Latest news with #RheumatoidArthritis
Medical News Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Is there a cure for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not have a cure, and is a progressive condition, which means it continually develops over time. Treatment for RA may help to slow the condition's progression and aims to prevent irreversible joint damage. People with RA who do not have treatment may experience disability and a less favorable suggests that around 40% of people with RA have functional disability that affects their daily lives and ability to work within 10 years of a early treatment, which means within six months of first experiencing symptoms, can improve a person's joint functioning and may lead to lower levels of swollen, tender joints. It also decreases the risk of bone treatment can also increase a person's chance of remission, a period in which they have no signs or symptoms of the disease. Some people may choose to slowly decrease treatment if they achieve even late treatment can offer benefits and significantly improve a person's outlook. People with RA tend to have similar mortality rates if they have treatment, whether it is early or professionals may recommend a combination of treatments for someone with RA. A person's treatment plan may change over time as their condition progresses. Treatment goals tend to be:pain relieflower inflammation and swellingimprove daily functioningslow, stop, or prevent joint damageslow, stop, or prevent organ damage, including a decreased risk of heart and vascular diseasesA doctor may recommend the following treatment options:physical therapyoccupational therapymedications, such as: anti-inflammatory drugscorticosteroidsdisease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)biologicsJanus kinase (JAK) inhibitorsjoint surgerynutrition consultPeople with RA also benefit from regular exercise, which may involve creating a tailored exercise plan, stress reduction, and dietary changes.A person's healthcare team will continually monitor them and adjust the treatment plan when necessary. It is important for someone with RA to attend regular check-ups, which may involve blood tests, imaging tests, bone health assessments, and with RA may also develop complications that require treatment and affect a person's quality of life and outlook. Common complications of RA include the following:irreversible joint damagerisk of cardiovascular disease, which can cause stroke or heart attackvasculitis, in which inflammation damages blood vesselsosteoporosis, which involves weakened bonesinterstitial lung disease, a progressive lung conditioncancerous tumorsSjögren's disease, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks moisture-producing glandsAnyone who develops symptoms of RA can benefit from speaking with a healthcare professional to create a treatment plan as quickly as with RA can also benefit from speaking with their healthcare team if they develop new symptoms or challenges with their daily function. A doctor may suggest making changes to their current treatment more about RATips for managing RA flare-upsThe link between brain fog and RARA feversLess common symptoms of RAHow common is RA?
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Monsoon triggering joint pain? Orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon explains what you are doing wrong
Joint pain is defined as discomfort, aches and soreness in any of the joints in the body. Since it is a common complaint, it usually does not require a hospital visit, although it is best to follow some home remedies to tackle it effectively. Beat the monsoon blues: Top 5 doctor-recommended tips to ease joint pain during rainy season.(Image by Pixabay) However, during monsoons, joint pains can increase and sometimes even interfere with the daily chores of a person. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Pramod Bhor, director - orthopedics and joint replacement surgery at Hiranandani Hospital Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital, explained, 'This is because there is a direct correlation between monsoons and colder climates with joint pain. Due to changes in the humidity levels, atmospheric pressure and the sudden shift in the temperature and precipitation, blood pressure in the blood vessels is impacted.' He added, 'As a result of the increased blood pressure, the body must work harder to pump blood, which can result in more joint pain. In addition, monsoons and colder climates can also lead to dehydration in the body, decreasing fluid concentration and worsening joint pain. Besides joint pain, monsoon can worsen arthritis-related symptoms, especially in people above 60.' Joint pain and stiffness is rather common during monsoon(Freepik) What are the possible causes of joint pain? Understanding the root cause of joint pain is critical as it can help treat the condition effectively. According to Dr Bhor, some common causes of joint pain that can worsen in the monsoon season include: One of the most common causes of joint pain is Arthritis. In India, it is projected that there are at least seven million patients who suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is one of the most common forms of Arthritis. Moreover, Osteoarthritis, the second most common rheumatologic problem in the country, has a prevalence of 22 – 39 per cent in the country. Since Osteoarthritis and RA are degenerative joint diseases, they can cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness. RA and Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, so their symptoms must be tackled through medication and other forms of treatments. However, little is possible to prevent the disease once it has advanced. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause your body to attack itself. Besides damaging the organs and tissues, lupus can also cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. As lupus is a chronic condition and takes a considerable time to diagnose (as it mimics other conditions, ruling out other diseases is time-consuming), some ways to combat this condition include medicines and healthier life choices. Other conditions that can cause stiffness and pain in the affected joints include Bursitis (a condition in which the tiny, fluid-filled sacs in the body, called Bursae that cushion the bones, tendons and muscles near the joint become inflamed), Gout (which is a type of Arthritis that can appear suddenly) and in rare cases Bone Cancer. What are the symptoms of joint pain? Dr Bhor answered, 'In many cases, joint pain, especially during monsoon, will not require medical attention, but there is always an exception to this rule. A person should consult a medical expert when they do not know the reason behind the joint pain and are experiencing other symptoms.' He advised to consult a doctor immediately in the following scenarios: The place around the joint is swollen, red, tender, or warm The discomfort has persisted for more than three days A fever with no other signs of the flu accompanies the ache The pain is a result of a severe injury or accident The joint seems deformed The swelling in the joint occurs suddenly or if it looks immobile The agony in the joint is extreme. Say 'goodbye' to monsoon joint pain: 5 essential tips for pain-free days (Photo by Uzma Mirza) How to treat joint pain in monsoon? Since joint pain in the monsoon is seasonal, Dr Pramod Bhor suggested that making lifestyle changes and combing home remedies with medications can help combat this issue in the long term. Some of them include the following: Aerobic exercises that are easy on joints, like walking, bicycling, swimming and water aerobics, are highly recommended. It is essential to stay physically active throughout the year to ensure that symptoms related to joint pain do not flare up during this time. Doing at least 150 minutes of strenuous aerobic weekly is highly recommended. Further, exercise for ten minutes at a time if that helps to reduce the pain and always consult a doctor before doing anything strenuous. A good diet rich in essential nutrients can go a long way in helping fight inflammation and improve symptoms related to joint pain. For starters, a diet focusing on whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans, and at the same time having minimal amounts of processed foods and saturated fat is ideal for overall health while at the same time helping manage disease activity as well. Some examples of food to add to such a diet include oily fish (Sardines, Mackerel, Salmon and fresh Tuna), dairy (milk, yoghurt and cheese), dark green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collard greens), broccoli, green tea, garlic and nuts. Keep yourself warm with warm showers or baths, which can help ease joint pain. If required, dress in layers and increase the heat inside your house to prevent moisture retention, which can increase your symptoms. Consult a doctor for pain medications that can help reduce the severity of joint pain. Get sufficient sleep of at least eight hours. Get enough sleep for at least eight hours. Not getting quality good sleep can lower the threshold for pain, leading to increased joint pain and pain that was felt only in a particular part of the body becoming more widespread. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Adam Thomas admits he 'lost hope' after painful diagnosis he hopes to 'cure naturally'
Adam Thomas has opened up about his arthritis diagnosis and how he plans to get his life back on track, thanks to a new medication and his desire to cure the condition naturally Adam Thomas "lost hope" after he was d iagnosed with an agonising health condition. The actor was just 34 when he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after experiencing pain following an injury to his knees. He initially believed he had pulled a ligament, but later experienced pain in his wrists. Blood test later confirmed his diagnosis, with Adam saying that he hadn't gone a day without being in pain due to the autoimmune condition. Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in a joint, affecting people of all ages, including children. The NHS states that osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of the condition. The condition is managed by inflammatory medication, in the form of tablets or steroid injections. Now, the 36-year-old Waterloo Road star has opened up about his condition and how he's finally getting his life back on track. Taking to Instagram, the former Emmerdale actor shared a snap, injecting himself in the thigh with medication. Captioning his upload, he penned: "I lost hope… I never thought I'd get my old life back… I was wrong! "To anyone struggling with arthritis and is lost and can't seem to find hope… Stay strong! Its along and painful road but I promise you…You will! These meds have changed my life… I'm pretty sure this post will get taken down again, but before it does… I get so many questions asking what meds I'm on and I've been on several but the only one that has worked for me are biologic injections. "I have an injection once every two weeks, no side effects no brain fog no throwing up, nothing! Nothing but pain free!!! I know this isn't going to heal the disease but it's given me a life I never thought I'd have again!" He went on to write: "Still putting in the work and focusing on diet and recovery as I'd like to think this disease can be cured naturally and one day I'd like to not have to take any meds but until then… I want to bring hope to those who are suffering and also awareness to this disease as I feel like it's not talked about enough! I see you, I feel you and I know how hard it can be, but don't lose hope don't lose yourself to this disease. Too much love." His upload, which has been liked over 25,000 times, was flooded with messages of support from his followers. One penned: "Biologics changed my life." A second added: "Amjevita changed my life after the hell that was methotrexate! Biologics are the best/ Well done for highlighting it." Meanwhile, a third went on to write: "I have methotrexate & biotic injections to for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. They do and have made a big difference to the pain, swelling and suffering. I was diagnosed officially 8 years ago. These injections can make such a difference to someone life, the awareness is needed thank you." But one social media user was quick to acknowledge that the medication Adam is using may not be suitable for everybody. They said: "I think this type of awareness is amazing, but people should be aware that biologics are immunosuppressants, so definitely not without their risks or side effects. They also don't work for everyone, and there are many different versions. They are amazing, but not as certain for everyone as they have been for you. I'm happy you've had such a good success story!" But while Adam hopes that this diet and lifestyle change can help cure the condition naturally, there is no cure. The NHS states that while there isn't a cure, those with osteoarthritis can change their lifestyle, take medication and often have surgery to help slow down the progression. Meanwhile, for those with rheumatoid, various treatments including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and biological treatments can help slow down the progression, but not cure it.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Aqtual secures $31m to commercialise rheumatoid arthritis test
Precision medicine company Aqtual has secured $31m in a Series B financing round to progress its active chromatin cell-free DNA (cfDNA) platform and launch a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy response prediction test. The round saw participation from new investors Bold Capital and Bold Longevity Growth Fund, alongside previous investors Manta Ray Ventures, Genoa Ventures and Yu Galaxy. A strategic investor from the diagnostics sector also contributed, bolstering Aqtual's commercialisation efforts. In the PRIMA-102 prospective observational trial, the company has already enrolled 1,300 participants, aiming to validate the cfDNA-based blood test for RA patients. The study's completion is projected for the fourth quarter of this year. Subjects in the PRIMA-102 trial will be monitored through screening and baseline visits before the initiation of new biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) or targeted synthetic DMARD (tsDMARD) therapy. The trial aims to evaluate the test utilising genetic, transcriptomic, and/or epigenetic data to help clinicians predict the best treatment alternatives for RA subjects. At 12-week follow-ups, the trial will measure treatment response and disease activity, with blood samples and clinical outcome assessments taken at baseline and the 12-week mark. The company noted that in the US, RA is a significant health concern, contributing more than $19bn every year in direct healthcare expenses. Aqtual CEO and co-founder Diana Abdueva said: 'This raise marks a key inflection point for cfDNA diagnostics—not just for Aqtual, but for the broader field. 'Our platform uniquely captures the biology of chronic disease, enabling deeper insights to support more effective treatment planning strategies. "With this funding, strengthened by backing from a strategic partner, we're positioned to advance our internal pipeline and forge new partnerships that extend the impact of our platform across disease areas.' "Aqtual secures $31m to commercialise rheumatoid arthritis test" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Getting insight into how women with rheumatoid arthritis experience perimenopause
Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints. It most often develops between the ages of 25 and 50, and affects more women than men. A research project is getting underway in the hopes of bridging the gap on how women with RA experience perimenopause. Click here if you'd like to take part in Jo's research. Jo Miller, a Massey University master's student, is researching how women with rheumatoid arthritis experience perimenopause. Photo: SUPPLIED/Jo Miller
