Osteoarthritis

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda, MD 20892–3675
Phone: 301–495–4484 or
877–22–NIAMS (226–4267) (free of charge)
TTY: 301–565–2966
Fax: 301–718–6366
E-mail: NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov
http://www.niams.nih.gov/

NIAMS provides information about various forms of arthritis and rheumatic disease and bone, muscle, joint, and skin diseases. It distributes patient and professional education materials and refers people to other sources of information. Additional information and updates can also be found on the NIAMS Web site.

What Is Arthritis?

Although Grandma's rheumatism could be any ache or pain, it generally was arthritis.

There are over 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These diseases may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some forms can also affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs.

Sciatica: The Word Sends Shivers Down My Back

I can remember, about 10 years ago, when a nagging pain occurred in my left hip. Especially at night, before I fell asleep, the discomfort would increase. A hip replacement would probably be needed soon, I rationalized.

According to this Life Extension article, the "... American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study reporting that food eaten early in the day generated more energy (diet-induced thermogenesis) than food eaten later in the day. This study provided evidence that the body's basal metabolic rate is highest early in the day, burning off calories as energy, whereas these same calories consumed at night are more likely to be stored as fat (Romon et al 1993). Based on this evidence, some physicians advocate that overweight patients should not eat anything after 7:00 p.m.

Even sneezing can cause a fracture if you have osteoporosis. How can you tell if it's just another pain or if it's a fracture?

While there is currently no proven treatment to stop or slow the progression of osteoarthritis in the spine, there are treatments to alleviate the pain and other associated symptoms, and for most people the condition will not become debilitating.

The Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Comparing Effectiveness, Safety, and PriceThis report compares the effectiveness, safety and cost of the many NSAIDs available inthe U.S. These include the drugs ibuprofen and naproxen and the heavily advertised

Side Effects and Warnings
Most people taking niacin experience skin flushing and a warm sensation, especially of the face, neck and ears, when they begin treatment or increase dose. This reaction is usually mild, but has been intolerable enough to cause up to half of participants in studies to stop therapy. Dry skin and itching is also commonly experienced. Taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Naprosyn®), or indomethacin (Indocin®) can reduce the flushing. Use of an antihistamine 15 minutes prior to a niacin dose may also be helpful. Slow-release niacin products may have less skin flushing than regular release niacin preparations or may simply delay the appearance of flushing. The flushing response often decreases on its own after 1 to 2 weeks of therapy. Mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea also may occur when beginning niacin therapy, and usually resolve with continued use.