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All articles tagged: Arthritis & Rheumatism

Medical xPress 18 November at 02.40 PM

Knee problems tend to flare up as you age—an orthopedic specialist explains available treatment options

Knee injuries are common in athletes, accounting for 41% of all athletic injuries. But knee injuries aren't limited to competitive athletes. In our everyday lives, an accident or a quick movement in the wrong direction can injure the knee and require medical treatment. A quarter of the adult population worldwide experiences knee pain each year

Medical xPress 13 November at 09.23 AM

How new therapies are transforming the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The use of biologic and targeted therapies for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) surpassed more typical therapies in recent years, according to Rutgers Health researchers.

Medical xPress 12 November at 01.01 PM

Biomarker discovery offers a novel therapeutic approach for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of chronic inflammatory arthritis, characterized by synovitis and progressive destruction of bone and cartilage in the affected joints. Conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) are typically prescribed immediately after an RA diagnosis to minimize joint damage. However, some patients' poor response to standard treatme

Medical xPress 08 November at 11.10 AM

Gut microbiome changes linked to onset of clinically evident rheumatoid arthritis

Changes in the make-up of the gut microbiome are linked to the onset of clinically evident rheumatoid arthritis in those at risk of the disease because of genetic, environmental, or immunological factors, suggests research published online in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Medical xPress 01 November at 02.36 PM

Unifying systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Still's disease

The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology, in partnership with the Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS), has developed new recommendations for the diagnosis and management of Still's disease, comprising the two diseases formerly known as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD).

Medical xPress 28 October at 02.41 PM

New research shows a link between inflammatory bowel disease and joint problems

There is a strong connection between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and spondyloarthritis—a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. The risk is particularly high among patients with Crohn's disease and those who were diagnosed with IBD as children. Sarita Shrestha has shown this in her doctoral thesis at Örebro University.

Medical xPress 28 October at 09.24 AM

New technique allows technicolor imaging of degenerative joint disease

Medical imaging is no longer in Kansas, Toto, as a team led by Penn State researchers brings traditional black and white diagnostic images of X-rays and traditional CT scans into technicolor. The researchers developed novel contrast agents that target two proteins implicated in osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease commonly characterized as wear-and-tear arthritis.

Medical xPress 16 October at 02.48 PM

Asian and older rheumatoid arthritis sufferers 50% less likely to receive targeted treatment, finds study

Asian patients are half as likely to be started on biologic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis as white patients, new research has shown.

Medical xPress 15 October at 03.07 PM

Researchers pioneer novel method to enhance effectiveness of MSC therapy for cartilage repair

Researchers have developed a novel method to enhance the ability of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to generate cartilage tissue by adding ascorbic acid (AA) during MSC expansion.

Medical xPress 26 September at 04.05 PM

Study offers potential for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention for rheumatoid arthritis

Currently, there are no cures for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects 40,000 people in Ireland. The disease costs an estimated $22,000 per patient, per year with an overall cost to the health system of ~$608 million. Only 1 in 4 patients achieve remission and a significant proportion of patients have suboptimal responses or no response at all to current available therapies.

Medical xPress 24 September at 09.17 AM

AI chatbots rival doctors in accuracy for back pain advice, study finds

A new study reveals that artificial intelligence chatbots, such as ChatGPT, may be almost as effective as consulting a doctor for advice on low back pain.

Medical xPress 23 September at 04.03 PM

Systemic sclerosis research finds protein TLR8 influences the production of disease-related cytokines

Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that primarily causes inflammation of the skin, as well as internal organs such as the lungs and heart. It is considered a rare disease, and little is yet known about its development and progression.

Medical xPress 23 September at 10.03 AM

New study shows durability of minimally invasive procedure to combat knee pain

A new study shows that a minimally invasive treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) in the knees may have a lasting benefit of at least 2 years.

Medical xPress 13 September at 12.39 PM

Signs of arthritis found in one in four psoriasis patients, new study reveals

One in four participants in a European wide study aimed at detecting early signs of psoriasis showed signs of possible arthritis.

Medical xPress 06 September at 12.38 PM

Study uncovers key factors in myositis-induced muscle weakness

A study has shed new light on the mechanisms behind idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (myositis), a group of systemic autoimmune disorders known for causing severe muscle weakness, fatigue, and increased mortality.

Medical xPress 04 September at 05.27 PM

Researchers advocate for tissue-engineering approach for arthritis relief

Various forms of arthritis afflict nearly 600 million people worldwide and add $16.5 billion to the United States' health care bill, yet there are few engineered cartilage tissue therapies available to sufferers.

Medical xPress 03 September at 01.50 PM

High-intensity interval training, strength exercise beneficial in RA

For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and strength exercise are beneficial for cardiovascular health, physical fitness, and overall health, according to a study published online Aug. 23 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

Medical xPress 03 September at 09.33 AM

Hydrogel developed for use in slowing or stopping early stages of osteoarthritis

A team of material engineers and orthopedic specialists affiliated with several institutions in China has developed a hydrogel for slowing or stopping the progression of osteoarthritis. Their research is published in the journal Advanced Materials.

Medical xPress 30 August at 09.29 AM

Uncovering the cause of regulatory T cell dysfunction in elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Tsukuba University have discovered that the increase in regulatory T (Treg) cells, which typically suppress immune responses, does not adequately control elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis. In the arthritic environment, Treg cells exhibit altered metabolic activity, reduced suppressive function, and increased PD-1 expression. Moreover, increased type I interferon signaling has been

Medical xPress 29 August at 03.45 PM

Machine learning helps identify rheumatoid arthritis subtypes

A machine-learning tool created by Weill Cornell Medicine and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) investigators can help distinguish subtypes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which may help scientists find ways to improve care for the complex condition.

Medical xPress 27 August at 02.49 PM

AI-powered, big data research enhances understanding of systemic vasculitis

Researchers from the School of Medicine and the ADAPT Centre at the School of Computer Science and Statistics at Trinity College Dublin have made a significant breakthrough in vasculitis research, in collaboration with researchers in Lund University. Their findings, recently published in The Lancet Rheumatology, offer new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of systemic vasculitis, a group of

Medical xPress 20 August at 11.00 AM

Do you have knee pain from osteoarthritis? You might not need surgery. Here's what to try instead

Most people with knee osteoarthritis can control their pain and improve their mobility without surgery, according to updated treatment guidelines from the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Medical xPress 14 August at 01.50 PM

Gastroesophageal reflux disease tied to increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) increases the risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online Aug. 1 in Scientific Reports.

Medical xPress 12 August at 02.30 PM

Causal relationship seen for rheumatoid arthritis and adverse pregnancy outcomes

There is a positive causal association for rheumatoid arthritis and adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs), according to a study published online July 31 in BMC Pregnancy & Childbirth.

Medical xPress 05 August at 11.34 AM

New safety checklist aims to prevent side effects in patients with arthritis

Inappropriate prescription of an antirheumatic drug for an unsuitable patient can lead to severe side effects such as intestinal perforations, blood clots, heart failure, or liver damage.

Medical xPress 01 August at 09.34 AM

New prediction model could help inform patients of their risks of having shoulder replacement surgery

A new model to predict the risk of serious complications after shoulder replacement surgery has been developed in a collaboration between researchers from the University of Oxford, University of Bristol, and University of Copenhagen. The model could be an important tool to help both patients and doctors make more informed decisions about this common procedure.

Medical xPress 29 July at 12.54 PM

Individuals with osteoarthritis are commonly prescribed NSAIDs despite having contraindications

Osteoarthritis affects 600 million people worldwide, making it a leading cause of disability. With no disease-modifying treatments available or on the horizon, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used treatments to relieve OA pain and are recommended by the majority of clinical practice guidelines. However, NSAIDs are not risk-free and are associated with more emergenc

Medical xPress 29 July at 11.40 AM

Psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis tied to higher risk of polyneuropathy

Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis may be associated with an increased risk of polyneuropathy, according to a study published online June 28 in Muscle & Nerve.

Medical xPress 25 July at 01.40 PM

Video: Reducing thumb arthritis pain

Thousands of Americans suffer from thumb arthritis. This disorder can greatly affect daily life and can make it a struggle to do simple things like opening doors or holding objects.

Medical xPress 24 July at 04.16 PM

Positive causal association between rheumatoid arthritis, bronchiectasis

There is a causal association between genetically predicted rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and increased risk of bronchiectasis, according to a study published in Frontiers in Medicine.

Medical xPress 24 July at 12.33 PM

Link found between kneecap shape and debilitating joint disease

The shape of a person's kneecap could be an indicator of whether they're more at risk of developing osteoarthritis, according to a new study from The Australian National University (ANU) published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage.

Medical xPress 24 July at 10.40 AM

Average hip, knee replacement patient may be getting younger

Brent Ruch, a collegiate basketball center, opted to have his left knee replaced at age 35 after struggling with pain for years.

Medical xPress 23 July at 11.24 AM

Females' osteoarthritis risk should be addressed early in life, says study

Sex-specific differences in the knee joint should be considered as early as childhood to help prevent higher incidence and severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) in women later in life, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers propose in a review of clinical data.

Medical xPress 22 July at 01.40 PM

Socioeconomic factors linked to persistently active rheumatoid arthritis

Socioeconomic factors and deprivation are associated with persistently active rheumatoid arthritis (pactiveRA), according to a study published online July 14 in RMD Open.

Medical xPress 12 July at 09.56 AM

A novel cinnamaldehyde nanomedicine for rheumatoid arthritis treatment

A cross-institutional research team led by the LKS Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (HKUMed), has developed a novel cinnamaldehyde-based prodrug nanomedicine by utilizing cinnamaldehyde, a common food additive, as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Medical xPress 10 July at 03.10 AM

Air pollution may affect lupus risk

New research published in Arthritis & Rheumatology indicates that chronic exposure to air pollutants may increase the risk of developing lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs.

Medical xPress 09 July at 06.30 PM

Osteoarthritis may double risk of speedy progression to severe multimorbidity, study finds

Osteoarthritis—a condition in which the protective cartilage on the ends of bones breaks down—may more than double the risk of speedy progression to accumulating severe long term conditions (multimorbidity), finds a 20 year study published in the open access journal RMD Open.

Medical xPress 08 July at 11.29 AM

World's first CAR-T cell therapy for a child with lupus

In June 2023, Uresa A. (who was 15 years old at the time) received CAR-T cells at Universitätsklinikum Erlangen. The treatment was the last resort to slow down systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which is a serious autoimmune disease that was attacking Uresa's body and suddenly and seriously affected her ability to lead a normal life.

Medical xPress 28 June at 02.10 PM

Rheumatoid arthritis patients with mono-, oligo-arthritis, high PGA remain most fatigued

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with mono- or oligo-arthritis and high Patient Global Assessment (PGA) at diagnosis remain the most fatigued, according to a study published in the June issue of Rheumatology.

Medical xPress 26 June at 05.10 PM

Fatigue with rheumatoid arthritis tied to disease activity, education level

The Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multi-Dimensional Questionnaire (BRAF-MDQ) and Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C) scores show consistency in assessing fatigue with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), according to a study published online June 14 in Immunity, Inflammation and Disease.

Medical xPress 24 June at 06.50 AM

FDA expands pediatric indication for Rinvoq

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has expanded indications for AbbVie's Rinvoq (upadacitinib) to now include pediatric patients (ages 2 years and older) with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Medical xPress 19 June at 12.35 PM

REMORA: New technology is first to allow patients to add daily symptoms to their health record

Researchers at The University of Manchester are to trial a system that allows people living with rheumatoid arthritis to send their daily symptoms securely to their health record, in a first for the NHS.

Medical xPress 17 June at 01.43 PM

The impact of lifestyle intervention in rheumatoid arthritis

EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—has previously made recommendations for lifestyle interventions in people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The overarching principles define the need for a healthy lifestyle, with specific recommendations that emphasize the importance of a healthy, balanced diet.

Medical xPress 17 June at 09.20 AM

Shoring up blood vessels may offer new approach for treating autoimmune rheumatic diseases

A study from physician-scientists at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) points to a potential novel approach for treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis—preventing antibodies and immune cells from leaving the bloodstream and entering joints and other organs where they cause inflammation and injury. The findings were published on June 10 in JCI Insight.

Medical xPress 14 June at 01.45 PM

Encouraging cooperation in inflammatory arthritis

There is a need to improve cross-sectoral care for people with inflammatory arthritis. The Danish Centre for Expertise in Rheumatology (CeViG) at the Danish Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Sønderborg, Denmark, is a unique institution—which aims to share knowledge with people involved in the care and management of inflammatory arthritis.

Medical xPress 14 June at 01.41 PM

Does bone marrow edema induced by mechanical stress progress to structural lesions?

Immediately after childbirth, a large number of women have sacroiliac bone marrow edema (BMO) visible on MRI. Although generally attributed to mechanical stress, these transient postpartum lesions bear a striking resemblance to the inflammatory lesions seen in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Medical xPress 14 June at 01.39 PM

Is fish intake linked to juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Past efforts to identify JIA's environmental risk factors have been restricted due to limited high-quality data and small sample sizes, mirroring the rarity of the disease.

Medical xPress 14 June at 01.34 PM

Self-management recommended for people with inflammatory arthritis

EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—recommends patient self-management for people with inflammatory arthritis. The intention is to empower people to acquire a good understanding of their disease and build their ability to deal effectively with the practical, physical, and psychological impacts.

Medical xPress 14 June at 01.33 PM

Tackling issues in childhood arthritis

Rheumatological diseases can affect people during childhood, the most common being juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). As well as a need to generally raise awareness of childhood arthritis, there is also a crucial need to ensure effective transition for these young patients from pediatric to adult care. EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—included sessions on childhood ar

Medical xPress 14 June at 01.31 PM

Identifying predictors for organ damage in children with systemic lupus erythematosus

Childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) is a chronic, severe autoimmune disorder that carries a risk of early organ damage. Identifying specific predictors in children is vital for preventing such damage.

Medical xPress 13 June at 04.25 PM

New work on precursors of inflammatory synovial macrophages sheds light on pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

The exact origin and precursor differentiation route of tissue macrophages remains controversial. At the 2024 congress of EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—new work sheds light on blood precursors of pathogenic tissue macrophages.

Medical xPress 12 June at 04.20 PM

Testing thresholds in cases of axial spondyloarthritis: Is the ASDAS appropriate for everyday clinical practice?

In patients with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and persistent disease activity for which adapting treatment is recommended, treatment intensification should be considered for patients with persistently high disease activity. EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—in collaboration with the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society (ASAS), states that high disease

Medical xPress 12 June at 04.11 PM

Stopping the march: Can effective treatment of psoriasis prevent progression to psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis which appears in around one-third of people with psoriasis. EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—is committed to reducing the impact of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases on both the individual and society. At the 2024 EULAR congress, new data suggests it could be possible to prevent the evolution from skin p

Medical xPress 12 June at 04.07 PM

Predicting response in treatment-naïve RA: Harnessing the power of multi-modal analysis

New work presented at the 2024 congress of EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—assesses the power of multi-modal analysis of synovial tissue inflammation in treatment-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The hope is to identify predictive biomarkers for treatment response.

Medical xPress 12 June at 03.58 PM

Exploring whether different joints have different treatment outcomes in cases of psoriatic arthritis

There are many treatment options for psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and EULAR—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology—recommends a practical and progressive approach to management based on specific manifestations and disease activity. But assessment of treatment outcomes primarily focuses on improvement in the number of affected joints, disregarding their specific locations.

Medical xPress 12 June at 11.00 AM

Painful truth about knee osteoarthritis: Why inactivity may be more complex than we think

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a common cause of pain and joint stiffness. And while physical activity is known to ease symptoms, only one in 10 people regularly exercise.

Medical xPress 06 June at 02.56 PM

Study identifies molecular profile of rheumatoid arthritis patients with increased cardiovascular risk

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease of unknown origin that affects around 18 million people worldwide, according to World Health Organization data. It produces chronic inflammation that mainly affects the joints. In addition, it can increase the possibility of suffering heart disease by 50%, among other consequences.

Medical xPress 04 June at 10.30 AM

New insights into T and B cells offer hope for autoimmune disease sufferers

Scientists should focus on the interactions between T and B cells to find better treatments for autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, according to a new study from the University of Surrey. The study has been published in Clinical and Translational Medicine.

Medical xPress 22 May at 09.58 AM

People who care for loved ones with arthritis carry an economic burden

Informal caregivers looking after a loved one with arthritis are financially worse off than non-caregivers to the sum of $388 million, Griffith University research has discovered.

Medical xPress 14 May at 02.33 PM

Ultrasound can help patients with a type of rheumatic disease lead longer and healthier lives

A dissertation at Umeå University shows that ultrasound can help patients with a type of rheumatic disease to live longer and healthier lives. These patients have so far had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which contributes to premature death.

Medical xPress 14 May at 11.30 AM

Coexistence of psoriatic arthritis, atopic dermatitis may offer treatment insights

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and atopic dermatitis (AD) can coexist, and the presence of both conditions may mean special attention should be given to selecting optimal treatment, according to a study published online April 17 in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.

Medical xPress 13 May at 04.28 PM

Biking revealed to be associated with less knee pain later in life

A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise reveals that people who participated in regular bicycling over their lifetime had a lower prevalence of frequent knee pain, radiographic osteoarthritis (ROA) and symptomatic radiographic osteoarthritis (SOA).

Medical xPress 01 May at 09.39 AM

Study sheds light on the debate around two types of shoulder replacement surgery for osteoarthritis

A new study has provided valuable insights into the ongoing debate surrounding two types of shoulder replacement surgery: reverse total shoulder replacement and anatomical total shoulder replacement as a treatment for patients with osteoarthritis.

Medical xPress 01 May at 12.00 AM

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have unique and complex autoantibody patterns, study reveals

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) all have a unique and diverse set of antibodies that are involved in the development of the disease. Researchers at Utrecht University unveiled the complexity of these antibodies using powerful lab tools capable of analyzing our immune system at molecular levels. Their discovery suggests that current assumptions about the origin of RA are too simple. Their f

Medical xPress 26 April at 02.00 PM

Blood test finds knee osteoarthritis up to eight years before it appears on X-rays

A blood test successfully predicted knee osteoarthritis at least eight years before tell-tale signs of the disease appeared on X-rays, Duke Health researchers report.

Medical xPress 24 April at 03.30 PM

Self-administered acupressure reduces knee pain with suspected osteoarthritis

Self-administered acupressure (SAA) is an efficacious and cost-effective approach to relieve knee pain in middle-aged and older adults with probable knee osteoarthritis (OA), according to a study published online April 19 in JAMA Network Open.

Medical xPress 23 April at 01.08 PM

Arthroscopic surgery for arthritis does not impact incidence of total knee arthroplasty, study finds

The addition of arthroscopic surgery to nonoperative management of knee arthritis does not delay or hasten total knee arthroplasty (TKA) during 10 years of follow-up, according to a study published online April 18 in JAMA Network Open.

Medical xPress 27 March at 10.50 AM

Knees stiff with arthritis? Company studies whether fat injections can improve motion

A Louisville, Colorado, company is studying whether cells taken from patients' fat could reduce knee pain and improve motion in people with arthritis.

Medical xPress 26 March at 01.08 PM

Scientists warn of a 'tsunami' of osteoarthritis cases by 2050

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that affects weight-bearing joints. The most commonly affected joints are the knees, hips, spine, and small joints in the hands. Two out of three people over 50 have creaky and cracking joints that cause daily pain and reduce their mobility. It's an increasing problem because the world population is getting older, and humans are becoming more and more

Medical xPress 25 March at 03.33 PM

Updated recommendations for psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. It has both joint and non-joint symptoms and manifestations, which can vary from person to person. It is commonly associated with psoriasis that affects the skin and nails but can also be linked to inflammation of the gut and eyes. PsA has also been linked to cardiovascular, psychological, and metabolic comorbidities—with a real impa

Medical xPress 25 March at 02.01 PM

New evidence-based guideline for the management of osteoporosis in men

Worldwide, it is estimated that one in five men over the age of 50 years will experience an osteoporotic fracture in their remaining lifetime, and the number of hip fractures in men is expected to rise by approximately 310% between 1990 and 2050. Despite its great burden among older men, osteoporosis is still often viewed as a 'woman's' disease, and underdiagnosis and undertreatment of the conditi

Medical xPress 15 March at 11.30 AM

Rheumatology workforce increased 20 percent from 2009 to 2019

The overall number of clinically active rheumatology providers grew more than 20 percent during the last decade, according to a study published online Feb. 25 in Arthritis & Rheumatology.

Medical xPress 08 March at 11.48 AM

How a common food ingredient can take a wrong turn, leading to arthritis

A University of Colorado Department of Medicine faculty member says she and her colleagues have identified the means in which bacteria in the digestive system can break down tryptophan in the diet into an inflammatory chemical that primes the immune system towards arthritis.

Medical xPress 08 March at 10.10 AM

Video consults for chronic knee pain as effective as in-person care, study shows

Australians experiencing chronic knee pain achieve similar pain reduction whether they consult with physiotherapists via video or attend in-person physiotherapy sessions, new research shows, expanding the scope of treatment possibilities, particularly for people in regional and remote locations.

Medical xPress 06 March at 11.40 AM

Despite their prevalence, arthritis, neck and back pain receive few research dollars, analysis finds

Musculoskeletal diseases—a diverse category of conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues—affect more than 1 in 3 people in the United States and are a leading driver of health care spending with an estimated cost of more than $380 billion in 2016, putting them ahead of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Conditions that impact many people, incur high financial c

Medical xPress 04 March at 06.45 AM

Prevalence of arthritis in US adults 18.9 percent in 2022

The age-adjusted prevalence of adults with arthritis was 18.9 percent in 2022 in the United States, according to a February data brief published by the National Center for Health Statistics.

Medical xPress 29 February at 11.00 AM

New type of stem cell contains potential for knee cartilage regeneration in arthritic mice

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating joint disease which affects over 500 million people worldwide, with trends increasing as populations age. OA is caused by progressive, irreversible degeneration of joint cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and immobility in the affected joint. Current therapies focus on symptom relief but cannot restore degenerated cartilage.

Medical xPress 28 February at 03.23 PM

Calcium crystal deposits in the knee found to contribute to joint damage

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 600 million people worldwide and 34 million people in the U.S. There are no treatments available that prevent its progression to date. Recommended pharmacological treatments for symptoms have either small-to-moderate effects or short-term effects, often with side effects, and lifestyle behaviors such as exercise

Medical xPress 28 February at 11.33 AM

Children get arthritis too, with life-changing effects—but exercise can help

Arthritis is usually associated with older people, but kids can suffer too. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. It affects about 1 in 1,000 kids under 16 in the UK (roughly 15,000 children), and causes joint pain and inflammation in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists—although it can affect other body parts, too.

Medical xPress 27 February at 06.30 PM

Sinusitis linked to 40% heightened risk of rheumatic disease

The common inflammatory condition sinusitis is linked to a 40% heightened risk of a subsequent diagnosis of rheumatic disease, particularly in the five to 10 years preceding the start of symptoms, according to research published in the open access journal RMD Open.

Medical xPress 26 February at 01.14 PM

AI deep learning model diagnoses symptoms of joint diseases early and with high accuracy, say researchers

Scientists say they have developed an artificial intelligence deep learning model with the ability to detect the early signs of degenerative joint diseases with a high degree of accuracy.

Medical xPress 23 February at 10.49 AM

Fibroblast cells play a key role in resolving joint inflammation, new study finds

In a significant breakthrough in inflammatory arthritis research, a study published today (Feb. 23) in Nature Immunology has revealed that inflammation-associated fibroblasts—a type of cell in connective tissues—can switch phenotype and stabilize specific immune cell populations in the joint, promoting the resolution of inflammation.

Medical xPress 15 February at 10.25 AM

Erosion blockade breakthrough: Clinical trial signals hope for hand osteoarthritis

Researchers at Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, and VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, show that antibody therapy can be effective against erosive hand osteoarthritis. Using the antibody denosumab leads to bone remodeling and the prevention of erosive joint damage. This is the first evidence that erosive progression can be halted in this disease. The results appear in Nature M

Medical xPress 15 February at 05.29 AM

New bone tool could offer speedy screening for new treatments targeting pain in osteoarthritis

Researchers at St George's, University of London have developed a simple tool to measure irregularities in the cartilage and bone tissue of people with osteoarthritis, which aims to speed-up screening for tissue changes and testing new treatments for those with chronic pain.

Medical xPress 09 February at 01.17 PM

Recommendations for imaging in crystal-induced arthropathies

Crystal-induced arthropathies (CiA) are caused by crystal deposits in a person's joints and associated tissues. The most frequent forms of these very common conditions be caused by three different types of crystals: monosodium urate (MSU), calcium pyrophosphate (CPP), and basic calcium phosphate (BCP).

Medical xPress 08 February at 03.00 PM

New PET tracer detects inflammatory arthritis before symptoms appear

A novel PET imaging technique can noninvasively detect active inflammation in the body before clinical symptoms arise, according to research published in the February issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine. Using a PET tracer that binds to proteins present on activated immune cells, the technique produces images of ongoing inflammation throughout the body, such as rheumatoid arthritis. This make

Medical xPress 05 February at 05.00 AM

Study finds new treatment to reverse inflammation and arterial blockages in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have found that the molecule RvT4 enhances the body's natural defenses against atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Medical xPress 02 February at 10.34 AM

Engineered cartilage could turn the tide for patients with osteoarthritis

About 1 in 7 adults live with degenerative joint disease, also known as osteoarthritis (OA). In recent years, as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and other joint injuries have become more common among adolescent athletes, a growing number of 20- and 30-somethings have joined the ranks of aging baby boomers living with chronic OA pain.

Medical xPress 01 February at 04.37 PM

Points to consider in hyperinflammation

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) are life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory syndromes. Systemic hyperinflammation and HLH/MAS can occur in nearly any inflammatory state, but there are certain predisposing conditions and inflammatory triggers. This includes rheumatic diseases, malignancies, metabolic diseases, and genetic immune problems.

Medical xPress 01 February at 03.07 PM

Validated classification criteria for calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease

Calcium pyrophosphate deposition (CPPD) disease is a common, symptomatic arthritis, but until now there have been there are no validated classification criteria. This has hampered research in this common disease that becomes more frequent with increasing age.

Medical xPress 01 February at 10.00 AM

Study finds GERD can induce occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis, but not vice versa

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causally and positively influences rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but RA has no significant influence on GERD, according to a study published online Dec. 13 in Frontiers in Genetics.

Medical xPress 29 January at 01.26 PM

Updated EULAR recommendations for hip and knee osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects more than 500 million people worldwide. The disease is age-related, and usually starts to affect people in middle age. For elderly people, OA is the most common cause of disability, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and impacts on participation in both social and work contexts.

Medical xPress 22 January at 06.30 PM

Men with inflammatory joint disease less likely to be childless than healthy peers, research suggests

Men with inflammatory joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are less likely to be childless and have more children than their healthy peers, suggests research published online in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.

Medical xPress 09 January at 06.30 PM

Early menopause and HRT among hormonal factors linked to heightened rheumatoid arthritis risk

Early menopause—before the age of 45—taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and having four or more children are among several hormonal and reproductive factors linked to a heightened risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women, finds a large long-term study published in the journal RMD Open.

Medical xPress 28 December at 10.30 AM

A new test could save arthritis patients time, money and pain. But will it be used?

Erinn Maury knew Remicade wasn't the right drug for Patti Schulte, a rheumatoid arthritis patient the physician saw at her Millersville, Maryland, practice. Schulte's swollen, painful joints hadn't responded to Enbrel or Humira, two drugs in the same class.

Medical xPress 27 December at 04.10 PM

Arthritic hands: What works (and doesn't) to ease the pain?

Millions of people who live with the pain and stiffness of arthritis in their hands get steroid or hyaluronic acid injections directly into their finger joints in the hopes of feeling better.

Medical xPress 19 December at 10.45 AM

Hip-focused physical therapy reduces chronic low back pain for older adults, finds clinical trial

When the University of Delaware's Gregory Hicks started his research career two decades ago, he was one of only a few people in the United States studying chronic low back pain in people over 60 years old.

Medical xPress 08 December at 01.40 PM

Recommendations for fatigue management in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases

Fatigue is common in people with inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). The causes of fatigue are not well understood, and it is likely that they vary between people and over time. From a patient perspective, fatigue has a significant and detrimental impact on daily life, and it is a priority to address.

Medical xPress 08 December at 01.38 PM

Updated systemic lupus erythematosus management recommendations

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous disease, which can cause many different manifestations and symptoms, and traditionally did not have many treatment options. However, the picture is changing, and clinical practice must change accordingly, to keep up with modern treatment options and to make the most of new drugs that can target key pathophysiological pathways. In line with this

Medical xPress 08 December at 12.44 PM

The quest to bring osteoarthritis to its knees

Millions of people in Europe and elsewhere suffer degeneration of joint cartilage in the knee, driving EU research into better treatments.

Medical xPress 28 November at 11.32 AM

Pain limits family caregivers' daily activities, finds study

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine provide the first national estimate of caregivers' pain and arthritis experiences that can limit their ability to perform necessary tasks while caring for older family members.

Medical xPress 27 November at 01.56 PM

Study uncovers early B cell developmental disorders associated with systemic lupus erythematosus

In a study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology, Prof. Zhang Xiaoming's group at the Shanghai Institute Immunity and Infection of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Prof. Gu Zhifeng at Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, and Prof. Sheng Zizhang at Columbia University, reveal the immunological characteristics of bone marrow (BM) B cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosu

Medical xPress 24 November at 12.40 PM

Osteoarthritis: Unveiling complex mechanisms and immune influences

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this musculoskeletal disorder affects approximately 1.71 billion people globally. Osteoarthritis is a condition where cartilage gradually breaks down, and joint bones are exposed to each other. This leads to pain and reduced joint function.

Medical xPress 22 November at 09.56 AM

Lower testosterone correlated to higher rates of osteoarthritis in a non-dose–dependent way

Researchers at the Wuhan Sports University, China, have found a negative association between serum testosterone levels and arthritis. The relationship between serum testosterone and arthritis appeared nonlinear, and the finding of a correlation could not establish a direct causal relationship.

Medical xPress 22 November at 03.00 AM

Does stem cell transplantation benefit patients with knee osteoarthritis?

Cell therapy represents a potential regenerative treatment for osteoarthritis. A recent analysis of all relevant published studies indicates that stem cell transplantation from different sources is effective for treating knee osteoarthritis, the most prevalent chronic joint disease.

Medical xPress 14 November at 02.20 PM

Male, female veterans have increased prevalence of arthritis

Male and female veterans have a higher prevalence of arthritis than nonveterans, according to research published in the Nov. 10 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Medical xPress 13 November at 05.06 PM

New study shows perception of aging is linked to level of physical activity in arthritis patients

People with arthritis who report more negative feelings about how they are aging tend to get less physical activity and perceive themselves as less healthy, according to a new study by researchers at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and Weill Cornell Medicine. However, self-perception of good health explained the effect of negative thinking—providing an opportunity for clinicians to focus on a p

Medical xPress 13 November at 04.55 PM

Study finds people with inflammatory arthritis face significant psychological challenges in maintaining employment

Research from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) reveals a significant psychological impact related to inflammatory arthritis patients' efforts to maintain employment while coping with the challenges of their illness. The study, titled "The Psychological Experience of Work for People with Inflammatory Arthritis (IA)," was presented at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2023 on

Medical xPress 13 November at 06.53 AM

Obesity associated with worse flare symptoms and quality of life in people with early rheumatoid arthritis

A recent study from Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and others has found a correlation between obesity and more severe disease flare symptoms that negatively affect quality of life in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder affecting multiple joints in the body. The study was presented at ACR Convergence 2023, the annual meeting of the Americ

Medical xPress 10 November at 01.25 PM

Study finds tapering TNF inhibitors increases flares, lowers Boolean remission rates for RA patients in remission

New research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting, has found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in sustained remission who stopped TNF inhibitors (TNFi) had significantly more flares and lower Boolean 2.0 remission rates compared with those who continued treatment.

Medical xPress 08 November at 11.00 AM

Cellular 'atlas' built to guide precision medicine treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation that leads to pain, joint damage, and disability, which affects approximately 18 million people worldwide. While RA therapies targeted to specific inflammatory pathways have emerged, only some patients' symptoms improve with treatment, emphasizing the need for multiple treatment approaches tailored to different diseas

Medical xPress 07 November at 04.59 PM

Study finds acute calcium pyrophosphate deposition arthritis doubles fracture risk

Researchers will present the first-ever study of fractures and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting. They report a doubled risk of fractures in patients with acute calcium pyrophosphate crystal arthritis compared to those without the disease.

Medical xPress 07 November at 04.59 PM

Researchers say AI model accurately identifies, predicts joint damage in hand X-rays

New research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting, shows that a deep learning system could accurately identify and predict joint space narrowing and erosions in hand radiographs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Medical xPress 07 November at 04.56 PM

Diverse task force develops new quality measures to improve lupus care by 2030

Leaders of a project to develop and implement equitable new quality measures for lupus care by the end of the decade will present their work at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting.

Medical xPress 07 November at 04.40 PM

Study finds JAK inhibitors and tocilizumab effective in VEXAS syndrome

New research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting, found that JAK inhibitors (JAKi) and tocilizumab elicited better response rates in VEXAS syndrome compared to other targeted therapies.

Medical xPress 07 November at 04.38 PM

Study shows saliva gland abnormalities in Sjögren's worsens over time

New research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting, shows that ultrasound-detected salivary gland abnormalities in primary Sjögren's become more severe over time and that the slow-to-progress disease likely starts long before it is first detected.

Medical xPress 07 November at 04.37 PM

Study finds TNF blockers are not associated with poor pregnancy outcomes

According to new research at ACR Convergence 2023, the American College of Rheumatology's (ACR) annual meeting, continuing tumor necrosis factor inhibitors during pregnancy is not associated with worse fetal or obstetric outcomes and may reduce the risk of severe maternal infections during pregnancy.

Medical xPress 02 November at 02.36 PM

Training could improve care for diverse population living with auto-immune rheumatologic conditions

A health care team has endorsed a new cultural competency training program which could help clinicians better connect with diverse population living with an auto-immune rheumatologic conditions.

Medical xPress 01 November at 12.10 AM

Study finds JAK inhibitors, common treatment for arthritis, are effective

According to a new paper in Rheumatology, published by Oxford University Press, JAK inhibitors, which doctors have used to treat patients with arthritis despite concerns about the effectiveness of such drugs, actually do work quite well. In a multicenter, retrospective study Japanese researchers found that the drugs resulted in impressive remission rates in patients, most of whom choose to continu

Medical xPress 31 October at 02.57 PM

Nonsurgical treatment of thumb arthritis shows lasting benefits

Initial nonsurgical treatment, including the use of orthotics and exercise therapy, provides satisfactory long-term outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1 OA), with a low rate of conversion to surgery, reports a study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Medical xPress 31 October at 10.53 AM

Gremlin 1 cells discovery offers hope to treat and reverse osteoarthritis

Current osteoarthritis treatment manages symptoms rather than addressing the underlying disease, but a new University of Adelaide study has shown the condition may be treatable and reversible. The research is published in the journal Nature Communications.

Medical xPress 30 October at 04.34 PM

Updated antiphospholipid syndrome classification criteria

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease associated with persistent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). It can cause thrombosis and pregnancy complications as well as non-thrombotic manifestations such as cardiac valve disease

Medical xPress 26 October at 11.47 AM

Research team designs gel that repairs cartilage nonsurgically with electricity

A lifetime of activity can gradually erode the cartilage that cushions our joints. Someday, we might simply inject a gel to repair it, University of Connecticut researchers report in the Oct. 6 issue of Nature Communications.

Medical xPress 16 October at 06.30 PM

Older siblings and childhood tonsil removal linked to heightened risk of inflammatory arthritis

Having older siblings and childhood tonsil removal are linked to a heightened risk of ankylosing spondylitis, a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis, finds a large study published in the open access journal RMD Open.

Medical xPress 13 October at 12.25 PM

21.2 percent of US adults had diagnosed arthritis from 2019 to 2021

An estimated 21.2 percent of U.S. adults had diagnosed arthritis from 2019 to 2021, with most cases among adults aged 45 years and older, according to research published in the Oct. 13 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Medical xPress 12 October at 04.46 PM

New organ-on-a-chip model of human synovium could accelerate development of treatments for arthritis

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a new organ-on-a-chip model of the human synovium, a membrane-like tissue that lines the joints. The model, published in the journal Biomedical Materials, could help researchers to better understand the mechanisms of arthritis and to develop new treatments for this group of debilitating diseases.

Medical xPress 12 October at 04.26 PM

Researchers suggest new approach for testing treatments for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is among the top 10 conditions contributing to Years Lived with Disability—a measure reflecting the impact an illness has on quality of life before it resolves or leads to death. To date, no treatments are approved that slow disease progression. Treatment development has been frustrating in part because animal models of disease caused by

Medical xPress 09 October at 05.05 PM

Study identifies biomarker that could lead to better treatment for autoimmune disease

New research that helps explain the molecular processes involved in the painful autoimmune disease ankylosing spondylitis, or AS, may reduce the guessing game that health care providers currently play while attempting to treat the condition.

Medical xPress 09 October at 10.02 AM

Researchers identify link between gut bacteria and pre-clinical autoimmunity and aging in rheumatoid arthritis

While the bacteria in the intestine are helpful for digesting food and fighting infections, they have long been suspected to play an essential role in triggering rheumatoid arthritis. This chronic inflammatory disorder affects the joints.

Medical xPress 05 October at 04.15 PM

New genetic markers may predict who will have 'miracle' improvement of rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy

When women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) plan to become pregnant, many anguish over whether to stop their medications, risking a flareup in their disease, or continue with medication and risk possible harm to the baby.

Medical xPress 02 October at 04.20 PM

Joint replacement surgery and arthritis are not inevitable, expert says

Don't worry about your hips or knees as you age. Arthritis in those joints isn't inevitable. Keep doing the activities you enjoy. Those hopeful words come from Rafael Sierra, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic specializing in hip and knee reconstruction. Dr. Sierra says there is no need to curtail your activities out of fear that you'll wear out those joints as you age and need joint repla

Medical xPress 27 September at 11.59 AM

Joint replacement surgery, arthritis are not inevitable

Don't worry about your hips or knees as you age. Arthritis in those joints isn't inevitable. Keep doing the activities you enjoy. Those hopeful words come from Rafael Sierra, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic specializing in hip and knee reconstruction. Dr. Sierra says there is no need to curtail your activities out of fear that you'll wear out those joints as you age and need joint repla

Medical xPress 18 September at 04.34 PM

Autoimmune diseases: Protein discovered as potential new target for therapies

Autoimmune diseases are complex illnesses, the causes of which are diverse and have not yet been fully explained. A research team at MedUni Vienna has now discovered an immunoregulatory protein that could be linked to the development of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The identified component of the immune system is called "Rinl," which could provide a new target for the developm