is just part of the ageing process, pointing out that 12,000 children are currently living with the condition in the UK.
The charity says that despite there being nine million people in the UK with arthritis there is 'nothing like enough awareness of the breadth of the condition and the toll it takes upon individuals, the community and the economy'.
'It accounts for one in four visits to the GP and yet arthritis isn't even one of the conditions on which GPs' performance is assessed and their pay awarded,' the spokeswoman noted.
The expert suggested that employers should think 'more creatively' about how to support people with arthritis at work, with 72 per cent of sufferers meeting the legal definition for disability.
'The Health and Safety Executive estimates that arthritis costs the economy £5.7 billion a year - and arthritis and related conditions are the second most common cause of days off work in both men and women,' she revealed.
The spokeswoman also highlighted the inaccuracy of the assumption that arthritis is just part of the ageing process, pointing out that 12,000 children are currently living with the condition in the UK.
Labels: aches and pains
Pain around the joint area may be a sign that things are 'not as they should be', an expert has warned.
According to Trisha Hamilton, deputising chief nurse at NHS Direct, joints that are painful to touch may indicate arthritis, which affects around one fifth of people in the UK.
She advised that anyone experiencing joint pain should visit a GP for an assessment.
The expert also recommended a number of lifestyle changes that can help to ease symptoms.
'With arthritis it tends to be the case that the joint becomes painful when it is inflamed,' she revealed.
'You should take regular pain relief for that pain and gentle exercise. You shouldn't stop all exercise but you shouldn't be overly strenuous with it while it is inflamed.
'Weight is also an issue,' Ms Hamilton added. 'If you are carrying excessive weight, that can make a painful joint worse. A healthy, well balanced diet is recommended.'
According to Trisha Hamilton, deputising chief nurse at NHS Direct, joints that are painful to touch may indicate arthritis, which affects around one fifth of people in the UK.
She advised that anyone experiencing joint pain should visit a GP for an assessment.
The expert also recommended a number of lifestyle changes that can help to ease symptoms.
'With arthritis it tends to be the case that the joint becomes painful when it is inflamed,' she revealed.
'You should take regular pain relief for that pain and gentle exercise. You shouldn't stop all exercise but you shouldn't be overly strenuous with it while it is inflamed.
'Weight is also an issue,' Ms Hamilton added. 'If you are carrying excessive weight, that can make a painful joint worse. A healthy, well balanced diet is recommended.'
Labels: aches and pains
Physical activity can help to relieve the painful symptoms of arthritis, experts have found.
A study published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research found that regular exercise can significantly improve arthritis pain by helping to strengthen muscles and keep the joints flexible.
The study found that patients who took part in an eight-week exercise programme benefited from a decrease in pain and fatigue, an improvement in upper and lower limb function, and an increase in strength.
Study author Dr Leigh Callahan, a researcher at the University of North Carolina's Thurston Arthritis Research centre, revealed that the exercise programme proved suitable for patients of all fitness levels, including inactive, elderly people.
'Many people believe the myth that exercise exacerbates their symptoms. The truth revealed in the study is that symptoms improved with exercise,' he said.
The programme involved a series of low-impact routines with gentle movements designed to work out the joints without building up a sweat.
A study published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research found that regular exercise can significantly improve arthritis pain by helping to strengthen muscles and keep the joints flexible.
The study found that patients who took part in an eight-week exercise programme benefited from a decrease in pain and fatigue, an improvement in upper and lower limb function, and an increase in strength.
Study author Dr Leigh Callahan, a researcher at the University of North Carolina's Thurston Arthritis Research centre, revealed that the exercise programme proved suitable for patients of all fitness levels, including inactive, elderly people.
'Many people believe the myth that exercise exacerbates their symptoms. The truth revealed in the study is that symptoms improved with exercise,' he said.
The programme involved a series of low-impact routines with gentle movements designed to work out the joints without building up a sweat.
Labels: aches and pains
A campaign has been launched today to raise awareness of the 'hidden disability' aphasia.
The disability affects communication and occurs when the communication centres of the brain are damaged.
It is usually caused by stroke, but can also be caused by brain haemorrhage, head injury or illness such as meningitis or tumours.
About 250,000 people - the size of the population of Nottingham - are estimated to be living with aphasia in the UK and about 130 people a day develop the condition.
But just ten per cent of people have heard of aphasia, according to a survey released today.
The poll also revealed widespread ignorance and public misconception about what counts as a disability.
Physical indicators such as 'using a wheelchair' and 'using a walking stick' are widely recognised but 72 per cent of people did not mention those affecting communication, such as aphasia, as something that would suggest a disability.
Aphasia Alliance spokesperson Carole Pound said: "This survey shows that people fail to consider disabilities that are not visibly identifiable and indicates a general lack of awareness about communication disability.
"In the last few years we have seen enormous advances made to help people with physical impairments, such as ramp access and lifts in buildings.
"However, communication access and communication support has not been high on the agenda and this needs to change."
The disability affects communication and occurs when the communication centres of the brain are damaged.
It is usually caused by stroke, but can also be caused by brain haemorrhage, head injury or illness such as meningitis or tumours.
About 250,000 people - the size of the population of Nottingham - are estimated to be living with aphasia in the UK and about 130 people a day develop the condition.
But just ten per cent of people have heard of aphasia, according to a survey released today.
The poll also revealed widespread ignorance and public misconception about what counts as a disability.
Physical indicators such as 'using a wheelchair' and 'using a walking stick' are widely recognised but 72 per cent of people did not mention those affecting communication, such as aphasia, as something that would suggest a disability.
Aphasia Alliance spokesperson Carole Pound said: "This survey shows that people fail to consider disabilities that are not visibly identifiable and indicates a general lack of awareness about communication disability.
"In the last few years we have seen enormous advances made to help people with physical impairments, such as ramp access and lifts in buildings.
"However, communication access and communication support has not been high on the agenda and this needs to change."
Labels: aches and pains
A drug used to prevent bone fractures in women with osteoporosis could increase the risk of irregular heartbeat, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that women who have used the drug Fosamax - also known as alendronate - are nearly twice as likely to develop the most common kind of chronically irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) than those who have never used it.
Atrial fibrillation is not usually life-threatening but it can increase the risk of stroke and cause palpitations, fainting, fatigue, or congestive heart failure.
The researchers studied 700 women whose irregular heartbeat was first detected during a three-year period.
These women were compared to over 900 randomly selected females matched on age and high blood pressure.
The results, published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, say that having ever used Fosamax was associated with an 86 per cent higher risk of irregular heartbeat.
'Careful judgment is required to weigh the risks and benefits of any medication for any individual patient,' said lead researcher Dr Susan Heckbert.
'For most women at high risk of fracture, alendronate's benefit of reducing fractures will outweigh the risk of atrial fibrillation.'
However, said added: 'Women who are at high risk of fractures but also have risk factors for atrial fibrillation - such as heart failure, diabetes, or coronary diseases - might want to discuss alternatives to alendronate with their health care providers.'
Researchers at the University of Washington found that women who have used the drug Fosamax - also known as alendronate - are nearly twice as likely to develop the most common kind of chronically irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) than those who have never used it.
Atrial fibrillation is not usually life-threatening but it can increase the risk of stroke and cause palpitations, fainting, fatigue, or congestive heart failure.
The researchers studied 700 women whose irregular heartbeat was first detected during a three-year period.
These women were compared to over 900 randomly selected females matched on age and high blood pressure.
The results, published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine, say that having ever used Fosamax was associated with an 86 per cent higher risk of irregular heartbeat.
'Careful judgment is required to weigh the risks and benefits of any medication for any individual patient,' said lead researcher Dr Susan Heckbert.
'For most women at high risk of fracture, alendronate's benefit of reducing fractures will outweigh the risk of atrial fibrillation.'
However, said added: 'Women who are at high risk of fractures but also have risk factors for atrial fibrillation - such as heart failure, diabetes, or coronary diseases - might want to discuss alternatives to alendronate with their health care providers.'
Labels: aches and pains
Women who breastfeed their infants for an extended period of time appear to gain protection against rheumatoid arthritis in the future, a new study suggests.
Research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases indicates that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers analysed breastfeeding histories in 136 women with rheumatoid arthritis and a further 544 women without the disease.
They found that women who had breastfed for between one and 12 months were 25 per cent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who had never breastfed.
Meanwhile those who had breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to develop the disease.
According to the researchers, their findings provide an additional reason for women to choose to breastfeed.
Meanwhile, a survey by premature baby charity Bliss has found that some mothers of premature and sick babies do not breastfeed because of a lack of advice and support.
Over a third of respondents (38 per cent) revealed that they did not breastfeed, even though the majority knew about the benefits, and 17 per cent blamed this on a lack of support from staff.
Research published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases indicates that breastfeeding for more than a year halves the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers analysed breastfeeding histories in 136 women with rheumatoid arthritis and a further 544 women without the disease.
They found that women who had breastfed for between one and 12 months were 25 per cent less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those who had never breastfed.
Meanwhile those who had breastfed for 13 months or more were half as likely to develop the disease.
According to the researchers, their findings provide an additional reason for women to choose to breastfeed.
Meanwhile, a survey by premature baby charity Bliss has found that some mothers of premature and sick babies do not breastfeed because of a lack of advice and support.
Over a third of respondents (38 per cent) revealed that they did not breastfeed, even though the majority knew about the benefits, and 17 per cent blamed this on a lack of support from staff.
Labels: aches and pains
Diet and exercise first, supplements second for arthritis sufferers
0 comments Posted by Mistlee at 2:34 AMThe correct diet and proper exercise routine should be adequate for managing arthritis, according to the UK's largest organisation supporting arthritis sufferers.
Arthritis Care has therefore suggested that supplements only be used to enhance a diet where there are elements lacking and with the blessing of your healthcare team.
'A lot of supplements are expensive and their effectiveness unproven,' said an Arthritis Care spokesperson.
'They can react with your medication so always check with your doctor or pharmacist for potential interaction with prescription drugs.
'A fresh, healthy diet generally contains of all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by the body.'
Arthritis Care suggests that omega-3 rich foods such as oily fish can help manage the disease and also recommends foods such as fruit, vegetables, pasta, brown rice and white meat.
As many as one in five of the UK's adult population suffer from arthritis although it can affect people of any age with 27,000 people under 25 believed to be living with the disease.
Arthritis Care has therefore suggested that supplements only be used to enhance a diet where there are elements lacking and with the blessing of your healthcare team.
'A lot of supplements are expensive and their effectiveness unproven,' said an Arthritis Care spokesperson.
'They can react with your medication so always check with your doctor or pharmacist for potential interaction with prescription drugs.
'A fresh, healthy diet generally contains of all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed by the body.'
Arthritis Care suggests that omega-3 rich foods such as oily fish can help manage the disease and also recommends foods such as fruit, vegetables, pasta, brown rice and white meat.
As many as one in five of the UK's adult population suffer from arthritis although it can affect people of any age with 27,000 people under 25 believed to be living with the disease.
Labels: aches and pains
Five glasses of wine a week could reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by 50 per cent, new research suggests.
A team at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that people who drank alcohol regularly were significantly less likely to develop the joint disease than those who rarely drank.
The findings are based on a study of 2,750 people who were asked to provide information on their lifestyle and a blood sample to test for genetic risk factors for RA.
The scientists found that people who smoked and had antibodies to a specific group of proteins involved in the development of RA were most likely to benefit from the protective effect of alcohol.
Publishing their findings in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the researchers claimed that the findings were of significant interest for public health.
'The main message remains that cessation of smoking is the most effective way to diminish the risk of RA, irrespective of genetic constitution, but that this recommendation should not necessarily be combined with a recommendation to stop moderate alcohol consumption,' they claimed.
A team at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden found that people who drank alcohol regularly were significantly less likely to develop the joint disease than those who rarely drank.
The findings are based on a study of 2,750 people who were asked to provide information on their lifestyle and a blood sample to test for genetic risk factors for RA.
The scientists found that people who smoked and had antibodies to a specific group of proteins involved in the development of RA were most likely to benefit from the protective effect of alcohol.
Publishing their findings in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, the researchers claimed that the findings were of significant interest for public health.
'The main message remains that cessation of smoking is the most effective way to diminish the risk of RA, irrespective of genetic constitution, but that this recommendation should not necessarily be combined with a recommendation to stop moderate alcohol consumption,' they claimed.
Labels: aches and pains
Adults should drink milk to reduce their risk of broken bones, new research has found.
Researchers at University Hospital Zurich and Dartmouth Medical School analysed 930 men and women between the ages of 27 and 80 over a four-year period.
Half were given a daily calcium supplement which provided them with the recommended amount for adults over the age of 51, while the remainder took a placebo (dummy) pill.
The researchers found that those who took the calcium supplements were significantly less likely to have any kind of bone fracture during the four-year study.
No individual from that group experienced a fracture as a result of everyday activities.
However, the benefits derived from taking the extra calcium were lost after the study had ended, indicating that people should maintain a high intake of the mineral to protect their bones.
Publishing their findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers recommended that adults should adopt a lifelong habit of drinking milk in order to prevent bone loss.
This becomes particularly important after the bones have stopped growing - around the age of 35 - as it is then essential to prevent further bone loss, they noted.
Researchers at University Hospital Zurich and Dartmouth Medical School analysed 930 men and women between the ages of 27 and 80 over a four-year period.
Half were given a daily calcium supplement which provided them with the recommended amount for adults over the age of 51, while the remainder took a placebo (dummy) pill.
The researchers found that those who took the calcium supplements were significantly less likely to have any kind of bone fracture during the four-year study.
No individual from that group experienced a fracture as a result of everyday activities.
However, the benefits derived from taking the extra calcium were lost after the study had ended, indicating that people should maintain a high intake of the mineral to protect their bones.
Publishing their findings in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the researchers recommended that adults should adopt a lifelong habit of drinking milk in order to prevent bone loss.
This becomes particularly important after the bones have stopped growing - around the age of 35 - as it is then essential to prevent further bone loss, they noted.
Labels: aches and pains
Study suggests link between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis
0 comments Posted by Mistlee at 2:32 AMPatients with rheumatoid arthritis appear to have a higher prevalence of gum disease than healthy people, according to new research.
Scientists examined the oral health of 57 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 52 healthy volunteers and found that arthritis patients were nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease.
While some patients' poor oral health may be due to a lack of manual dexterity, the German researchers believe that other factors may also be involved.
The findings are published in the Journal of Periodontology and editor Dr Kenneth Kornman suggested that inflammation may be the key.
'Inflammation is already thought to link periodontal disease with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,' Dr Kornman revealed.
'We look forward to future research that may reveal the biological mechanisms that link these two important diseases.'
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are advised to visit a dentist twice a year to help maintain good oral health.
Scientists examined the oral health of 57 people with rheumatoid arthritis and 52 healthy volunteers and found that arthritis patients were nearly eight times more likely to have periodontal (gum) disease.
While some patients' poor oral health may be due to a lack of manual dexterity, the German researchers believe that other factors may also be involved.
The findings are published in the Journal of Periodontology and editor Dr Kenneth Kornman suggested that inflammation may be the key.
'Inflammation is already thought to link periodontal disease with other conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes,' Dr Kornman revealed.
'We look forward to future research that may reveal the biological mechanisms that link these two important diseases.'
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are advised to visit a dentist twice a year to help maintain good oral health.
Labels: aches and pains
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