Wednesday November 25, 2009
Pennsaid is a topical NSAID solution that received FDA approval on November 5, 2009, to treat pain and symptoms associated with knee osteoarthritis. More specifically, Pennsaid (developed by Nuvo Research Inc.) is a diclofenac sodium topical solution. Another formulation, Pennsaid Plus Gel, is still under development.
Wondering how it works? Pennsaid combines a transdermal carrier, containing DMSO, with diclofenac sodium in order to deliver the drug through the skin directly to where the pain is located. Learn more in Pennsaid Topical Solution - What You Need to Know.
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Sunday November 22, 2009
It is estimated that one in 5 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee may also have neuropathic pain. According to a report in the October 2009 issue of Rheumatology News, while neuropathic pain is generally not associated with osteoarthritis in the clinical setting -- there is increasingly more evidence that suggests treatment failure in osteoarthritis might be "a mismatch" between current osteoarthritis medications and underlying mechanisms of pain.
The diagnosis of neuropathic pain includes burning pain, numbness, tingling, and sensitivity to light touch. To date, there is little data on symptoms of neuropathic pain in osteoarthritis. More research is needed. It may turn out that drugs like Neurontin (gabapentin) and Lyrica (pregabalin) have an impact on osteoarthritis pain.
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Saturday November 21, 2009
Half the fun of Christmas gifts comes from giving. But it's nice to receive Christmas gifts too -- especially if the gift is something you have been wanting. Christmas gifts can be fun, somewhat practical, or just exactly what you needed.
Would you rather receive a puppy to fill your house with love, or a Roomba to clean floors better than you could ever do yourself? What Christmas gift would be a fun distraction from your usual chronic pain -- and what gift would be most helpful and useful -- for example, an assistive device? Share your wish list.
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Thursday November 19, 2009
This likely falls under the "may help, probably won't hurt" category. Niacin (vitamin B3) may be helpful in treating or preventing osteoarthritis. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the well-known doctor and advocate for integrative medicine, niacin is important in many bodily functions. Not only might it help with osteoarthritis, niacin may play a significant role related to cholesterol, asthma-induced wheezing, atherosclerosis, second heart attacks, and Alzheimer's disease.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a preliminary study suggested that niacinamide (one of three forms of niacin) may improve arthritis symptoms, including joint mobility, and may reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) needed.
Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency is rare. In most cases, enough is attained through diet. High doses are available by prescription but you should never take more than the Recommended Daily Allowance unless supervised by a doctor. High doses of niacin (vitamin B3) can be toxic.
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