Methotrexate To Treat Joint Pain in Arthritis Sufferers

Posted on November 5, 2013 by JointPain

Promising new clinical research indicates that the prescription drug methotrexate, which is already used to treat rheumatoid arthritis & certain types of cancer may also provide relief to those coping with osteoarthritis. This new six month study was conducted in the United Kingdom by the University of Leeds and Arthritis Research UK.

Those already coping with the pain of osteoarthritis know that current treatments are generally limited to nsaid therapy and physical therapy when possible. Surgery is generally limited to extreme cases where other less invasive options are no longer effective. The prospect of new and effective treatment with methotrexate could prevent or delay surgery for many.

Of course as with most all drug therapies there is the risk of serious side effects so talk to your doctor before starting or stopping any therapy. Also, if anyone has any experience with methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis please share your experience with our readers below. Thanks.

Methorexate, also known as MTX or amethopterin has been in use for more than fifty years and is closely chemically related to folic acid.

Egg Shell Membranes For Arthritis Relief?

Posted on August 13, 2013 by JointPain

Chicken Egg Membranes As A Joint Pain Supplement

A new study has found that the eggs shells contain numerous amino acids along with chondroitin and glucosamine which may prove effective in lessening the pain associated with osteoarthritis. However, before you start cracking open a dozen eggs remember that you can’t get the benefits in your own kitchen. Extraction from the membrane requires a very specific process and once the eggs are cooked, the beneficial properties are eliminated. However, thanks to the scientists at big pharma, et. al. obtaining these purported benefits in pill form is possible.

Further, solid clinical evidence proving the efficacy of egg shells in treating arthritis still does not exist. Only small scale trials have been conducted. So before buying egg shell based supplements that are marketed as containing hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, etc., please talk to your doctor first about this alternative treatment.

Curious if people who are allergic to eggs would want to steer clear of this supplement. Has anyone looked into this and have more information?

Good News For All Knuckle Crackers, Keep Popping!

Posted on March 21, 2013 by JointPain

If you are one of those people who is constantly cracking their knuckles but also worrying about doing some long term damage to them, fear no more according to new research published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. The cracking or pop sound you hear when you manipulate your fingers just so is usually the same sound as you hear in other parts of your body. Granted it seems more severe to hear your back than your knuckle make such noises but root causes are generally relatively benign and will not lead to any sort of arthritis or joint damage. Of course if any sound is ever accompanied by any pain or something doesn’t seem right, always consult a doctor. Now we just need to find a way to stop our fretting and get back to enjoying the good life. Ahhh, if only it was that easy.

Arthritis Drug Now Approved As Ulcerative Colitis Treatment

Posted on October 8, 2012 by JointPain

On Friday the FDA announced that the drug Humira which has been prescribed for various other conditions including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, will now be be able to be used as an ulcerative colitis treatment. UC is a disease that causes inflation of the large intestine which then in term causes a variety of symptoms in those afflicted. However, it was not approved as a first line treatment and is only supposed to be prescribed by doctors after other treatments have proven unsuccessful. It is remarkable how many diseases are caused by some form of inflation in the body and hopefully last week’s approval will provide some degree of relief to those with UC.

New Prescription Drug For Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

Posted on September 17, 2012 by JointPain

The 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

Posted on September 10, 2012 by JointPain

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.

Study Looks at Methotrexate For Psoriatic Arthritis

Posted on August 20, 2012 by JointPain

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.

Top Ten Causes Of Knee Pain – Osteoarthritis Leads The Way

Posted on August 3, 2012 by JointPain

The 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.

Osteoarthritis And The Importance Of Weight Loss and Exercise

Posted on August 1, 2012 by JointPain

For anyone that currently suffers from osteoarthritis it may not come as a surprise but maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise are vital to controlling the painful joint pain often associated with this type of arthritis. Diet and exercise can also possibly help prevent or delay the need for knee replacement surgery. Naturally of course, staying active is easier said than done when a person is in a great deal of pain from this disease.

Providing Support: Juvenile Arthritis Poses Challenges For Parents & Children