Rheumatoid Arthritis

Invisible rheumatoid arthritis symptoms hinder quality of life, diagnosis

Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be invisible which can negatively impact a person’s quality of life along with delayed diagnosis. The national survey collected responses from 3,100 individuals and found that initial symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis often are invisible. Respondents suggest that obtaining a diagnosis was challenging as average time between initial symptoms and ...click here to read more

Gum disease bacteria may be tied to rheumatoid arthritis

A germ linked to gum disease may also be tied to rheumatoid arthritis according to research findings. The discovery may help pinpoint the potential origins of rheumatoid arthritis. Co-author of the study Dr. Felipe Andrade explained, “If we’re right, this will totally change the view of rheumatoid arthritis and treatment of patients.” Unfortunately, the findings ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory joint disease patients at higher risk for cardiovascular disease

Recent research suggests that people who suffer from inflammatory joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease that could be better controlled if only preventative measures were adopted. Although there is no definitive proof that inflammation causes cardiovascular disease, research tells us that inflammation is common in people who ...click here to read more

In rheumatoid arthritis, smoking and excess weight reduce symptom improvement from treatment

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), smoking and excess weight reduces the improvement of symptoms brought on by treatment. Senior investigator Vivian Bykerk explained, “Early, aggressive treatment to achieve remission is the primary goal of therapy and can be best achieved early on when treating patients with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, as early disease control is associated ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis and sexual dysfunction: Impact and tips

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is accompanied by sexual dysfunction in one-third of all RA patients, both men and women. The study found that there are a number of issues that affect RA patients, including low libido, painful intercourse, orgasmic dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and non-satisfactory sexual life. Dr. Pedro Santos-Moreno, lead author, said, “Sexuality is an important dimension ...click here to read more

Pain Awareness Month: Rheumatoid arthritis, dry eye, shingles, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, chronic migraine

September is Pain Awareness Month, so we present our top articles discussing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, dry eye, shingles, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, chronic migraines, and chronic pain. Chronic pain can be a debilitating condition and negatively impact a person’s quality of life. Worse yet, if you don’t know the source of your pain, it can ...click here to read more

National alcohol & drug addiction recovery month: Glaucoma, atrial fibrillation, rheumatoid arthritis

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, so we present our top stories regarding alcohol and drug addiction, along with related topics on glaucoma, cocaine, stroke, atrial fibrillation, diverticulitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Alcohol and drug addiction can drastically impact a person’s life and raise the risk of many negative health consequences. Recovery from ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment with steroid therapy (glucocorticoid) raises diabetes risk: Study

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment with steroid therapy (glucocorticoid) raises the risk of diabetes, which increases with higher dosages and longer duration. Glucocorticoid, or steroid, therapy is prescribed to nearly half of rheumatoid arthritis patients, but it is a known risk factor for the development of diabetes. The researchers looked at the medical records of over 20,000 ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis cause and prevention may be linked to gut bacteria: Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cause and prevention may be linked to gut bacteria, according to a recent study. We previously reported on the association between the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and gut microbiota, and the latest findings offer additional evidence on gut bacteria playing a role in the development of RA. The onset and development of rheumatoid ...click here to read more

Early menopause associated with milder rheumatoid arthritis: Study

Rheumatoid arthritis was found to take on a milder form in women who experience earlier menopause, according to research. The study involved 134 rheumatoid arthritis cases identified by four local and national registers that were part of the community-based health survey. For the study, researchers identified 134 rheumatoid arthritis cases collected by four local health ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis-related cardiovascular risk lowered with immunotherapy: New study

Rheumatoid arthritis-related cardiovascular risk can be lowered with immunotherapy. Lead researcher Prof. Aida Babaeva of the Volgograd State Medical University in Russia said, “Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interferon (IFN), which normally protect the body, attack healthy cells. Patients have painful and inflamed joints. ...click here to read more

Vagus nerve stimulation eases arthritis: Study

According to a small study of 17 adults suffering with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a new technique may improve the stubborn symptoms. The new technique is actually not so new, as it has been used for a long time now to treat and control seizures in patients with epilepsy. The technique called vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) ...click here to read more

Osteoporosis vs. rheumatoid arthritis: Causes, symptoms, risk factors, and complications

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoporosis both affect the body skeleton, with the former affecting the joints and the latter making the bones weak and brittle due to bone density loss. Osteoporosis affects men and women, but is far more commonly seen among women. In a healthy bone, the tissue is constantly being broken down and ...click here to read more