Rubefacient Gels and Creams - Not Optimal for Osteoarthritis
Sufficient evidence is lacking to support the use of rubefacient gels and creams to treat osteoarthritis pain. "Rubefacients" cause irritation and reddening of the skin and are contained in many topical products classified as counterirritants. They are supposed to work by offsetting localized pain through local skin irritation.
According to a systematic review by Cochrane Researchers, that was published July 9, 2009, the rubefacient compounds in many topical products are salicylates. Though salicylates are related to aspirin, they don't necessarily work the same when applied to the skin. The review analyzed 16 trials for acute and chronic pain -- altogether involving 1,276 people. For chronic pain, like osteoarthritis, one in 6 patients benefited substantially from using rubs compared to 1 in 3 using topical NSAIDs.
Researchers concluded that larger, high quality studies are needed, including other types of analgesic creams. This particular review only focused on salicylates. For other types of cream, there is evidence of effectiveness. Those will be presented in future Cochrane Reviews.
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- Topical Medications for Arthritis
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Risk of Joint Replacement Complications Is Greater With Uncontrolled Diabetes
Approximately 8% of people who have hip or knee replacement surgery in the United States are diabetic. According to study results published in the July 2009 issue of The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, diabetics undergoing joint replacement are at much higher risk for complications and it is imperative that their glucose (blood sugar) levels be under control.
Researchers analyzed a database of more than one million patients who had joint replacements between 1988 and 2005. Regardless of the diabetes type, patients with diabetes mellitus who had controlled glucose levels before, during, and after surgery had fewer complications. Patients who had uncontrolled glucose levels were more than 3 times as likely to experience a stroke or death after joint replacement surgery and twice as likely to develop post-op bleeding or an infection.
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- Obesity Linked to Osteoarthritis and Joint Replacement Complications
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- Total Hip Replacement - What You Need to Know
- Total Knee Replacement - What You Need to Know
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Texting Can Lead to Thumb Arthritis
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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- What Are Repetitive Stress Injuries?
- More About Thumb Arthritis
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Tell Us: Have You Tried an Alternative/Complementary Treatment for Your Osteoarthritis?
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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Second Course of Hyaluronic Acid - Safe and Effective for Osteoarthritis Patients?
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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- What Is Viscosupplementation?
- Hyaluronan Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis
- Is Hyaluronic Acid Into Arthritic Hips?
- Monovisc Being Studied in United States and Canada
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Photo by Maksim Tselishchev (iStockphoto)Elderly Falls Tied to Canes and Walkers
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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- How to Prevent Slips and Falls
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- Mobility Aids - What You Need to Know
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Move Free - What Osteoarthritis Patients Need to Know
Move Free is a dietary supplement that contains glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulfate, Uniflex, and hyaluronic acid. Uniflex works as a powerful antioxidant and is derived from two herbs -- Chinese Scullcap and Black Catechu.
Move Free is marketed for people with joint problems. The supplement's manufacturer states that glucosamine and chondroitin rebuild joints, while hyaluronic acid replenishes your joints, and Uniflex protects your joints. All sounds good, doesn't it? Learn more about the indications, effectiveness, availability, precautions and warnings associated with the supplement in Move Free - What Osteoarthritis Patients Need to Know.
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- Pycnogenol - Natural Pain Relief for OA
- Is Glucosamine Sulfate More Effective Than Glucosamine Hydrochloride?
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Advil Relieves Minor Arthritis Pain
Advil (ibuprofen) temporarily relieves minor aches and pains, including minor arthritis pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, like Advil, are presumed to be safe. Since they don't require a prescription, directions and warnings aren't always taken seriously. Before taking any medication, whether it is available over-the-counter or by prescription only, you should learn basic facts about the drug to ensure safe use.
Advil is a brand name, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is available over-the-counter. Each tablet contains 200 mg of ibuprofen. Generic ibuprofen is available, as well. Learn more about indications, dosage instructions, formulations, side effects and warnings in What Is Advil?
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- NSAIDs - 10 Things You Need to Know
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Knee Replacement Cost-Effective Procedure for Older Osteoarthritis Patients
Total knee replacement, commonly performed on older adults with advanced osteoarthritis, is a cost-effective procedure. That's the conclusion drawn from a study published in the June 22, 2009 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Of adults older than 60 years, about 12% have symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Their direct medical costs range from $1000 to $4100 per person per year.
In 2005, nearly 500,000 total knee replacements were performed in the U.S. -- and the cost exceeded $11 billion. Over the next two decades, there will be even more need for total knee replacement surgery. According to the study results, a knee replacement offers about one year of better quality of life compared to patients who don't have a knee replacement.
Researchers created a computer model using Medicare claims and other data. This included patients averaging 74 years of age. The analysis concluded that the year of benefit cost about $18,300 -- well within the threshold of the $50,000 per year that is considered cost-effective. When making a decision about whether or not to have the surgery, cost effectiveness is just one consideration. Knee replacement surgery was also found to be more costly and less effective in low-volume centers compared to high-volume centers.
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- Knee Replacement - What You Need to Know
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- Total Knee Replacement v. Partial Knee Replacement
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- 22 Recommendations for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis
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How to Best Raise Children When You Have Arthritis
Living with osteoarthritis can add extra difficulties and challenges to being a parent or grandparent. Arthritis is a disease that impacts the entire family. All parents experience feelings of doubt and frustration at times, but imagine the complication of coping with osteoarthritis while trying to balance what's best for your loved ones and yourself.
- Living in a "Normal World"
- 10 Ways to Improve Life With Arthritis
- Coping Tips for People Wtih Osteoarthritis
Accepting your limitations and adapting to change are important when raising children. Keeping yourself physically and emotionally healthy will help your loved ones. Your first goal is to focus on building trust with your children. They need to:
- trust you
- trust that everything will be alright
- trust that what you tell them is true
- trust that if they should be told something, you will tell them
With a foundation of trust -- getting your children to understand the limitations imposed by your arthritis is possible, but it will take patience. Encourage their questions and never fail to answer honestly. Here are some steps to follow as you decide How to Best Raise Children When You Have Arthritis.
More Related Resources:
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- Arthritis Affects Loved Ones Too
- Family and Friends - Do They Understand Your Arthritis?
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