ArthritisDigest2013
Socially isolated people have more pain after hip replacement ops
People who lack good social ties are much more likely to experience serious, ongoing pain following total hip replacement surgery two or more years after the procedure, says a study from the Hospital for Special Surgery.
The team assessed data from 687 people who had hip replacement operations due to arthritis; 8% were socially isolated (not married, fewer than six friends or relatives and no membership in community groups or religious organisations). Continue reading
Physical activity despite osteoarthritis increases quality of life
A wide variety of health benefits can achieved by people with osteoarthritis simply by increasing their level of physical activity, says a study presented at the American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in San Diego.
Data on physical activity levels in adults with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis was analysed. Participants were part of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, which involved more than 4,700 people. Continue reading
Chronic pain is relieved by laughter suggests new study
Laughter can help those with chronic pain, says research presented at The European Pain Federation Congress, held in Florence, Italy.
Swiss scientists found that people laughing at comedy films could keep their hands in ice water longer than those who were not laughing. And the increased pain tolerance remained 20 minutes after laughing.
It could be that humour activates the release of endorphins and relieves muscular tension and so has a subsequent effect on pain on mental and physical level. Continue reading
Smart osteoarthritis gel responds to pressure
A new gel is being developed that could deliver anti-inflammatory medication when and where people with osteoarthritis need it most, says research published in Biomacromolecules.
The gel releases anti-inflammatory medicine when it is compressed – such as at a painful knee joint. Continue reading
Pain reduces and mobility increases through exercise programmes
An exercise programme for older Asian people in New York has had great success, says a report from the Hospital for Special Surgery.
Six eight-week sessions of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) and three eight-week yoga exercise classes were conducted by bilingual instructors at four centres for older people. The programmes promote self-management of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions through exercise. Continue reading
