Implications of Arthritis

The financial implications to health services and health insurance companies are serious. There are also costs for employers who lose money due to absenteeism, either from lost production or by hiring replacements. Every year, arthritis costs the American economy some billion in medical care and indirect costs such as absenteeism. It also, obviously, affects the ability of parents or grandparents to enjoy fully children's early years. Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the Western World. The disease limits everyday activities, such as getting in and out of bed, dressing, climbing stairs and even walking. Arthritis may lead to reduced mobility, loss of employment, breakdown of social and marital relationships, chronic pain, fatigue and depression.

Trial Raises Doubts Over Alternative Pain Therapy For Arthritis

Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are ineffective in relieving arthritis pain, according to a new study led by a University of York academic. Researchers conducted the first randomised placebo-controlled trial on the use of both copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps for pain management in osteoarthritis -- the most common form of the condition. The devices are used worldwide for helping to manage pain associated with chronic musculoskeletal disorders. The results of this trial conflict with those from previous studies, by showing that both magnetic and copper bracelets were ineffective for managing pain, stiffness and physical function in osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - What Are They and Where Should You Look?

When a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is given to a person, chances are a lot of confusion and questions will result. But with better understanding of the condition and what can be done to alleviate pain and flare-ups, it is possible to cope. Many do find that life can go on - even enjoyably - after a diagnosis has been made. What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis And What Are Its Symptoms? Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes the body's own defences to go on the offensive when there is no evident reason to do so. The condition primarily affects three main areas of the body: The synovial membrane that lines the joint capsule;

Biomedical Research Centre Searches For Immunological Biomarkers

Persistent inflammation and the activation of the immune system is the key pathological mechanism affecting many long-term conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease and is the predominant mechanism underlying organ transplant rejection. But the molecular and cellular processes triggering these inflammatory and immune responses remain little understood. A group of London-based researchers hope that by extending understanding of the biological processes, they will be able to identify 'biomarkers' in the tissue and blood, which in future could be used to diagnose these conditions, to predict how they will develop and how an individual will respond to treatment.

What Are Gout Symptoms?

Gout is not a fun problem to live with. Unfortunately gout symptoms occur in older people more frequently as we age, uric acid can build up in our joints and cause irritation, inflammation and pain. This is not only one more thing to have to manage with as we age, it's something we can prevent and be proactive about as well. If you think you might be suffering from gout and have gout symptoms, read on to see if you can pin point where they might be stemming from and if anything in your diet is impacting or causing those symptoms. You can cure gout, but it's important that you become conscious of your gout symptoms and start taking measures to prevent or ease your discomfort and pain.