ARTHRITIS/STRETCH GLOVES
Patients troubled with morning stiffness of hands due to arthritis
may be helped by wearing stretch gloves at night. Morning
stiffness was reported totally or almost entirely relieved within
the first two days, and patients reported sleeping better and less
use of analgesics during the night. Nylon knit and Spandex-nylon
gloves both proved more effective than plain cotton gloves.
(Medical World News, February 25, 1972) Copyright Phylis Austin
BETA BLOCKERS/JOINT PROBLEMS
Beta blockers, often given for heart disease and hypertension, may
induce joint problems involving stiffness, discomfort and swelling.
Most of the patients in the study group suffered shoulder joint
discomfort, but others reported knee or finger joint involvement.
Some suffered pain in multiple joints. Other symptoms described by
the same group of patients included cold extremities, vision
problems, dry mouth and stuffy nose. The symptoms disappeared
after the beta blockers were discontinued. Switching to another
beta blocker will not eliminate the problem in most patients.
Inderal, Lopressor, Visken, Tenormin, and Blacadren are commonly
used beta blockers. (British Medical Journal 287:1256-1257, 1983)
CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/CANCER
Patients given cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar) for treatment of
rheumatoid arthritis have a two-fold increased incidence of cancer,
and are at high risk for the development of bladder cancer.
Interestingly, these patients with rheumatoid arthritis and cytoxan
treatment had more frequent use of alcohol. Some drugs, as well as
certain diets, seem to increase a thirst for alcohol. (Arthritis
and Rheumatism 28(4)Suppl S37, April, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
STRETCH GLOVES/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Two types of stretch gloves, Futuro and Isotoner, have been shown
equally effective in relieving hand symptoms in rheumatoid
arthritis patients. The patients wore one glove of each type from
bedtime until morning for seven days. The study group demonstrated
decrease in pain, swelling and stiffness and as well as an increase
in strength and motion. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 28(4)Suppl S104,
April, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
SEATONE/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Seatone (green-tipped mussel extract) has been widely promoted for
relief of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A Scottish study
compared Seatone and placebo (an inactive substance) treatment in
35 rheumatoid arthritis patients. There were no significant
differences in symptoms in either group, indicating that Seatone is
ineffective in rheumatoid arthritis treatment, its only benefit
coming from the well-known placebo effect. (Annals of Rheumatic
Diseases 44:199-201, 1985) Since the body can be stimulated to turn
off pain by many modalities of therapy other than drugs, it is
always the best course to treat chronic pain with physical means,
never drugs. The simple and physical means that are effective
include heat, cold, friction, counterirritation, massage,
range-of-motion, exercise, diet, herbal teas, and even enemas can
sometimes relieve pain of arthritis and other chronic pain. Copyright Phylis Austin
MILK/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Several years ago Dr. Norman Childers reported an association
between nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and
tobacco) and arthritis. Now a University of Florida study reveals
that milk may worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. (Arthritis
and Rheumatism 28(4) Suppl:S14, April, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/LUPUS
Animal studies have shown that a low calorie, low fat diet is
beneficial in systemic lupus erythematosus. A human study revealed
that women whose lupus required corticosteroid treatment used a
diet higher in fat than with milder symptoms. The authors of the
report suggest that the use of fatty meats such as lamb, pork, and
beef be reduced, that fried foods be entirely eliminated, and that
dairy products be limited. (Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
15(1)61-69, August, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
LUPUS/SUNLIGHT
Not all patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are sensitive to
sunlight. Estimates of percentages of those photosensitive run as
high as 58 percent, but the true percentage is not known. (Journal
of Investigative Dermatology 85:179-180,1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
CIMETIDINE/RANITIDINE/GOUTY ARTHRITIS
Ulcer patients who have gouty arthritis may suffer an exacerbation
of arthritis symptoms if given cimetidine (Tagamet) or ranitidine
for their ulcers. (Drug Intelligence and Clinical Pharmacy
19:201-2, March, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
ASPIRIN/JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/REYE'S
SYNDROME
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritics given long-term aspirin therapy had
an incidence of Reye's syndrome 86 times higher than normal,
according to a study based on Reyes syndrome incidence in Michigan
in 1982 and 1983. (Medical World News, October 14, 1985, p. 34) Copyright Phylis Austin
JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/MILK ALLLERGY
An association between adult rheumatoid arthritis and milk allergy
has previously been reported, but now researchers in Israel have
demonstrated that milk allergy may induce juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis. They state that commonly used allergy tests are
unreliable in the diagnosis of milk allergy and suggest that a
strict cows' milk protein-free diet may be beneficial to those with
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. (Journal of the Royal Society of
Medicine 78:410-413, May, 1985) Another study has demonstrated
rheumatoid-like lesions in laboratory animals given cows' milk for
12 weeks. (International Archives of Allergy and Applied Immunology
78:145-151, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
ARTHRITIS/VITAMIN D OVERDOSE
Large doses of vitamin D have been recommended in the treatment of
arthritis. A 48-year-old woman who took several teaspoons of cod
liver oil and three mugs of milk daily over a period of about 18
months developed kidney failure and calcium deposits in her joints
and tissues surrounding the joints. Over 30 years ago it was
reported in the medical literature that large doses of vitamin D
may lead to calcium deposits in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Annals of Rheumatic Diseases 44:494-498, 1985) Copyright Phylis Austin
ALOE VERA/ARTHRITIS
An aloe vera extract has been shown to have anti-arthritic and
anti-inflammatory action. It is felt that a group of anthraquinones
is responsible for this effect. (Journal of the American Podiatric
Medical Association 76(2)61-66, February, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
BREAST AUGMENTATION/ARTHRITIS
Women who undergo surgical procedures to have their breasts
enlarged may develop systemic rheumatic disease, according to a
Japanese study. They apparently develop a reaction to the silicone
implant. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 29(1) Supplement, January, 1986,
p. S34) Copyright Phylis Austin
ARTHRITIS/GLUTEN
A 15-year-old female with a three year history of synovitis of her
knees and ankles had relief of her symptoms when she was placed on
a gluten-free diet for her celiac sprue. (Journal of Rheumatology
13(1)201-204, 1986) Gluten is the elastic protein substance found
in wheat, rye, barley, oatmeal and buckwheat. Copyright Phylis Austin
OVERWEIGHT/OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis has been associated with overweight. The joints
undergo increased stress, which may produce or worsen symptoms.
(Journal of Chronic Disease 39(4)311-319, 1986) Copyright Phylis Austin
ARTHRITIS/PARVO VIRUS
Parvo virus may cause arthritis according to a study conducted in
Bristol, England. (Medical World News, August 11, 1986, p. 16) This
virus produces flu-like symptoms, sometimes a rash and about half
the causes may have joint pain, stiffness and swelling. The
arthritis can persist for seven months or more. Copyright Phylis Austin
FASTING/VEGAN DIET/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Twelve of twenty patients with rheumatoid arthritis improved after
being placed on a program of fasting, followed by a vegan diet
(free of all animal products), free of strong spices, tea, coffee,
all alcoholic beverages and refined sugars, with less pain and
improved joint function. However, progression of the disease did
not seem to be altered. Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology
15:219-223, 1986). Previously reported studies have shown the same
results. Copyright Phylis Austin
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/FOOD ALLERGY
Almost 30 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients in a study
carried out at Vanderbilt University and the University of Florida
stated that certain foods worsened their disease. Preservatives,
pork, beef, sugars, alcohol, chocolate and caffeine were the most
commonly listed trouble-makers. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 30(1
Suppl)542, January, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
FOOD ALLERGY/ARTHRALGIA (JOINT PAIN)
Still another study suggests an association between food allergy
and joint pains. A study from Italy says that milk and cheese,
artificial colors and preservatives, wheat and egg were common
food allergens in their study group. They noted that symptoms may
appear 12 hours after the intake of the offending food or 48 hours
later. (Annals of Allergy 59:422-238, December, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS/ARTHRITIS
Calcium supplements may induce symptoms of arthritis in sensitive patients. A 67-year-old
woman developed pain, swelling and redness in her right thumb after she began taking
calcium supplements. Symptoms cleared within about two weeks after the calcium
supplement was discontinued. She was later started on Os-Cal as a calcium supplement, and
within two weeks the symptoms recurred, again clearing with the cessation of the calcium
intake. Some people may be very sensitive to calcium supplements. (Canadian Medical
Association Journal 138:208, February 1, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
ULTRAVIOLET A LIGHT/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Exposure to ultraviolet A (UV-A) light may be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty-six
patients were exposed to light for five days a week for three weeks, and reported significant
improvement in fatigue, joint tenderness, joint swelling, morning stiffness, and grip strength.
Sunlight is usually readily available with minimal expense, and much less toxic than many
of the pharmaceutical agents used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The dose used
in this study was insufficient to produce even slight redness of the skin in fair-skinned
patients. (Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology 5:323-328, 1987) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Seventy-one percent of a group of rheumatoid arthritis patients placed on a diet free from
milk, cereals, pulses, and non-vegetarian protein sources reported significant improvement
in their symptoms. (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 47:69-72, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
HAIR DYE/LUPUS
A study conducted in Georgia suggests a relationship between the
use of hair dyes and lupus, a connective tissue disease
characterized by joint pain, fatigue, low grade fever, skin
lesions, and hair loss. The researchers studied women in four
Georgia counties, and conclude that amines in hair dyes may be
absorbed via the scalp. Additional studies are under way to
further evaluate the association. (Internal Medicine News 21(6)3,
August 15-31, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/PHYSICAL TRAINING
A group of rheumatoid arthritis patients placed on an eight-week
physical training program showed decreased joint swelling and an
increase in hemoglobin levels. (Clinical and Experimental
Rheumatology 38:253-260, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
HYSTERECTOMY/GYNECOLOGICAL SURGERY/OSTEOARTHRITIS
Estrogen imbalance may be a factor in the development of
osteoarthritis, according to a London study. A study of over 600
women revealed that women who developed osteoarthritis were more
likely to have undergone a hysterectomy or other gynecological
surgery than had non-arthritic control women. The researchers felt
that the same estrogen imbalance that led to the reproductive tract
surgery was responsible for the development of the osteoarthritis.
(British Medical Journal 297:899-900, October 8, 1988) Copyright Phylis Austin
KNUCKLE CRACKING/OSTEOARTHRITIS
A new study, carried out at Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in Detroit,
suggests that knuckle cracking may lead to osteoarthritis of the
hand. Nearly 85 percent of the knuckle crackers in this study had
hand swelling and decreased hand strength. (Arthritis Today,
September-October, 1989, p. 22) Copyright Phylis Austin
COLD THERAPY/TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PAIN
Cold applications may be helpful in the relief of pain associated
with the temporomandibular joint according to a report from a San
Pedro, California physician. (California Dental Association
Journal, December, 1988, p. 30-31) Copyright Phylis Austin
UV-A LIGHT/LUPUS
Ultraviolet A light has been shown to increase the life span of
laboratory animals who have lupus. A study of 18 systemic lupus
erythematosus patients revealed that exposure to UV-A light five
days a week for three weeks resulted in improvement in the clinical
disease. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 33(9 Suppl)S165, September
1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS
Medications used in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus
may produce as many adverse symptoms as the disease itself,
according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.
Corticosteroids may cause organ damage and even death. They may
produce bone damage, and cause heart and artery damage. Cytotoxic
drugs suppress immune function and may raise cancer risk. (Journal
of the American Medical Association 263:1812-1815, April 4, 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
GOLD THERAPY/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
A two year study of patients receiving gold therapy for rheumatoid
arthritis revealed that those who received gold were no better off
than those who did not receive gold. (Annals of Internal Medicine
114(6)437-444, March 15, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
TOBACCO/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Both primary and secondary exposure to tobacco smoke may contribute
to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. (Medical Hypotheses
34:116-117, 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
LUPUS SYMPTOMS/CHOLESTEROL
Some individuals given lovastatin to lower their blood cholesterol
develop lupus-like symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 50
different medications may induce lupus-like symptoms, including
yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, joint pain and
swelling, fever, and fatigue. (Archives of Internal Medicine
151:1667-1668, August 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
HYPERTHERMIA/ARTHRITIS
Deep heat may be used effectively in the treatment of arthritis and
synovitis. (American Journal of Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation 69(5)239-244, October 1990) Copyright Phylis Austin
TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT PAIN
Individuals who suffer from pain in the jaw joint may receive
considerable relief by the use of a commercially available electric
moist heat pack. The pad should be applied for 20 minutes two or
three times a day. The application of hot moist towels produced
some improvement, but not as marked as that produced by the
electric heat pad. (Medical Abstracts Newsletter 12(3)2, March,
1992) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIURETIC/LUPUS
Hydrochlorothiazide diuretics may induce lupus erythematosus in
sensitive individuals according to a report from the University of
Louisville School of Medicine.
An earlier report in the medical literature reported that PUVA
therapy for psoriasis may induce lupus erythematosus. Several
other medications, including griseofulvin and sulfasalazine have
been associated with lupus, and some wonder if the sulfonylureas,
which are often used in diabetes, may not also induce lupus.
(Internal Medicine News 24(1)34, January 1-14, 1991) A total
vegetarian diet has been reported helpful in lupus, instituted
after seven to ten days of total fasting. (Medical Tribune, June
11, 1992, p. 32) Copyright Phylis Austin
CHILDHOOD ARTHRITIS/RUBELLA BOOSTER IMMUNIZATIONS
Physicians at Columbia University in New York observed the onset of
arthritis following MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) immunization.
Seven of 58 newly diagnosed cases of childhood arthritis in this
study group came on after immunization. Some of the children in
the study received only booster shoots. Some of the children in
the group continue to have symptoms eight months after the
immunization; one patient requires daily medication. The authors
conclude that parents should be told that rubella vaccine may
induce arthritis. (Pediatric Research 29(4 Pt 2)175A, April 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/FASTING
Several studies have suggested that fasting may improve arthritic
symptoms. A recent report from New Jersey supports these
conclusions. A group of 43 patients placed on a medically
supervised seven-day water fast showed significant improvement in
their symptoms. (Internal Medicine 12(2)57-59, February 1991) Copyright Phylis Austin
OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID/ARTHRITIS
The daily intake of 2.6 gm of omega-3 fatty acids may improve
arthritis symptoms sufficiently to reduce the requirement for
arthritis medications. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 37:824-829, June
1994) A previous study has also shown improvement over the long-
term with the omega-6 fatty acids (Evening Primrose, borage, and
black currant oils). Copyright Phylis Austin
ARTHRITIS/MILK ALLERGY
A 52-year-old woman who had suffered arthritis for 11 years had
dramatic improvement in her symptoms after the elimination of milk
and milk products from her diet. (Dr. Alexander Grant's Health
Gazette 17(3)4, March 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE/PAIN
Taping the patella (knee cap) into a medial (middle) position may
bring significant reduction in knee pain in osteoarthritis
sufferers. (British Medical Journal 308:753-754, March 19, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/COLD APPLICATIONS
Two studies indicate that cold applications decrease pain and
reduce stiffness in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. A
recent study from Moscow, Russia, demonstrated that cold has
analgesic (pain reducing) and anti-inflammatory actions, reduces
joint contractures, and increases joint motion. (Scandinavian
Journal of Rheumatology, Supplement 97, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
ESTROGEN REPLACEMENT THERAPY/SYSTEMIC LUPUS
ERYTHEMATOSUS
Women who are taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy are
at increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus. The
risk increases as the length of time the hormones are taken
increases. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 37(Suppl 9)S211, September
1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
POSTMENOPAUSAL ESTROGEN USE/LUPUS
Women who use estrogen are at increased risk of developing systemic
lupus erythematosus. The risk increases as length of time the
estrogen is used increases. The risk drops as estrogen use is
discontinued. (Medical Tribune 35(22)8, November 17, 1994) Copyright Phylis Austin
SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS/DIET
Systemic lupus erythematosus is more common in women who report the
frequent consumption of meat, particularly fatty meats such as pork
or beef. Menstrual irregularity was also reported to be more
common in women with systemic lupus erythematosus than in control
women. (Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 169:245-252, 1993) Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Omega-3 fatty acids may protect against rheumatoid arthritis. An
earlier study from Greece showed that those who consumed fish (a
source of omega-3) and olive oil had reduced rates of rheumatoid
arthritis. It is felt that omega-3 fatty acids prevent the
production of substances which cause inflammation. (Epidemiology
7:256-263, 1996) Copyright Phylis Austin
TONSILLECTOMY/ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Tonsillectomy is known to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis
and polio, probably by weakening the immune system. A study from
the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath, U.K.,
suggests that it also increases the risk of ankylosing spondylitis.
(British Journal of Rheumatology 34(Suppl 2) 1995) Copyright Phylis Austin
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS/GLA
A report from the University of Massachusetts Medical Center
indicates that gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) oil extracted from the
seeds of the common borage plant may be beneficial in rheumatoid
arthritis. Subjects in the study given 2.8 grams of GLA per day
over a six month period showed significant improvement. (Arthritis
and Rheumatism 39:1808-1817, 1996)
Unfortunately, not all products sold as GLA really are. Some
products purchased from the health food store contain no GLA, even
though they are sold as GLA. Copyright Phylis Austin
DIET/OSTEOARTHRITIS
A five-year study of dogs revealed that limiting food intake
reduced the incidence of osteoarthritis. (Journal of the American
Veterinary Medical Association 210(2)222-225, January 15, 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin
THUNDER GOD VINE/RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Thunder God vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) is widely used in
China for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A recent placebo-
controlled double-blind trial demonstrated benefit in rheumatoid
arthritis. (Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 26(5)713-723,
April 1997) This herb also possesses anti-inflammatory principles,
stimulates circulation, and reduces swelling. Copyright Phylis Austin
VITAMINS/ARTHRITIS
A diet high in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and beta-
carotene may slow the progression of osteoarthritis, the most
common joint disorder of older Americans. (Annals of Rheumatic
Diseases 56(7)397-400, July 1997) Copyright Phylis Austin