September 15, 2020

Early Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis May Thwart Heart Disease

TUESDAY, Sept. 8, 2020 -- Starting drug treatment early in rheumatoid arthritis patients may reduce their risk of heart disease, a new study suggests.

Rheumatoid arthritis at least doubles the risk of heart disease due to its links with atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), heart failure and stroke.

September 15, 2020

Is Arthritis Pain Relief as Close as Your Spice Rack?

MONDAY, Sept. 14, 2020 -- It's a must for any good curry, and a new clinical trial suggests that turmeric might ease arthritis pain, too.

Researchers found that an extract of the spice turmeric worked better than a placebo in easing pain from knee arthritis over three months. The treatment was not a home run -- but the pain relief was a bit better than past studies have found with standard medication.

September 8, 2020

COVID-19 Ills No Greater for Those With Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis

FRIDAY, Sept. 4, 2020 -- People with lupus aren't at increased risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 due to steroidal medications they take to reduce immune system activity, a new study finds.

And a related study found that people with inflammatory forms of arthritis -- such as rheumatoid arthritis -- aren't more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people without arthritis.

August 17, 2020

Most Knee Cracking Is Normal, Expert Says

SUNDAY, Aug. 16, 2020 -- If your knees crack when you walk or run, don't be too worried, an expert says.

"Knee cracking could mean lots of things," said Harshvardhan Singh, assistant professor in the department of physical therapy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "If it is painful, then you should see a health care provider."

August 5, 2020

Could the First Drug That Slows Arthritis Be Here?

MONDAY, Aug. 3, 2020 -- There are currently no medications that can slow down the common form of arthritis that strikes aging knees and hips. But a new study suggests a powerful, and expensive, anti-inflammatory drug could potentially do just that.

The drug, called canakinumab (Ilaris), is used for certain rare rheumatic conditions marked by widespread inflammation. They include juvenile idiopathic arthritis, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.