Gout
New joint lubrication technique for people with arthritis
A new way of lubricating arthritic joints has been developed in the US – one that mimics one of the body’s natural functions, a team reports in Nature Materials.
Scientists have been able to bind a molecule naturally found in the fluid surrounding healthy joints, creating surfaces that can deliver long-lasting lubrication at specific spots throughout the body. Continue reading
Prevent insomnia to reduce pain of rheumatic conditions
People with musculoskeletal pain due to rheumatic conditions are at increased risk of insomnia, says research published in Rheumatology.
Many people with rheumatic conditions live in almost constant pain, and those who are also affected by insomnia often have worse health outcomes.
So a UK team examined the role of pain, physical limitation and reduced social participation in predicting the onset of insomnia. A total of 6,676 people aged 50 years or older were surveyed twice, once at the start of the study and again after three years. Continue reading
UK reform essential in care of people with arthritis
Widespread reform is needed to enable high quality care planning for people in the UK with long-term conditions, such as arthritis, says a Health Committee report. The settings discussed include home, hospitals and specialist care.
Services for rheumatology patients should be maintained across all settings and cannot simply be moved into the community, according to evidence submitted to the Health Committee by The British Society for Rheumatology. The report reads: Continue reading
Exercise produces molecular changes that suppress inflammation in rheumatic disease
Taking exercise can decrease inflammation in localised regions and around the entire body, says research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual Congress. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that highlights that exercise can help achieve clinical efficacy in rheumatic disease.
The current work looked at the detailed physiological changes created by exercise and their impact on inflammation. Studies on mice found that exercise generates a true biological response and leads to molecular changes that stimulate anti-inflammatory effects. Continue reading
New survey says 70% of people with arthritis live in constant pain
The enduring pain experienced by many people with arthritis is highlighted in a recent survey from Arthritis Care, released today to herald the start of Arthritis Care Week (Monday 19th – Sunday 25th May).
A total of 2,008 people with arthritis answered questions that aimed to assess their experience and real-life implications of pain. Results indicated that: Continue reading
