Arthritis

Health Tip Back Pain in Children

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 10:00:42 GMT

In a child back pain is different from back pain in adults. Particularly in children under age 4 it indicates a serious underlying problem the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says. You should see your doctor if your child has ba...

Golimumab Eases Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 16:00:30 GMT

Adding monthly injections of golimumab to weekly doses of methotrexate helped most people with rheumatoid arthritis even putting some into remission two new studies show. The findings on golimumab an antitumor necrosis factor TNFalp...

Health Tip Muscle Sprains and Strains

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:00:33 GMT

Sprains and strains are common injuries that result from sports and exercise. Sprains involve a stretch or tear of a ligament while a strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon. While everyone is prone to strains and sprains here are sugge...

Drinking Cuts Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

Thu, 5 Jun 2008 10:00:30 GMT

People who drink alcohol regularly may cut their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis a new study finds. Alcohol has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and now this new study shows drinking may also reduce the ris...

FDA Starts Safety Review of Autoimmune Disorder Drugs

Wed, 4 Jun 2008 16:00:32 GMT

U.S. health officials have started a safety review of a class of drugs known as tumor necrosis factor TNF blockers which are widely prescribed to treat autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and Crohns di...

Cane Use May Cut Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis

Mon, 26 May 2008 16:00:12 GMT

Using a cane may help reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis OA progression according to a study by researchers at the University of Melbourne in Australia. The study included 16 men and 24 women mean age 65 with knee OA an incurable...

Health Tip What Your Bones Need

Mon, 19 May 2008 10:00:27 GMT

Its important to practice good bone health when youre young to prevent problems later in life. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers these guidelines for people of different ages:

Between ages 10 and 20: Ge...

Aspirin at Bedtime Lowers Blood Pressure

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:29 GMT

A daily aspirin can control prehypertension but only if it is taken at bedtime a Spanish study shows. An aspirin taken every morning didnt lower the blood pressure of prehypertensive people but the evening regimen did Dr. Ramon C. Herm...

Breastfeeding Might Shield Women From Rheumatoid Arthritis

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:00:47 GMT

Women who breast feed for more than one year reduce their risk of rheumatoid arthritis RA by half according to a new Swedish study. The researchers also found that having children but not breastfeeding offered women no protection agains...

Arthritis Hits More Than Half of Diabetics

Thu, 8 May 2008 16:00:28 GMT

Arthritis strikes more than half of the 20.6 million American adults who have diabetes and the painful joint condition may be a barrier to exercise among these patients a new government report shows. Being physically active helps people ...

Soccers a Winner for Building Bone Health in Girls

Wed, 7 May 2008 20:00:27 GMT

Want your teenage daughter to have strong bones? Steer her to soccer or other impact sports experts suggest and you may help her prevent low bone density later in life. Sports such as soccer with the combination of weightbearing exerc...

Less Money Means More Hurting

Thu, 1 May 2008 20:00:24 GMT

Not having money hurts. Physically. Lowerincome Americans experience pain much more frequently than those making more money according to a study that had nearly 4000 people keep a diary in which they scored their feelings of pain on a sc...

Genes Linked to Osteoporosis Identified

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 17:01:57 GMT

Two teams of researchers report finding a series of gene variants linked to bone density and the risk for fracture which might also be linked to osteoporosis. While not a predictor of individual risk for osteoporosis this finding could le...

New Worries Over Blockbuster Meds Avandia Fosamax

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:00:31 GMT

Avandia and Fosamax widely prescribed drugs used to treat two common health conditions show further evidence of being linked to adverse events. One study finds that longterm use of thiazolidinediones a family of diabetes drugs that in...

Epilepsy Drug Linked to Bone Loss

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:00:31 GMT

The epilepsy drug Dilantin may put young women who take it for a year or more at higher risk for osteoporosis researchers report. The bone loss described in a paper in the April 29 issue of Neurology was actually eight times higher ...

Chinese Ants Show Promise in Fighting Arthritis Other Diseases

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:00:26 GMT

Substances found in a type of Chinese ant may provide antiinflammatory and painkilling benefits against several diseases a new report says. Chemists analyzing extracts from a Chinese medicinal ant Polyrhacis lamellidens found tw...

Cell Fusions During Inflammation May Protect Neurons

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:00:38 GMT

Chronic inflammation triggers cell fusions that may protect neurons according to a Stanford University School of Medicine study. In research with mice the Stanford team found that chronic inflammation causes bone marrowderived blood cell...

Deep Brain Stimulation Aids Those With Rare Headache Condition

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:00:21 GMT

Patients with severe headache attacks that dont respond to medication can be helped with deep brain stimulation DBS new research concludes. The Mayo Clinic study describes the case of a 44yearold man who suffered more than 200 excruci...

Overuse of Opioids Barbiturates Boosts Chronic Migraine Risk

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:00:21 GMT

Taking barbiturates and opioids such as codeine and oxycodone too often for migraines could double the chances of having chronic migraines a year later new research says. The study expected to be presented Thursday at the American Academy...

Splints as Good as Plaster Casts for Minor Fractures

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:00:28 GMT

A review of past research shows cheaper removable splints are as safe and effective as traditional plaster casts for treating minor wrist fractures in children. But one U.S. orthopedic expert disagrees saying that kids may be tempted to t...

Low Vitamin D Levels Linked to Leg Artery Blockages

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:00:29 GMT

New research has discovered that people with low blood levels of vitamin D were found to have a higher incidence of peripheral arterial disease PAD potentially dangerous blockages in the leg arteries. The study of nearly 4900 American a...

Health Tip Having Neck Pain

Tue, 8 Apr 2008 10:01:13 GMT

HealthDay News Neck pain has a variety of causes often muscle strain or tension. Here are some other common triggers courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

Sitting at or bending over a desk for long perio...

Height of Pitchers Mound Can Strain Shoulders

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 10:00:23 GMT

The height of a pitchers mound can influence the risk of stressrelated elbow and shoulder injuries suggests a study led by the head team physician for the Milwaukee Brewers. The study included 20 pitchers from Major League Baseball organ...

New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Works for Adults Children

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 20:00:11 GMT

The new antiarthritis drug tocilizumab now being tested appears to be effective in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in both adults and children according to the results of two new studies. Tocilizumab works by blocking th...

Genetic Medicine Making Inroads Against Disease

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:05:38 GMT

TUESDAY March 18 HealthDay News In fields as varied as heart disease bone health and posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD an explosion of knowledge in genetics is poised to revolutionize medicine said scientists gathered at a special news ...

Pain Relief for Osteoporosis Patients With Fractures

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 12:05:30 GMT

In osteoporosis patients with spinal fractures vertebroplasty provides significant pain relief and helps decrease disability according to a new study. Vertebroplasty involves injection of medicalgrade bone cement into a fractured verteb...

Health Tip Tame Tension Headaches

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 09:05:36 GMT

Tension headaches are often triggered by stress or anxiety causing pain and muscle tension in the head and neck. Here are suggestions to help keep tension headaches at bay courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

Health Tip When Flat Feet Cause Pain

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:05:24 GMT

HealthDay News Flat feet may pose few or no problems for some adults. But for others flat feet can cause pain that makes standing or moving difficult. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says you should see your doctor if fla...

Aspirin Reduces Asthma Risk Among Older Women

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 09:05:25 GMT

Taking a small dose of aspirin every other day seems to reduce the risk of developing asthma among older women. The study appearing in the online issue of Thorax essentially mirrors a similar study in which men taking aspirin saw t...

Gender Bias at Play in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:05:25 GMT

Women with knee pain are less likely than men to be recommended for total knee replacement surgery says a Canadian study that suggests gender bias may be a factor. The University of Toronto study included a woman and a man with moderate kn...

Health Tip A Sprain in the Neck

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 09:05:16 GMT

A neck sprain can be caused by a car accident a sudden impact or fall. Neck pain should be evaluated by a doctor to see what kind of treatment may be required. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these possible symptoms of...

Health Tip Understanding Autoimmune Diseases

Fri, 7 Mar 2008 09:05:16 GMT

An autoimmune disease occurs when the bodys immune system mistakenly begins to attack itself. More commonly known autoimmune diseases include lupus rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Here is more information about autoimmune dis...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Lower Heart Attack Stroke Risk

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 16:05:32 GMT

People taking medications for rheumatoid arthritis may also be reducing their risk of heart attack and stroke a new study suggests. People with rheumatoid arthritis RA which causes pain swelling stiffness and loss of function in the ...

Biking Walking Best for New Knees

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 12:05:39 GMT

The thousands of Americans who undergo knee replacement surgeries each year may want to put away their tennis rackets and get back on their bikes a new study shows. Biking and treadmill walking appear to be two of the gentlest exercises fo...

Health Tip Help Prevent Stress Fractures

Thu, 6 Mar 2008 09:05:22 GMT

HealthDay News A stress fracture occurs when overused bones and muscles cant absorb additional shock. When the stress on them becomes too great the impact is transferred to a bone causing a small fracture. Here are suggestions to hel...

Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Wont Raise Blood Cancer Risk

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:05:21 GMT

FRIDAY Feb. 29 HealthDay News Methotrexate one of the most common drugs used to ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms will not raise a patients risk for blood cancer a new study finds. But a lesserused medicine cyclophosphamide w...

Arcalyst Treats Rare Inflammatory Disorders

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 12:07:17 GMT

The injected drug Arcalyst has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat two rare cryopyrinassociated periodic syndromes the Associated Press reported. The inherited disorders which affect about 300 people in t...

Humira Approved for Childrens Arthritis

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:05:21 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Humira adalimumab to treat moderatetosevere juvenile idiopathic arthritis JIA in children aged four years and older maker Abbott Laboratories said Friday. JIA often called juvenil...

Taking Multiple Pain Relievers May Cause Complications

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:05:23 GMT

People who take more than one nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug NSAID may have poorer healthrelated quality of life a U.S. study suggests. NSAIDs which are available in both prescription and overthecounter OTC forms are commonly...

Health Tip Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 09:05:31 GMT

HealthDay News Arthritis can cause pain stiffness and swelling in the joints. It can make movement difficult and painful. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these potential options for treating arthritis:

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Study Suggests Glucosamine Wont Ease Hip Arthritis

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:06:02 GMT

Glucosamine sulfate a popular dietary supplement purported to ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis does not seem to help people with arthritis in their hips. Thats the conclusion of a study that compared the use of glucosamine to...

Health Tip Painful Urination

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:05:29 GMT

HealthDay News Pain while urinating often indicates an infection usually in the urinary tract. However it can also be caused by other conditions and should always be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Here are possible causes of pa...

Back Pain Spending Up Relief Down

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:05:32 GMT

Americans are spending more money trying to ease back and neck pain but new research suggests those extra dollars arent buying more relief. The increased expenditures were expected said the authors of a study in the Feb. 13 issue of the...

Depression Rarely Discussed With RA Patients

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:05:25 GMT

Even though people with rheumatoid arthritis RA may be at increased risk for depression the subject is rarely discussed with their doctors says a U.S. study that included 200 RA patients at four rheumatology clinics. The researchers le...

Gene Linked to Inflammatory Arthritis Also Raises Heart Risks

Thu, 7 Feb 2008 17:05:22 GMT

A gene called HLADRB1 thats associated with an increased risk of developing inflammatory arthritis may also increase the chances of premature death from cardiovascular disease CVD a British study finds. People with rheumatoid arthritis...

Generic Versions of Fosamax Approved

Wed, 6 Feb 2008 14:05:36 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the first generic equivalents of Fosamax alendronate sodium Merck amp; Co.s osteoporosis drug. In a statement the Israeli firm Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. said the FDA had app...

Health Tip Exercise Routines for Arthritis Patients

Fri, 1 Feb 2008 09:05:16 GMT

HealthDay News Exercise can be a great way to deal with the aches and pains of arthritis. But its important to perform the right exercises under a doctors supervision. Here are suggestions about exercising if you have arthritis court...

Newer Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs Lower Production of B Cells

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:05:19 GMT

Certain drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis RA provide a powerful previously unknown benefit for the immune system say University of Rochester Medical Center researchers. They found that drugs known as antiTNF compounds includ...

NSAIDs No Better for Low Back Pain

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:05:21 GMT

When it comes to treating low back pain nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen are no more effective than acetaminophen. Thats the conclusion of researchers who reviewed more than 65 studies that inc...

Health Tip Preventing Back Injury

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 09:05:21 GMT

HealthDay News Lifting objects sometimes even light ones is a common cause of back strain and injury. To help prevent injury when lifting things follow these techniques suggested by the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeon...

Health Tip Follow Instructions on OTC Pain Relievers

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 09:20:41 GMT

The pain reliever ibuprofen sold overthecounter under popular brand names including Advil and Motrin should be taken according to dosage instructions from a doctor or on the package. If youre taking more than one medication be sure th...

Exercise Program Eases Arthritis

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:05:21 GMT

Exercise programs can help ease arthritis symptoms says a U.S. study that evaluated the effects of an Arthritis Foundation regimen. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study included 346 people average age 70 with selfreport...

Health Tip Learning to Use Crutches

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 09:05:24 GMT

HealthDay News Certain injuries require the use of crutches. But learning to use them can be a challenge. Here are suggestions from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to help you get around on crutches:

When ...

Genes Linked to Height Also Tied to Osteoarthritis Risk

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:05:15 GMT

Common genetic variants associated with osteoarthritis may also play a role in determining a persons height according to a U.S.European study. The findings which included an analysis of the genomes of more than 35000 people are excit...

BoneStrengthening Drugs May Be Overprescribed

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:05:16 GMT

Drug companies exaggerate the benefits and downplay the risks of prescribing bonestrengthening drugs for women whose bones are weakened but who do not have osteoporosis a new report claims. Drugs such as raloxifene alendronate and risedr...

Aspirin Resistance Boosts Heart Risks in Cardiac Patients

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:05:17 GMT

Heart patients who are resistant to aspirin are four times more likely to suffer a heart attack stroke or to die a new Canadian study says. People who are aspirinresistant have platelets the cells in blood responsible for clotting ...

ModifiedRelease Prednisone May Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:05:23 GMT

THURSDAY Jan. 17 HealthDay News A modifiedrelease form of the steroid prednisone is better than the standard immediaterelease version at reducing morning joint stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis a new study finds. German ...

Minor Leg Injuries Might Boost Blood Clot Risk

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 12:05:28 GMT

Minor leg injures including ankle sprains and muscle ruptures could raise the risk of blood clots in the legs or lungs suggests a study by researchers in the Netherlands. Previous research found that major injuries and related trea...

Health Tip Dealing With a Canker Sore

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 09:05:25 GMT

HealthDay News Canker sores are painful ulcers that develop in the mouth most often on the lip or inside the cheek tongue gums or the soft palate. Most canker sores will clear up on their own but they can be rather painful in the meantime....

Health Tip If You Have Sinus Problems

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 09:05:37 GMT

HealthDay News Sinusitis an inflammation of the sinuses can lead to a sinus infection. Knowing what triggers your sinusitis can help you prevent or at least prepare for the problem. The U.S. National Library of Medicine lists th...

Low Testosterone Could Weaken Older Mens Bones

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:05:38 GMT

Low testosterone levels may boost the risk of fractures for men over 60 an Australian study finds. The researchers tracked 609 men average age 72.6 between 1989 and late 2005. The University of Sydney researchers collected info...

Stem Cells Modified to Home in Where Theyre Needed

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:05:42 GMT

U.S. researchers have found a way to modify the surface of stem cells to direct them to where theyre needed an advance that may prove useful in many areas of stem cell therapy. Researchers at the Biomedical Research Institute at Brigham ...

Strength Training Eases Chronic Neck Pain

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 16:05:46 GMT

Strength training exercises can help relieve chronic neck pain says a Danish study in the January issue of Arthritis Care amp; Research. Previous studies have produced conflicting findings about whether exercise can help treat neck...

Low Vitamin D Linked to Heart Risk

Mon, 7 Jan 2008 16:05:30 GMT

Low blood levels of vitamin D sourced through sunlight some foods and supplements are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke U.S. researchers report. Their five years of researc...

Fingers Point to Risk for Arthritic Knees

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 14:05:28 GMT

Women whose index finger is shorter than their ring finger are at greater risk of osteoarthritis of the knee researchers report. In fact having a shorter index finger may double the risk of osteoarthritis for all people the British team ...

46 Million Americans Suffer From Arthritis

Fri, 4 Jan 2008 12:05:27 GMT

FRIDAY Jan. 4 HealthDay News Arthritic disease is the most common cause of disability in the United States and now affects 46 million Americans or more than 21 percent of the adult population a major new report finds. That number ...

Experts Compare Osteoporosis Drugs

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 16:05:32 GMT

Theres no proof that widely used bisphosphonate drugs are more effective than other treatments at preventing fractures in people with osteoporosis says a U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality AHRQ report published online Monday in the j...

Evolution Tips the Balance in Moms Favor

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:05:28 GMT

Given that a womans abdominal mass increases by a third during pregnancy its a miracle that such a significant shift in gravity doesnt have her tipping over during her final trimester. Now a new study describes a surprising set of anat...

Unrelated Cord Blood Helps Infants With Metabolic Disorders

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 14:05:30 GMT

Umbilical cord transplants from unrelated donors can benefit infants born with lifethreatening metabolic disorders such as Hurler disease and Krabbe leukodystrophy according to a study led by Duke University Medical Center researchers. Th...

Group Seeks Refinement of Knee Arthritis Treatment Guidelines

Mon, 10 Dec 2007 12:05:46 GMT

Six sets of guidelines for the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs NSAIDs in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis OA published or updated between 2001 and 2006 contain differences and a lack of educational information according to a revi...

Study Probes Source of Knee Arthritis Pain

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 12:05:22 GMT

FRIDAY Nov. 30 HealthDay News Damage to the menisci the knees shock absorbers is sometimes associated with knee osteoarthritis but it does not directly provoke pain aching and stiffness a U.S. study finds. Any associatio...

Health Tip Build Healthy Bones

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 09:05:15 GMT

HealthDay News Osteoporosis doesnt have to be an inevitable part of aging if you begin practicing healthy habits when youre young. Here are some facts about osteoporosis and suggestions to help prevent brittle bones courtesy of t...

Drug Combos Effective Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:05:21 GMT

Combining an older synthetic drug with a newer biologic medication may work best to ease the joint swelling and tenderness of rheumatoid arthritis a new study finds. There are many therapies for rheumatoid arthritis but the newer drugs...

Back Pain Prevention Should Start With a Plan

Sat, 24 Nov 2007 09:05:18 GMT

A 10step plan to help you reduce body stress and prevent back pain especially during the demanding holiday season is outlined by the U.S. National Athletic Trainers Association. The human body is an incredible machine that adapts to t...

Drug Fights MedicationLinked Bone Loss

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:05:22 GMT

An osteoporosis drug has proven superior to standard therapy at slowing bone loss caused by asthma treatment researchers say. Glucocorticoid medicines such as prednisone are often given to treat asthma autoimmune disorders skin allergies...

New Drug Fights MedicationLinked Bone Loss

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:05:27 GMT

A new drug has proven superior to standard therapy at slowing bone loss caused by asthma treatment researchers say. Glucocorticoid medicines such as prednisone are often given to treat asthma autoimmune disorders skin allergies and other...

New Test Criteria Spots Rheumatoid Arthritis Sooner

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 09:05:17 GMT

More patients with early rheumatoid arthritis could be identified and enrolled in clinical studies if the process of diagnosis included one new type of assessment and excluded two traditional assessments according to a new study. Researc...

Arthritis Takes Major Toll on Workplace

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:05:12 GMT

Arthritisrelated disability can have a major impact on a persons employment forcing them to change work hours the type and nature of their work or even lose their job a Canadian study reports. The study tracked 490 people with osteoa...

Vioxx Settlement Puts Painkillers Back in the Spotlight

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 19:05:19 GMT

With Fridays announcement of almost $5 billion to be paid out to those people claiming they were hurt by the nowwithdrawn painkiller Vioxx the drugs maker Merck amp; Co. may have hoped to end the glare of publicity on these types of drugs....

Total Knee Replacement Safe for Most Patients

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 17:05:20 GMT

Total knee replacement is cost effective for patients with endstage arthritis even for highrisk patients with multiple medical problems say researchers who used a computer model to compare the costs and benefits of living with endstage arthriti...

Close to Barefoot Best for Arthritic Knees

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 16:05:14 GMT

Sore arthritic knees may do better with flipflops and flexible walking shoes than with other types of footwear new research suggests. In fact the closer to barefoot the better for the knees the study finds. The main findi...

Antibody Test Could Spot Rheumatoid Arthritis Early

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 16:05:14 GMT

If primary care doctors tested suspected rheumatoid arthritis patients for key antibodies before their first visit to a rheumatologist it could help promote earlier diagnosis and treatment of the disease British researchers report. Patien...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Boosts Heart Disease Threat

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 12:05:19 GMT

People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis run a greater risk of developing heart disease. But that risk can be spotted and hopefully modified by using the same criteria used to identify heartdisease risk in the general population a new s...

NSAID Drug Therapy Fails to Ease Back Pain

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 09:05:21 GMT

Two widely used treatments for acute low back pain nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs NSAIDs and spinal manipulation did not help patients in a carefully controlled study Australian researchers report. Thats not especially surpr...

Drugs Can Ease Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 09:05:21 GMT

Certain drugs may be effective in treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis according to studies presented this week at the American College of Rheumatology ACR meeting in Boston. One study found that abatacept used to treat adults with mo...

Health Tip When a Stomachache Requires Medical Attention

Fri, 9 Nov 2007 09:05:21 GMT

HealthDay News While stomachache or abdominal pain are quite common and often harmless these conditions sometimes can signal a more serious problem. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the following symptoms require a trip to th...

Vioxx Ban Tied to Rise in Serious GI Trouble

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 16:05:15 GMT

Pulling the painkillers Vioxx and Bextra off the market to spare patients hearts may have ended up harming their stomachs a new study suggests. Rates of gastrointestinal events serious enough to require hospitalization have risen signific...

Botox Offers Shot in Arm for Arthritis Sufferers

Thu, 8 Nov 2007 14:05:21 GMT

Botox seems to relieve shoulder pain in arthritis sufferers a preliminary study found. We dont recommend people start using it until we have the definitive study said study author Dr. Jasvinder Singh a staff physician at the Minneapo...

NSAIDs Protect Against Parkinsons Disease

Mon, 5 Nov 2007 16:05:40 GMT

Taking overthecounter pain medicines called nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs NSAIDs may reduce the risk of Parkinsons disease according to a study by researchers at the UCLA School of Public Health in Los Angeles. The study inclu...

Spinal Stem Cells Offer Hope Against Back Pain

Thu, 1 Nov 2007 09:05:17 GMT

For the first time researchers have found stem cells within the intervertebral discs of the human spine. They say it may someday be possible to use these stem cells to help repair degenerating discs in order to treat neck and lower back pa...

Health Tip Protect Your Joints

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 09:05:39 GMT

HealthDay News Osteoarthritis a disease of the joints can be triggered by injury and overuse by obesity and by musculoskeletal problems. Here are ways to help protect your joints courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Death Rate Unchanged

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 12:05:14 GMT

Americans are likely to live longer than they did 40 years ago but not if they have rheumatoid arthritis according to a new study from the Mayo Clinic. When you look at persons with rheumatoid arthritis they do not seem to have experien...

Some Female Athletes Risking Weaker Bones

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 12:05:13 GMT

Certain female college athletes such as swimmers divers and runners have lower bone density than other athletes a new study finds. If bone density levels in these athletes continued to decrease they could be at increased risk for futur...

Voltaren Gel Approved for Osteoarthritis

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 14:14:08 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Voltaren Gel to treat osteoarthritis maker Novartis AG said Monday. Its the first prescription topical treatment for osteoarthritis that can be applied directly to the site of pain the c...

Water Workouts Work for Arthritis Patients

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:05:47 GMT

Doing stretching and aerobic workouts in warm water may help relieve pain and improve daily function in people with knee or hip osteoarthritis. That finding was offered by Danish researchers who reviewed six studies involving about 800 pati...

Shoe Insoles No Rx for Back Pain Study

Wed, 17 Oct 2007 09:05:45 GMT

Theres no evidence that shoe insoles prevent or ease back pain. Thats the conclusion of Israeli researchers who reviewed three studies of 2061 people that compared customized and standard insoles to sham insoles or no treatment for back ...

Many Patients Dont Report Use of OTC Pain Drugs

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:05:58 GMT

Large numbers of patients dont tell their doctors that they take common overthecounter painkillers such as aspirin and ibuprofen a potentially dangerous omission a new study has found. With nearly one out of five patients underreport...

Health Tip Got Low Back Pain

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 12:05:54 GMT

The effects of low back pain can range from a mild inconvenience to debilitating. Some pain may go away on its own after the back has had a chance to heal but sometimes surgery may be needed. Here are potential treatments to help ease low ...

HeartHealthy Workouts Help Knees Too

Fri, 5 Oct 2007 19:05:31 GMT

Exercise that boosts cardiovascular health may also help keep knee cartilage healthy and protect against knee osteoarthritis Australian researchers say. Previous studies on the issue have produced conflicting findings the team said. Some ...

Experts Issue Guidelines on Treating Low Back Pain

Tue, 2 Oct 2007 14:05:43 GMT

Primary care doctors shouldnt routinely order MRIs CT scans and other diagnostic tests for patients with nonspecific low back pain according to new joint guidelines released by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. ...

Meditation May Help Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:05:27 GMT

For rheumatoid arthritis sufferers whose painful illness prompts depression relief may come from the practice of an ageold technique already embraced by millions around the world: meditation. Researchers found that a halfyear exposure to...

Genome Area Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 12:05:10 GMT

A specific region of the human genome appears to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis European researchers say. A team from the Karolinska Institute Stockholm and elsewhere conducted genetic analyses of hundreds of rheumatoid arthrit...

Common Foot Myths Trip Us Up

Fri, 14 Sep 2007 14:05:20 GMT

Did you know that its possible to walk on a broken foot? It is but many people believe that it is not possible to do so and then exacerbate the damage to their broken foot by walking. Thats just one of the foot myths...

Health Tip Tension Headaches

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:05:30 GMT

A tension headache is characterized by tight painful pressure across the forehead. The pain may also extend into the neck and is usually steady rather than sharp or stabbing. Tension headaches may be brought on by everyday stress and fr...

Genes Boost Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis Lupus

Wed, 5 Sep 2007 19:12:49 GMT

Two genes boost the risk of painful rheumatoid arthritis and one of them also increases the odds for lupus according to two new reports. In one report a variant of the gene called STAT4 is one of the five genes now identified to i...

Health Tip Get Enough Vitamin D

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 12:11:17 GMT

Vitamin D is essential in helping the body absorb calcium. It also helps keep a healthy balance of phosphorous and calcium in the blood. Here are foods that are good sources of vitamin D courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

Swelling After Knee Injury May Hinder Healing

Fri, 31 Aug 2007 12:05:48 GMT

The swelling that normally occurs when a joint is injured may interfere with healing after knee injuries researchers say. Publishing in the September issue of Arthritis amp; Rheumatism Duke University researchers identified two im...

Health Tip Coping With Chronic Pain

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:05:34 GMT

Chronic pain persists for longer than six months. Besides pain medications the American Academy of Family Physicians offers this list of additional treatment options:

Physical therapy including stretching and strengthening exercise...

Study Points to Cause of Vioxx Heart Risk

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:05:17 GMT

Researchers believe theyve zeroed in on what caused Vioxx to boost users heart risks. The popular pain reliever was taken off the market in 2004 because it was linked to a high risk of heart attack and stroke. In experiments wit...

Health Tip Soothing a Sore Throat

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:05:33 GMT

A sore throat can be caused by many factors including allergies tonsillitis or the common cold. Try following these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians on how to help a sore throat:

Take an overthe...

Back to School Means Backpack Safety

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 09:05:33 GMT

Backpacks help kids carry schoolbooks and supplies but they can also be harmful when overloaded and/or improperly fitted warns the American Physical Therapy Association. Wearing backpacks improperly or ones that are too heavy put childre...

Reclast Approved as OnceYearly Osteoporosis Drug

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:09:01 GMT

The Novartis drug Reclast zoledronic acid has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a onceyearly treatment for postmenopausal osteoporosis the company said Monday. In a clinical study involving more than 7700 women...

Health Tip Children Who Play Sports

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:05:52 GMT

Scholastic sports are a great way for children to get exercise and stay healthy. But young athletes also are at greater risk of injury to their growing bodies. Here are potential risks to keep in mind when your child is playing a sport cou...

Health Tip Symptoms of Bone Spurs

Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:05:40 GMT

Bone spurs are bone growths that build up over time and tend to affect people as they age. While bone spurs are not painful they can cause pain by impacting areas around them including surrounding nerves. Here are some common symptoms ...

DirecttoConsumer Drug Ads Booming Despite Criticisms

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:05:48 GMT

Drug company spending on directtoconsumer advertising continues to skyrocket even as criticisms against it have soared. Calling for a moratorium rather than just restrictions on such advertising might be in order say the authors of a ...

Test Spots Joint Replacement Infections

Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:05:48 GMT

A new diagnostic test more accurately detects infection in artificial hip and knee joints which could lead to improved treatment and patient outcomes U.S. researchers say. According to the Mayo Clinic team the new test samples bacteria t...

Bone Tests CostEffective for Elderly Men

Tue, 7 Aug 2007 16:06:18 GMT

Bonedensity tests for osteoporosis are routine for older women but a new study finds they might be costeffective for certain groups of men over 65 too. One of the first quality assessments of the screenings costs and benefits for males...

Health Tip Caring for a Cast

Tue, 7 Aug 2007 09:06:55 GMT

Casts are used to keep a broken bone in place so that the injury heals properly. If youre wearing a cast and want to know how to care for it properly follow these suggestions from the American Academy of Family Physicians:

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Inflammatory Joint Bowel Diseases May Be Linked

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 14:06:16 GMT

People whose blood relatives have the joint disease ankylosing spondylitis AS are at increased risk not just for AS but for inflammatory bowel disease IBD as well an Icelandic study shows. Looking at data from six generations of Icela...

Drug May Help Prevent Womens Osteoarthritis

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 12:06:10 GMT

Preliminary research in rats suggests that an existing drug could help older women stop osteoarthritis in its tracks. The drug known as calcitonin is currently used to treat osteoporosis. According to tests in female rats it shows promis...

Arthritis Disability More Likely in Older Blacks Hispanics

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 09:06:00 GMT

Among older Americans with arthritis blacks and Hispanics are twice as likely as whites to have a disability that interferes with daily living new research shows. Much of this disparity is due to differences in access to health care and p...

Hip Protectors Wont Prevent Fractures in Elderly

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:06:08 GMT

The use of energyabsorbing hip protector pads wont prevent hip fractures new research suggests. We found that there was no benefit to the hip protector said study author Dr. Douglas Kiel director of medical research at the Institute ...

Writers Cramp May Be Tied to Brain Abnormalities

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 09:05:50 GMT

Could writers cramp be all in your mind? New research suggests just that with French scientists saying theyve identified structural abnormalities in the brains of people prone to the painful condition. The abnormalities consist of less b...

One Billion People Dont Get Enough Vitamin D

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 12:06:04 GMT

Vitamin D deficiency is a common problem that can lead to a number of serious health conditions but it can be prevented says one expert. People get vitamin D from sun exposure diet and supplements. Yet vitamin D deficiency is all too co...

Artificial Disc Approved to Treat Disc Disease in Neck

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:06:05 GMT

The Prestige Cervical Disc is the first artificial disc to be sanctioned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat degenerative disc disease of the neck the agency said Tuesday in announcing the devices approval. The neck region ...

Health Tip After a Muscle Strain

Tue, 17 Jul 2007 09:06:25 GMT

A pulled muscle also called a muscle strain is frequently caused by exercising a muscle that hasnt been properly stretched or warmed up. Here are suggestions on what to do if youve pulled a muscle courtesy of the Loyola University Heal...

No Danger Found in Blood ThinnerStatin Combination

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:06:08 GMT

A new study helps douse fears about possible harmful interactions when heart patients take both the anticlotting drug clopidogrel and a cholesterollowering statin. Those fears arose several years ago when researchers showed that the same ...

Glucosamine Trials Show Little Benefit Against Arthritis

Fri, 29 Jun 2007 17:05:43 GMT

Although millions of arthritis sufferers buy glucosamine supplements to ease their joint pain theres still no convincing proof the product works according to a major new analysis. In fact the results of 15 trials of overthecounter glu...

Antidepressants Linked to Bone Loss

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:06:00 GMT

Older men and women who take the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may have an increased rate of bone loss. But the studies documenting this finding are preliminary and shouldnt be seen as a reason t...

1st US Drug Approved for Fibromyalgia

Thu, 21 Jun 2007 17:06:16 GMT

Lyrica pregabalin has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat fibromyalgia. Its the first drug approved in the United States to treat the condition that affects up to 6 million Americans the agency said Thursday.

Soy Compound Helps Builds Bone Study

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 17:05:43 GMT

Genistein a natural phytoestrogen derived from soy products worked better than placebo pills at building bone mineral density in a twoyear study of older postmenopausal Italian women. After two years those taking the soy product had be...

Lung Illness Linked to Heart Bone Problems

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:05:35 GMT

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD a common often fatal lung disease in smokers can also stiffen arteries new British researcher shows. The effect was especially strong in COPD patients who also suffered from osteoporosis the...

Bengay Death Highlights OTC Dangers

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:05:53 GMT

The bizarre death of a New York City high school track star from a muscle pain cream overdose is raising a red flag once again on the hazards of overusing common overthecounter medications experts say. The New York City medical examine...

Vitamin A Compound Could Fight Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:05:28 GMT

Research in mice suggests that a vitamin A derivative retinoic acid may fight autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as colitis or rheumatoid arthritis U.S. scientists say. A team at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy amp; Immunology...

Health Tip Are Joint Supplements For You

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 09:06:13 GMT

Glucosamine and chondroitin are substances that occur naturally in the body. Taken as supplements they can help relieve arthritic joint pain. Glucosamine is an amino sugar thats believed to help cartilage formation and repair the Arthrit...

Study Rates New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:05:34 GMT

Three new drugs rituximab abatacept and tocilizumab mark a new era in rheumatoid arthritis treatment according to the authors of a study published online Tuesday in The Lancet medical journal. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chroni...

Rheumatoid Illness Smoking Can Harm Hearts Aorta

Tue, 29 May 2007 14:05:51 GMT

Inflammatory rheumatic diseases and smoking are both associated with inflammation of the hearts aorta the main artery carrying blood to the body researchers report. In turn aortic inflammation can promote atherosclerosis hardening of ...

Added Treatment Wont Speed Whiplash Recovery

Fri, 25 May 2007 12:06:08 GMT

Aggressive treatment of patients with whiplash doesnt speed their recovery Canadian research suggests. University of Toronto researchers examined the treatment received by almost 1700 whiplash patients. They found that increa...

Large Jolts of Java Can Keep Gout at Bay

Fri, 25 May 2007 09:05:39 GMT

Four or more cups of coffee a day may help keep the gout away suggests a study in the June issue of the journal Arthritis amp; Rheumatism. Gout the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in adult males is caused by too much...

Aspirin May Cut Pregnancy Complication Risk

Thu, 17 May 2007 23:03:08 GMT

Women at high risk for the pregnancy complication preeclampsia can lower their odds by 10 percent by taking daily aspirin a new study suggests. Preeclampsia is a potentially fatal obstetric complication that can lead to sudden high blood p...

Health Tip After Caesarean Section

Thu, 10 May 2007 19:01:28 GMT

Caesarean section also called Csection is a surgical procedure in which a baby is removed from the womb through an incision in the mothers abdomen. Here is what to expect after a Csection delivery courtesy of the Nemours Foundation:...

Drug Safety Theres No Magic Pill Study Says

Tue, 8 May 2007 19:01:44 GMT

If you think fighting redhot blazes in collapsing buildings is risky think again. Swallowing one aspirin each day for a year poses the same risk of death new research suggests. In an analysis appearing in the May/June issue of...

Cystic Fibrosis Can Harm Kids Bones

Fri, 4 May 2007 19:01:21 GMT

Children with cystic fibrosis CF have early onset of defective bone mineralization in the lumbar spine the part of the back between the ribs and pelvis French researchers say. The problem is not caused by lung disease or poor nutrition...

Health Tip Symptoms of Whiplash

Thu, 3 May 2007 19:01:13 GMT

Whiplash occurs when the neck is rapidly forced forward and backward typically in a car accident. It is often diagnosed by excluding other types of similar injury. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons lists these common symptoms of...

Health Tip Dislocated Shoulder

Tue, 1 May 2007 19:02:55 GMT

When the ball of the shoulder joint is dislodged from the socket the joint has been dislocated. In severe cases ligaments tendons and nerves near the injury may also be affected says the University of Michigan Health System. S...

Green Tea May Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 19:01:11 GMT

Green tea already touted for its cardiovascular and anticancer benefits may also help ease the inflammation and pain of rheumatoid arthritis a new study suggests. The study was conducted in the laboratory and its findings are preliminar...

US Arthritis Numbers Costs Soaring

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:01:09 GMT

As Americas baby boomers move into late middle age arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are taking up an ever larger chunk of healthcare spending a federal study warns. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report whi...

Genes Could Boost Arthritis Patients Death Risk

Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:01:09 GMT

Rheumatoid arthritis patients with certain genetic traits may be at increased risk of early death from heart disease or cancer British researchers report. The study published in the May issue of the journal Arthritis amp; Rheumatism

Immune Cell Insights Could Fight Arthritis Lupus

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:51 GMT
Regulatory T cells which police the immune system are produced in the thymus and not from other circulating T cells researchers report. The study also provides new information about how mistakes made by regulatory T cells may contribut...

Joint Flexibility May Offer Insight Into Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:46 GMT
Chronic fatigue syndrome has been accepted as a medical condition for almost 20 years. Once passed off as a series of sometimes ambiguous complaints about pain in the joints and a general malaise primarily by females the condition was confirmed...

Women Smokers at Greater Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:45 GMT
Smoking nearly doubles the odds of rheumatoid arthritis in women who dont have genetic risk factors for the disease a U.S. study says. Researchers compared 115 postmenopausal women with rheumatoid arthritis to 466 women without the disea...

Bone Marrow Lesions May Be Hereditary

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:44 GMT
Bone marrow lesions in the knee which cause pain in people who have knee osteoarthritis may be hereditary a new study says. Researchers in the United Kingdom and Australia studied 115 siblings from 48 families with a history of osteoar...

Understanding HighDose Steroid Link to Osteoporosis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:43 GMT
U.S. scientists have learned more about why high doses of the steroid cortisone used to treat asthma rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases weaken bones and cause osteoporosis. A team at Washington Unive...

Health Tip Pain in the Neck

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:41 GMT
Neck pain may be caused by accident or injury musculoskeletal condition or even a tumor. But often bad posture including the position in which you sleep can cause a stiff neck. Even your pillow can make a difference according to ...

Menopausal Drop in Hormones May Boost Arthritis Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:38 GMT
The drop in estrogen levels that occurs with menopause may boost a womans risk for osteoarthritis of the knee new research suggests. Osteoarthritis has always been regarded as a wearandtear phenomenon thats really related to biochemic...

Proteins Hold Clues to Chronic Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:36 GMT
Low blood levels of two antiinflammatory proteins could be key to chronic pain researchers report. Low concentrations of two cytokines IL4 and IL10 were found in patients with chronic widespread pain according to a German study publi...

Gene Shows Close Ties to Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:33 GMT
While mutations in a gene called matrilin3 have been linked with hand osteoarthritis and skeletal deformities in humans researchers say the unmutated gene prevented the onset of osteoarthritis in adult mice a new study has found. Matrili...

Health Tip Back Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:33 GMT
You can hurt your back doing simple everyday things lifting objects twisting the wrong way sleeping in an unusual position or by sneezing. Your doctor may prescribe an antiinflammatory medication to reduce inflammation and pain acco...

Treatment Strategy Helps Ease Unexplained Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:31 GMT
A team of U.S. doctors has devised a treatment plan for patients who have unexplained symptoms of illness. Medically unexplained symptoms affect millions of people in the United States and can be frustrating for both patient and doctor. C...

Twins Study Spots Three Rheumatoid Arthritis Genes

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:20 GMT
A study of identical twins has uncovered three genes that may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis researchers report. The specific cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known but the chronic inflammatory joint disease has been linked t...

Radiation Therapy Might Harm Bone

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:19 GMT
Mice that received a single therapeutic dose of radiation comparable to a single dose of radiation received by human cancer patients lost as much as 39 percent of the spongy portion of their inner bone researchers report. That loss r...

Calcium Supplements Help Curb Weight Gain in Middle Age

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:15 GMT
A new study finds that calcium may do double duty in middle age building bone strength while helping prevent weight gain. Calcium supplements seem to have the greatest impact on maintaining weight and may even aid weight loss. Supplementa...

Health Tip Cushings Syndrome is a Hormonal Condition

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:14 GMT
Cushings syndrome affects as many as 10 to 15 out of every million people each year typically between the ages of 20 and 50. It occurs when the bodys tissues have been exposed for an extended period to too much of a hormone called cortisol. ...

Acetaminophen Use Could Trigger Liver Damage

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:14 GMT
In a new study people who repeatedly took the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen developed abnormalities in blood tests that can be a signal for liver damage. The study researchers said they first noted the potential for liver...

Health Tip If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:09 GMT
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that primarily affects the joints. Pain may start in any joint but occurs most often in the fingers hands and wrists the Arthritis Foundation says. Other symptoms may include stiffness flulike...

A Run on the Beach Can Bring Misery

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:07 GMT
Summer beach bums who plan on jogging on sand instead of their usual pavement need to be extra careful to avoid injuries experts say. The common perception is that sand so soft and giving compared to hard pavement is easier and safer...

New Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug Shows Promise

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:31:00 GMT
An alternative drug for rheumatoid arthritis may help reduce symptoms in patients who dont respond to standard treatment a new study shows. The 652 patients in the oneyear phase III study took an older medication methotrexate to treat...

Health Tip Taking Care of a Cast

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:59 GMT
Broken bones are typically set in a cast applied by a doctor and made of fiberglass or plaster. Casts usually need to be worn for fourtosix weeks but it may be shorter or longer depending on your injury. Its important to take care of y...

Citrus Juices Up Bone Health

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:57 GMT
A glass or two of orange grapefruit or other citrus juice each day may help prevent osteoporosislinked bone fracture a new U.S. study in rats concludes. Regular doses of grapefruit and orange juice helped prevent osteoporosis and strengt...

New Bone Drug May Not be Worth Its High Price

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:52 GMT
A new drug to treat osteoporosis is not cost effective compared to existing drugs and in fact costs eight times as much a new study finds. Teriparatide sold under the brand name Forteo did not provide more costeffective results than...

Biggest Specialty Drug Spending Increase Found With AntiInflammatories

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:43 GMT
Americans spent 33.9 percent more in 2005 on antiinflammatories the biggest percentage increase in any specialty drug category a new U.S. report finds. Drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis include...

Health Tip When You Have a Cold Sore

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:40 GMT
Cold sores are small red or purple blisters that usually appear on the lip or corner of the mouth. They often last a week or two form a crust then disappear. Cold sores are commonly triggered by stress illness exposure to the sun or ...

NonCox2 Painkillers May Also Carry Heart Risks

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:39 GMT
High doses of older painkiller drugs may pose the same cardiac risk as newer medications such as Vioxx and other cox2 inhibitor drugs according to a British study that looked at what is regarded as the best evidence from randomized controlled tria...

Health Tip Save Your Feet From Blisters

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:39 GMT
Blisters occur when friction on the skin causes fluid to build up between the skins layers. They often spring up during strenuous exercise or during use of new equipment like new shoes. But blisters can be avoided. Even if shoes are new ...

Health Tip Medications Can Control Endometriosis Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:38 GMT
Endometriosis occurs when the tissue that lines the uterus is found outside the uterine wall typically on the ovaries fallopian tubes or ligaments around the uterus. The condition is chronic and causes abdominal pain but symptoms can usually be tr...

Poorer Kids With Juvenile Arthritis Fare Worse

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:36 GMT
Lower family income can reduce quality of life for kids with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis a new study of Medicaid recipients shows. Children who live in lowincome families suffer more disability and have a lower healthrelated quality of...

Health Tip Lack of Vitamin D Can Cause Rickets

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:36 GMT
Vitamin D is needed to help the body absorb calcium and build strong healthy bones. The vitamin is particularly important for growing children who need plenty of calcium for good bone health. Lack of vitamin D can lead to rickets a cond...

Good Communication Key to Rheumatoid Arthritis Care

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:34 GMT
Doctors skilled in communicating with patients do much better when it comes to treating the rheumatic diseases a new study finds. Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston say patientcentered communication helps build trust b...

Biomarkers Could Drive Arthritis Research

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:33 GMT
An international team of scientists has identified new biomarkers that could help develop improved treatments for spondylarthritis SpA. SpA refers to a group of chronic autoimmune conditions including ankylosing spondylitis and arthritis...

Statins May Ease Scleroderma

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:33 GMT
Patients got some relief from the disfiguring disease scleroderma after taking a statin a drug widely used to lower blood cholesterol Japanese researchers report. Doctors tried the drugs after speculating that the condition may be caused ...

Health Tip Protect Your Feet From Corns

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:31 GMT
Corns are calluses on the feet that are caused by bones and skin pressing against your shoes. They usually appear on the tops of the toes or on the sides of the small toes and can be quite painful. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surg...

Air Pollution Boosts Death Rates

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:30 GMT
People with heart failure chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diabetes and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis face a higher risk of death when exposed to particulate air pollution commonly known as soot for one year or more...

Low Vitamin D Tied to Poorer Lung Function in Teens

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:30 GMT
Teens with low levels of vitamin D have lower lung function than those with recommended amounts a new U.S. study finds. Vitamin D is manufactured by the body upon exposure to sunlight and the nutrient is also found in fortified dairy prod...

Adding Drug to Aspirin May Better Prevent Second Stroke

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:28 GMT
New European research suggests that combining aspirin with a second drug dipyridamole may help stroke survivors ward off a second cardiovascular event better than using aspirin alone. Both medications act to prevent clotting and the com...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Raise Cancer Infection Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:23 GMT
Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with new and potent TNFblocking drugs are at higher risk of developing cancer and serious infections according to a new review of the available data. This is the clearest indication that we have th...

US Experts Issue New Heart Disease Treatment Guidelines

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:22 GMT
Americas top experts in heart disease have issued new guidelines on helping people with the illness avoid more cardiovascular trouble. The guidelines issued Monday by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology ...

New Remedy Avoids Need for Total Hip Replacement

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:17 GMT
People with hip problems including osteoarthritis have a new alternative to total hip replacement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administrations approval Wednesday of a British makers hip resurfacing product. Smith amp; Nephew said its Birm...

Experts Point to Best Centers for Heart Attack Care

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:16 GMT
Expert researchers are offering a new way for patients to find a hospital near them offering excellent heart attack care. A team led by Dr. William R. Lewis chief of clinical cardiology at MetroHealth Medical Center and associate profess...

Corticosteroid Drugs May Boost Cardiac Arrhythmia Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:15 GMT
High doses of corticosteroid drugs used to fight common illnesses such as asthma or arthritis may increase the risk for an irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation Dutch researchers report. Atrial fibrillation occurs when muscles of...

Forearm Support May Cut Computer Injuries

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:07 GMT
An ergonomic board that provides forearm support may relieve upper body pain and disorders that can develop from spending extended hours on a computer a new study suggests. The device a board that attaches to a desk and supports the for...

Biologic Drug Fights Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:06 GMT
A new biologic therapy with a unique mechanism of action is proving effective in pushing painful rheumatoid arthritis into remission over the long term researchers report. The drug rituximab brand name Rituxan has already proven safe...

Aspirin Prevents AntibioticLinked Hearing Loss

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:30:05 GMT
Aspirin can help prevent hearing loss caused by common antibiotics called aminoglycosides a new report finds. Aminoglycosides are inexpensive antibiotics that have been used for the past 60 years to treat acute infections cystic fibrosis...

Uneven Leg Length May Boost Arthritis Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:13 GMT
People whose legs are of uneven lengths are at increased odds for knee and hip osteoarthritis U.S. research suggests. The study concluded that a leg length difference of as little as two centimeters about 4/5ths of an inch could raise os...

Smoking Puts Brakes on Joint Injury Repair

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:09 GMT
Injured joints may be even slower to heal in smokers a new study shows. Cigarette smoke held back the recovery of fractures and ligament injuries in mice according to two studies in the December issue of the Journal of Orthopaedic Rese...

Humira Gets Expanded Approval for Psoriatic Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:04 GMT
The Abbott Laboratories drug Humira adalimumab has been given expanded approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to slow structural joint damage in people with psoriatic arthritis. The condition affects people who have skin psoriasis. ...

Health Tip Dealing With Canker Sores

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:04 GMT
Canker sores are painful blisters that often appear on the inside of the cheeks or lips under the tongue or on the gums. They affect people most frequently during their teenage years and into their 20s and tend to affect women more than men. ...

Aleve HeartHealthy Over ShortTerm

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:03 GMT
Shortterm use of Aleve the overthecounter version of the prescription painkiller naproxen appears safe and even healthy for users cardiovascular systems a new companyfunded study suggests. Aleve falls into the category of drugs kno...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds Wont Up Most Cancer Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:02 GMT
Biologic therapy doesnt appear to increase the overall risk of cancer other than skin cancers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to researchers who analyzed longterm data from a U.S. national registry. Some previous studie...

Study Debunks Rock ClimbingArthritis Link

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:29:01 GMT
Rock climbing does not increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the hands and fingers says a University of Tennessee study that challenges a previous theory. The researchers compared 27 rock climbers and 35 nonclimbers to determine if the ...

Researchers Apologize for Disclosure Failure on Drug Study

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:58 GMT
The failure of researchers to fully disclose pharmaceuticalindustry connections in a study of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis has resulted in a letter of apology to the Journal of the American Medical Association. However ...

For Many Women Daily Aspirin Can Protect the Heart

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:57 GMT
The message is clear but not enough women heed it: Taking an aspirin a day can help prevent heart attacks and stroke in some women and even prevent further problems if you already have cardiovascular disease. But its not a onesizefits...

Health Tip Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:55 GMT
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the nerve that runs from the forearm to the wrist becomes squeezed or compressed. The condition can be caused by a direct injury to the wrist stress to the joint rheumatoid arthritis or repetitive motio...

Health Tip Recognizing Frostbite

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:54 GMT
Frostbite occurs when the skin has been exposed to dangerously cold temperatures. Most common on the nose cheeks lips chin ears fingers and toes it can cause permanent skin damage. Here are some warning signs of frostbite courtesy of...

Easing Depression May Ease Bone Loss

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:53 GMT
Studies in mice are shedding light on how depression helps eat away at human bone. Scientists have longed noted links between depression and lowered bone mass. In fact the bone density of depressed people is up to 15 percent less than that...

Acupuncture Turmeric May Help Ease Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:53 GMT
Acupuncture and an extract of turmeric the spice that gives curry its kick may both offer significant pain relief to some arthritis patients two new studies suggest. Reporting in the November issue of Arthritis amp; Rheumatism

Anxiety Disorders Tied to Physical Illness

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:49 GMT
Anxiety disorders are linked to a number of physical problems including arthritis migraine headaches respiratory disease gastrointestinal issues allergies and thyroid disease a new study finds. Experts have long recognized an associa...

Arthritis SelfCare May Not Work

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:41 GMT
Selfcare programs that help patients manage osteoarthritis on their own reduced some of the anxiety associated with the condition but did not ease peoples pain boost their physical functioning or decrease doctor visits British researchers repo...

Health Tip Protect Your Lips

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:39 GMT
The weather and other factors can cause painful chapped lips that can peel and crack. Although beeswax and petroleum jelly can help chapped lips hurt less its better to prevent than treat. Here are some ways to keep your lips soft and he...

Health Tip High Heels May Hurt Your Back

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:38 GMT
High heels a fashion statement for many women can injure the feet ankles calves knees and back. The higher the heel the greater your risk of falling spraining a muscle and other types of injury according to YaleNew Haven Hospita...

Health Tip Potbellies Can Trigger Back Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:35 GMT
If youre suffering from backache your potbelly may be to blame. The weight of a bulging tummy increases the curvature of the back which places greater strain on the vertebra and lower back muscles according to the Rabin Medical Center i...

Research Yields Family Clues to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:29 GMT
Women whose brothers are affected with painful rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop a severe form of the disease new research shows. The finding adds to growing evidence that genes play a key role in the autoimmune disorder one...

Higher Education Boosts Knee Hip Replacement Rate

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:28 GMT
Bettereducated patients with arthritis who are open to having surgery are most likely to have hip and knee joint replacement Canadian researchers find. Income or gender were not decisive factors according to the study which appears in t...

Health Tip How Does an Epidural Work

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:20 GMT
An epidural analgesia commonly called an epidural is a method of pain relief often used during childbirth. According to the Childbirth Connection an anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will first sterilize an area of the back. A needl...

Health Tip What Causes Bursitis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:19 GMT
Bursitis occurs when the bursa or fluidfilled sac between bones in the joints becomes irritated or inflamed. The bursa in the hip joint is rather large and can easily become irritated causing hip pain. The pain may be sharp or a dull ac...

Kids Dont Benefit From Calcium Supplementation

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:18 GMT
While calcium supplements have been touted to prevent broken bones in adults providing them to children may not help prevent fractures as they age Australian researchers report. At two of the areas where we worry about fractures in later...

Blackberry Thumb Proves a Sour Fruit of Modern Labor

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:11 GMT
You can now add BlackBerry Thumb to the list of workplace maladies says the American Physical Therapy Association APTA. BlackBerry Thumb refers to an increasingly common repetitivestress injury stemming from use of the popular handhe...

Spinal Injections May Ease Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:10 GMT
Drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis were more effective when they were delivered into the central nervous system of rats a new study finds. Researchers at the University of California San Francisco used the drugs to block a protein calle...

Health Tip Broken Toe

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:06 GMT
If youve fractured a toe it will usually turn black or blue swell and may bleed beneath the nail. A broken toe typically is very painful is often difficult to walk on and is usually just taped until the break heals. The University of ...

Health Tip The Importance of Calcium

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:06 GMT
Calcium is a necessary mineral to build and preserve strong bones strong and healthy teeth and healthy muscles and tissues. Plenty of calcium at a young age particularly in adolescence is very important to protecting bones later in ...

Side Effects May Sideline New Osteoporosis Drugs

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:05 GMT
Experimental osteoporosis drugs called estrens do not perform as well as researchers had hoped new animal studies suggest. The drugs did build bone but they also had adverse effects on reproductive organs and on human breast cancer cells...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drugs May Not Raise Cancer Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:04 GMT
Concerns that rheumatoid arthritis drugs called TNF blockers and related medications could cause cancer appear to be unfounded a new study shows. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers do tend to have higher rates of cancer than people without the...

Research Yields Clues to Lupus Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:03 GMT
Scientists say theyve spotted potential new cellular targets for treating lupus rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. In research with mice Japanese scientists found that blood platelet function plays an important role in ...

Health Tip Backpack Safety

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:28:01 GMT
Heavy school books may cause your child some mental and emotional stress but dont forget about the physical toll it can take on his neck back and shoulders. Backpacks should be selected and worn properly to avoid strain or damage to your...

Health Tip Do You Have an Ulcer

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:56 GMT
A sore or hole in the lining of the stomach is called an ulcer. How do you know that youve got one? Your doctor should evaluate your symptoms but heres is a list of possible warning signs courtesy of the National Digestive Diseases Info...

Knee Injury Can Spur Later Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:53 GMT
Researchers are trying to identify the early signs of osteoarthritis in the knees of young people whove suffered an anterior cruciate ligament ACL injury. Being able to spot the first signs of this degenerative arthritis which causes th...

Think Light Going Back to School

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:48 GMT
With the new school year just around the corner its time for parents and children to start thinking about backpack safety. The North American Spine Society NASS offers the following tips on how to prevent backpackrelated problems and ...

Health Tip Who Shouldnt Take NSAIDs

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:06 GMT
Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs also known as NSAIDs are medicines commonly used to treat pain and swelling. NSAIDs which include drugs like ibuprofen naproxen and aspirin are available both by prescription and overthecount...

Boning Up on Dietary Calcium

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:05 GMT
In the life of a human bone its all downhill after 30. Thats the typical cutoff point for bonebuilding so experts say its crucial that younger people take in enough calcium and another nutrient vitamin D to maximize the skeletons ...

New Painkiller Causes Fewer GI Problems

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:04 GMT
A new cox2 painkiller called etoricoxib causes fewer upper gastrointestinal problems than the traditional pain medicine diclofenac researchers report. In the trial there was a difference in the overall events between the two drugs sai...

Health Tip Risk Factors for Hip Fracture

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:27:02 GMT
Hip fractures can lead to serious complications including a prolonged recovery and a higher risk of death especially among seniors. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says these risk factors can make you more prone to breaking...

Health Tip Donating Bone Marrow

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:57 GMT
A bone marrow transplant can be a lifesaver for someone with leukemia or other diseases of the blood. According to the National Marrow Donor Program the donor is anesthetized and a needle is inserted into the pelvic bone to withdraw the l...

Tweaking a Gene Could Rebuild Bone

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:57 GMT
Scientists say the manipulation of a single gene called Pten boosted bone density in mice. This research may help in the development of new treatments for osteoporosis and bone fractures the researchers said. A team fro...

Exercise Has No Impact on Knee Osteoarthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:57 GMT
Even for the overweight regular moderate exercise does not hasten or delay the onset of osteoarthritis of the knee in older individuals new research reveals. The finding undercuts the notion that exercise might have a protective effect ag...

New Score Helps Spot Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:56 GMT
Dutch researchers may have a new method of predicting whether patients with arthritic symptoms will progress to the autoimmune form of the disease rheumatoid arthritis. By differentiating those patients who will develop fullblown rheumato...

Health Tip Causes of Cluster Headaches

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:49 GMT
Cluster headaches are severe headaches that usually cause pain behind or around one eye. The nose may also be red swollen or runny on the same side as the headache. These headaches do not run in families and do not appear to be related to ...

Antidepressants Linked to Fracture Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:48 GMT
Men and women in their 50s and older who take antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be doubling their risk of fractures a new Canadian study suggests. SSRIs such as Prozac and Paxil are commonly used to tre...

Scientists Spot Key Autoimmune Disease Genes

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:48 GMT
MONDAY Jan. 22 HealthDay News The identification by U.S. scientists of genes thought to be key to autoimmune disorders could be a big step toward new treatments for these illnesses which include lupus rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes...

Younger Children May Benefit From BoneAnchored Hearing Aids

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:47 GMT
Outcomes are similar for both younger and older hearingimpaired children who receive surgically implanted devices called boneanchored hearing aids BAHAs Canadian researchers report. Researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toro...

Narcotics Offer Only ShortTerm Relief of Back Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:43 GMT
Potent opioid drugs such as Oxycontin and Vicodin may help treat chronic back pain in the short term but its not clear the drugs help in the long run and abuse may be common a new review has found. Opioids may be effective for shortt...

Can Aspirin Prevent Asthma

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:43 GMT
Can taking an aspirin each day stop asthma from developing in adults? Maybe suggests new research published in the January issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine that found adultonset asthma risk wa...

Smoking May Play Role in Knee Osteoarthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:42 GMT
Smoking may increase the risk for cartilage loss and more severe pain in men with osteoarthritis of the knee according to a new study. The study by researchers from Boston University School of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic and published in...

Health Tip If You Have Leg Cramps During Pregnancy

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:38 GMT
Leg cramps are a common side effect of pregnancy. To help prevent these painful nuisances follow these suggestions from the Nemours Foundation:

Before you head to bed do some exercises to stretch your calves. But while exercising ...

Health Tip Understanding Brittle Bone Disease

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:35 GMT
Osteogenesis imperfecta also known as brittle bone disease is an inherited condition in which the bones are more fragile and prone to fracture. Its caused by an abnormality in collagen a protein that helps bones form and keep their structure....

GeneAltered Mouse a Boon to Rheumatoid Arthritis Research

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:31 GMT
Researchers believe theyve developed an important new tool in understanding rheumatoid arthritis: a genetically altered mouse that closely mimics the disease in humans. The new mouse model might also help explain why women are much more pr...

Health Tip Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:29 GMT
Rheumatoid arthritis RA can last for a few weeks to months or it can last a lifetime. RA is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body mistakenly attacks its own cells the Nemours Foundation says. Symptoms of rheum...

Powerful Antacids Boost Chances of Hip Fracture

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:29 GMT
People taking powerful antacid drugs called proton pump inhibitors face an increased risk of hip fracture University of Pennsylvania researchers report. Common proton pump inhibitors include Aciphex Nexium Prevacid Prilosec and Protoni...

Psychological Interventions Ease Chronic Low Back Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:27 GMT
Psychological treatments such as hypnosis biofeedback relaxation and counseling can help relieve chronic low back pain according to a review in the January issue of the journal Health Psychology. U.S. researchers examined the fin...

FDA Calls for Tougher Warnings on OTC Painkillers

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:24 GMT
U.S. authorities are proposing stricter warning labels for popular overthecounter pain relievers such as aspirin and Tylenol. The warnings which would address the potential for stomach bleeding as well as liver damage would apply to ace...

Health Tip Symptoms of Scoliosis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:23 GMT
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is twisted or curved unnaturally often in a C or S shape. Typically diagnosed in childhood the condition sometimes requires surgery or a back brace to help straighten the spine. Since the un...

Alcohol May Slow Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:23 GMT
A copious dose of alcohol reduced the risk that mice would develop rheumatoid arthritis Swedish researchers report. That doesnt mean humans should turn to the bottle to stave off the painful joint disease however. Asked if he w...

FDA OKs Celebrex for Kids With Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:22 GMT
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Friday gave the green light to Celebrex for use in kids older than two as a treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The agencys action followed an advisory panel recommendation just over two week...

Health Tip Snow Shoveling Safety

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:19 GMT
While shoveling snow can be a good way to stay active during winter it can also lead to serious injury without preparation. Here are some suggestions on how to stay safe while shoveling courtesy of North Dakota State University:

We...

Massage Eases Pain of Knee Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:18 GMT
A regular massage may do more than just relax your body: It also appears to reduce pain and improve function in people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee a new study suggests. The authors of the study the first of its kind are now...

Rheumatoid Arthritis More Stubborn in Women

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:15 GMT
Women with rheumatoid arthritis are much less likely than men to experience remission according to a study published online in the journal Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. Swedish researchers tracked nearly 700 adults average age ...

Health Tip Healing a Fractured Tailbone

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:14 GMT
A fractured tailbone can be extremely painful and usually takes about four to six weeks to heal. To help minimize pain and stay comfortable while the injury is healing follow these suggestions from the University of Michigan Health System: <...

Weight Training Helps Womens Bones

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:12 GMT
Longterm weight training may help womens bone and metabolic health by promoting increased production of growth hormone new research suggests. Growth hormone produced in the pituitary plays an important role in bone and muscle developme...

Dont Expect Big Push for Celebrex for Juvenile Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:10 GMT
A U.S. government advisory panels recommendation to allow Celebrex to be used for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis isnt likely to change the treatment landscape dramatically. More probably the painkiller will quietly become o...

FDA Panel Backs Celebrex for Kids With Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:09 GMT
A U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel recommended Wednesday that use of the painkiller Celebrex be expanded to treat children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The panel a committee of doctors and other specialists voted 15...

Health Tip Symptoms of a Herniated Disc

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:08 GMT
Stress or injury can cause spinal discs to become herniated which occurs when these soft cushions between spinal bones expand and press on the nerves around the backbone. Here are symptoms of a herniated disc courtesy of the American Acad...

Health Tip Who Needs Aspirin

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:26:08 GMT
Aspirin is often recommended by cardiologists for its bloodthinning properties but the medication can lead to complications including stomach problems. The Cleveland Clinic says you should always check with your doctor before starting a...

Chondroitin Wont Ease Arthritic Joint Pain Study

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:54 GMT
The popular dietary supplement chondroitin does not relieve hip or knee pain from osteoarthritis any more effectively than a placebo researchers report. Chondroitin a cartilage extract is sold across America in health food stores pharma...

FDA Advisory Panel Rejects Vioxx Successor

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:51 GMT
The proposed successor to the banished arthritis painkiller Vioxx was soundly rejected Thursday by an advisory committee to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Expressing concern over the cardiac safety of the new prescription drug Arco...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug May Help Treat Type 2 Diabetes

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:51 GMT
A drug designed to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may also be helpful for managing type 2 diabetes new research suggests. The study found that daily injections of anakinra led to a drop in longterm levels of glucose in the blood whi...

Health Tip If You Have an Ulcer

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:48 GMT
An ulcer is a sore in the lining of the digestive tract. While it can be treated with medication including antibiotics and those that reduce stomach acid you should also make certain dietary and lifestyle changes the American Academy of Famil...

Ibuprofen May Boost Aspirin Users Heart Risk

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:46 GMT
Ibuprofen the popular overthecounter painkiller found in Advil and Motrin may increase the odds of heart problems in patients who have osteoarthritis and are taking daily aspirin to help lower their cardiovascular risk a new study finds. ...

Protein May Be Key to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:41 GMT
In the quest for the causes of and potential treatments for rheumatoid arthritis Japanese researchers have identified a protein that could be a target for future therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis RA is a chronic and disabling autoimmune dise...

Arthritis Pain Processed in EmotionLinked Brain Area

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:39 GMT
Arthritis pain is processed in areas of the brain that also control emotions and fear a U.K. study finds. The study published in the April issue of the journal Arthritis amp; Rheumatism may offer a new target for treating arthr...

LowDose Aspirin Therapy Effective After Heart Surgery

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:35 GMT
Lowdose aspirin therapy may be as effective as highdose therapy in preventing blood clots while reducing the risk of bleeding in heart patients whove had treatments such as angioplasty or stenting Canadian researchers say. The patient...

Spinal Disc Transplant Shows Promise Against Back Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:34 GMT
Chinese surgeons are reporting longterm success with the first use of transplanted spinal discs to relieve back pain. Spinal discs from human donors were transplanted five years ago into five patients with chronic back pain caused by disc ...

Genes Can Predict Hip Replacement Success

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:28 GMT
Variations in two of a patients genes may dictate whether or not a hip replacement will fail them over the following 10 years new research shows. I dont think that there will be any immediate changes in our surgical practice but eventu...

Stem Cell Finding Could Help Fight Autoimmune Disease

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:27 GMT
In a finding that could help researchers better understand autoimmune disease scientists say a process called autophagy prompts dying embryonic stem cells to send out eat me and come and get me signals to ensure their elimination by healthy cell...

Biomarkers Could Warn of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:27 GMT
U.S. researchers say theyve spotted biomarkers that herald carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress injuries. This is the first time that such biomarkers different kinds of chemicals have been identified in humans and the find...

Stimulating Occipital Nerve Eases Cluster Headaches

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:23 GMT
Two pilot studies found that electrical stimulation of the occipital nerve helped ease the agony of cluster headaches which some have likened to getting stuck in the eye with a hot poker. The studies which involved eight patients each we...

Health Tip Living With Osteoporosis

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:22 GMT
Osteoporosis occurs when bone density decreases and bones begin to thin. Often associated with natural aging this happens because either insufficient new bone is produced and/or too much existing bone is reabsorbed by the body. Treating o...

Steroid Shots Provide Little Relief for Low Back Pain

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:18 GMT
Epidural steroid injections provide limited shortterm but no longterm relief for lower back pain that radiates down a leg according to a new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology. The authors of the guideline analyzed s...

One Familys Gene Defect May Help Explain Heart Disease

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:15 GMT
A rare genetic mutation linked to early death in members of one Iranian family casts new light on the metabolic syndrome a constellation of risk factors for heart disease. Metabolic syndrome includes factors such as lowerabdomen obesity ...

Image Concerns Tied to Depression in Arthritis Lupus Patients

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:14 GMT
Concerns about appearance are associated with depression in people with rheumatic arthritis or lupus an Australian study finds. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause physical deformities especially of the hands and feet while lupus can cause s...

Rheumatoid Arthritis Boosts Cancer Death Risk Study

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:13 GMT
Rheumatoid arthritis doesnt increase the risk of developing cancer but does boost a persons risk of dying from a malignancy should it arise a U.K. study finds. The study published in the March issue of Arthritis amp; Rheumatism...

Common Painkillers May Cause Hypertension in Men

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:13 GMT
Middleaged men who regularly take the widely used pain pills acetaminophen ibuprofen or aspirin appear to have an elevated risk of developing high blood pressure. The three drugs are the most commonly used medications in the United States...

Heart Experts Issue Guidelines on Use of Celebrex

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:12 GMT
The American Heart Association is weighing in on the potential heart dangers of controversial cox2 nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug NSAID painkillers such as Celebrex. In a statement published Monday in Circulation the associa...

Health Tip Getting a Bone Density Test

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:06 GMT
A bone density test helps people at risk for osteoporosis or fracture see how much bone strength and density theyve retained. People who have already had a fracture or osteoporosis or have family history of these problems may be candida...

Calcium Vitamin D Supplements Cut Fracture Risk Study

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:05 GMT
Even a short period of calcium and vitamin D supplementation can greatly reduce the risk of stress fractures overuse injuries to the bone in women a U.S. study finds. The study included more than 5200 female U.S. Navy recruits ages 17...

Repetitive Hand Use Not the Culprit in Carpal Tunnel

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:05 GMT
Go ahead type the night away. New research has found that genetics rather than repetitive hand use is responsible for carpal tunnel syndrome. This study has shown that there really is a genetic predisposition to carpal tunnel said Dr....

Health Tip Keep Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain at Bay

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:04 GMT
Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain stiffness and swelling in the joints. There is no cure and most treatments focus on slowing joint damage and treating pain. In addition to pain medication the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculos...

Health Tip Understanding Autoimmune Disorders

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:13:03 GMT
Autoimmune diseases occur when the bodys immune system destroys its own healthy tissues instead of the foreign harmful substances it was designed to fend off. The immune system typically defends the body from germs and toxins. The U.S. Na...

Health Tip Dealing With Osteoarthritis

Wed, 25 Apr 2007 15:54:27 GMT
Pain relievers that reduce swelling and discomfort are effective treatments for osteoarthritis but certain lifestyle changes can also help alleviate symptoms. The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions:

Health Tip Can You Recognize Osteoarthritis Symptoms

Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:01:03 GMT
Osteoarthritis a condition in which the cartilage in the joints between the bones erodes can also cause excess pieces of bone called bone spurs to grow around the joints. Identifying osteoarthritis early can bring about treatment that wil...