Osteoarthritis

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Spine Osteoarthritis - What You Need to Know

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, including the spine. Osteoarthritis of the spine occurs when there is deterioration in the discs between the vertebrae. If you have had persistent back pain for more than two weeks, you should consult a doctor.

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Texting Can Lead to Thumb Arthritis

Thursday July 9, 2009
Texting has taken the place of phone calls in many instances. It's not uncommon to see people hunched over their mobile device, squinting at the small screen, rapidly moving their thumb or thumbs to get their text message composed and sent. Notice I said thumb or thumbs. When texting, it helps to use two thumbs instead of one because that helps distribute the burden on the basal joint (the joint at the base of the thumb).

The pressure applied at the tip of the thumb is magnified at the base of the thumb, according to a report on Forbes.com. Repetitive motion can cause pain and inflammation of the basal joint. It can even lead to thumb arthritis. If you're not feeling it yet -- pain, that is -- that doesn't mean you won't. Problems caused by repetitive motion can take years to develop.

It's not just texting that can cause problems. There is BlackBerry thumb, cell phone elbow, and Guitar Hero wrist. No joke -- these are conditions that are cropping up because of modern communication devices that require repetitive motions. Experts say you should take breaks, pay attention to your posture, and pay attention to your pain. Otherwise, the wear and tear on your joints from overuse may have longterm consequences.

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Have You Tried an Alternative/Complementary Treatment for Your Osteoarthritis?

Sunday July 5, 2009
Alternative and complementary treatments have gained popularity. Researchers have begun studying detailed patterns of alternative/complementary medicine use. In other words, which alternative or complementary treatments are used the most?

According to a CDC study, fibromyalgia patients used complementary treatments more than people with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or chronic joint symptoms. More than 50% of study participants used over-the-counter topical pain medications, while more than 35% drew from spirituality or meditation and 19% had used a chiropracter. Have you tried an alternative/complementary treatment for your osteoarthritis? Share your alternative treatment story.

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Photo by Greg Nicholas (iStockphoto)

Second Course of Hyaluronic Acid - Safe and Effective for Osteoarthritis Patients?

Saturday July 4, 2009
There are several brands of injectable hyaluronic acid. The first approved by the FDA to treat knee osteoarthritis was Synvisc. Other hyaluronic acid products include:

It is every patient's hope that he will see noticeable improvement after the first series of hyaluronic acid injections. Most are given over a period of 3 to 5 weeks, while newer hyaluronic acid products are administered as a single injection. If not successful, is a second series possible? The answer to that question appears in Is a Second Course of Hyaluronic Acid Safe and Effective?

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Photo by Maksim Tselishchev (iStockphoto)

Elderly Falls Tied to Canes and Walkers

Friday July 3, 2009
More than 47,000 elderly falls occur in America each year that result in emergency room visits. Data from 2001 to 2006 show that 129 Americans older than 65 were treated each day in emergency rooms for injuries resulting from falls using walkers and canes. Of the falls related to walkers and canes, you may be surprised to learn that most -- 87% of elderly falls -- were attributable to walker use.

People were 7 times more likely to be injured by a fall when using a walker rather than a cane. Seems counterintuitive doesn't it? Many people with osteoarthritis are helped by using a cane or walker -- so it's important to be aware of problems associated with their use. Learn more about the reasons for falls among the elderly in Elderly Falls Tied to Canes and Walkers.

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Photo by Lisa F. Young (iStockphoto)

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