Vitamin D & Calcium For Joint Pain in Women

Vitamins & Supplements

Calcium & Vitamin D for Joint Pain

Despite some preliminary evidence that low levels of Vitamin D along with a calcium deficiency in postmenopausal women may play a role in joint pain, it now appears that there might not be a correlation.  The results of a study involving nearly 2000 women, with have being given D and calcium supplements and the other half taking a placebo over a two year period showed that there was no improvement in joint pain in those taking the supplements.

However, the results of this study should not result in anyone stopping their current supplement intake without first talking with their doctor as each supplement can still be helpful in treating a variety of other conditions. You can read the abstract of this study for additional information.

Double Jointed Teens At Risk For Pain Later On

Researchers in the United Kingdom have released a study that indicates that teenagers who are classified as being “double jointed” are more susceptible to pain such as back, shoulder and neck later on in life. For the purpose of the study, the young people were classified as double jointed if 6 of 9 particular joints were more flexible than the norm i.e. hypermobility. Obviously, a person does not have to be a contortionist to be hypermobile.

Following a common theme, those double jointed teenagers who were also obese were the most prone to suffer, suggesting that physicians should make sure patients understand the importance of proper weight management. Strength training also seemed to be effective at staving off future problems. Then again, diet and exercise are effective tools for all of us in staying healthy and pain free.

New Prescription Drug For Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

New Arthritis DrugThe new drug is called Tofacitinib which is part of a new class of drugs called Janus kinases which early research indicates may be more effective at treating rheumatoid arthritis than  the current drugs on the market, such as the commonly prescribed methotrexate (MTX). The drug is still not approved in the US but hopefully these early trials will lead to some new and much needed remedy for chronic joint pain.

 

Sacroiliac Joint Pain Treatments For Ankylosing Spondylitis

While there is no cure, there are treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis and the associated pain in the sacroiliac joint which is in the lower back. As with other joint and muscle pain issues NSAIDs are usually the first drug to try given the relatively low number of side effects. Physical therapy or activity has also proven effective at treating the pain in the sacroiliac joint. Plus there is a new crop of drugs that have recently been approved to treat ankylosing spondylitis that only your doctor can prescribe. Finally if you suffer from lower back pain caused by this condition please contact us as to what has helped you.

Possible Dangers Of Supplement Use For Treating Joint Pain

Vitamins and Supplements for Joint PainMost joint pain sufferers have probably tried at least one supplement to try and gain some relief. However, there is a new report that points out the potential dangers and risks of using vitamins and supplements to treat joint and muscle pain. In particular, it is never safe to assume that because it is believed that a pill is or claims to be natural that it is automatically safe. It is still possible to overdose on a supplement or to do some other damage to your body. If you don’t have a vitamin deficiency you probably don’t even need to take anything but if you are going to try a supplement to help with joint pain or another condition, always play it safe and speak to your doctor first.

 

Study Looks at Methotrexate For Psoriatic Arthritis

A new study looks at the effectiveness of the rheumatoid arthritis drug methotrexate in patients suffering from psoriatic arthritis. While the results were slightly mixed this drug did not have any effect on synovitis, or the painful swelling of the joints associated with this disease. As usual however always talk to your doctor before stopping or starting any medication.

Thumb Joint Pain Caused By Overuse of Electronic Devices

Thumb Joint PainInteresting article linking the use or overuse of electronic devices, such as a Blackberry or a video game system to joint pain in the thumbs. While repetitive stress issues or carpal tunnel syndrome are not new, especially to those who type away on keyboards all day, those using smaller devices are not immune from pain as the result of frequent use. The pain can get so bad the the affected thumb joint may even require surgery in the worst cases.

Top Ten Causes Of Knee Pain – Osteoarthritis Leads The Way

Knee PainThe Center for Regenerative Medicine lists the top ten causes for knee pain and not surprisingly osteoarthritis is at the top of the list of conditions requiring treatment. A torn meniscus, which is most often caused by a sudden twisting of the knee is second. Followed by a torn ACL or ACL damage in third place. Check out the rest of the list on the top causes of knee pain.

Big Toe Pain From Gout? New Research Points To Weight Gain

Scientists have released new research pointing to obesity as a risk factor for gout in both men and women. This painful disease is caused by a build up of uric acid in the joints and is characterized by intense pain in the big toe as a primary symptom.  The findings provide even one more reason to try and maintain a healthy weight, along with limiting intake of purine rich foods and alcohol consumption.

Providing Support: Juvenile Arthritis Poses Challenges For Parents & Children

A great discussion on the the challenges parents face in helping to support a child with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis or JIA. New treatment options have allowed made it possible for children diagnosed with JIA to participate in a far greater number of sports and activities. A proper course of physical therapy is a vital key in treating this disease that affects hundreds of thousands of children in the US alone.