Arthritis

It was interesting going through the news today; there was a good variety of information. The new drug for rheumatoid arthritis is great news: New Actemra data shows significant benefit for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis . According to the Arthritis Society, rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 out of every 100 Canadians. The effects of RA can range from mild discomfort and pain to severely affecting quality of life. RA doesn’t only affect adults, but children can have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

There are several types of arthritis, the most well-known being RA and osteoarthritis. Both affect the joints and cause pain, but they differ in terms of cause, effect, and treatment. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system has begun to attack itself, causing the inflammation of the joint lining. The joints, most often the hands or feet, become red, swollen, and warm to touch.

Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, is more common than RA – it affects 1 in 10 Canadians. Rather than the inflammation caused by RA, osteoarthritis is caused by the wearing away of cartilage in the joints. As the cartilage breaks down, the bones no longer have the cushion between the bones and the bones begin to rub together. It’s often called arthritis caused by use because the joints most commonly affected by OA are the hips, knees, and spine.

If you want to learn more about arthritis, you can check out the Canadian Arthritis Society or the American Arthritis Foundation.

News for Today:

Respiratory infections in babies increase asthma risk: study
New mom's NYC Marathon win stirs debate
'Runner's high' may also strengthen hearts
Anemia drugs could be harmful to cancer patients: FDA
Many vaccine booster shots may be unnecessary
Chronic pain affects 1 in 3 Canadians: poll
Merck not sure why trial AIDS vaccine failed in volunteers
Emotional eaters susceptible to weight regain