What happened when topical olive oil was pitted against an ibuprofen-type drug for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Fifty million Americans suffer from arthritis, and osteoarthritis of the knee is the most common form, making it a leading cause of disability. There are several inflammatory pathways that underlie the disease’s onset and progression, so various anti-inflammatory foods have been put to the test. Strawberries can decrease circulating blood levels of an inflammatory mediator known as tumor necrosis factor, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into clinical improvement. For example, drinking cherry juice may lower a marker of inflammation known as C-reactive protein, but it failed to help treat pain and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. However, researchers claimed it “provided symptom relief.” Yes, it did when comparing symptoms before and after six weeks of drinking cherry juice, but not any better than a placebo, meaning drinking it was essentially no better than doing nothing. Cherries may help with another kind of arthritis called gout, but they failed when it came to osteoarthritis.
However, strawberries did decrease inflammation. In fact, in a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial, dietary strawberries were indeed found to have a significant analgesic effect, causing a significant decrease in pain. There are tumor necrosis factor inhibitor drugs on the market now available for the low, low cost of only about $40,000 a year. For that kind of money, you’d want some really juicy side effects, and they do not disappoint—like an especially fatal lymphoma. I think I’ll stick with the strawberries.
One reason we suspected berries might be helpful is that when people consumed the equivalent of a cup of blueberries or two cups of strawberries daily, and their blood was then applied to cells in a petri dish, it significantly reduced inflammation compared to blood from those who consumed placebo berries, as you can see below and at 2:02 in my video Extra Virgin Olive Oil for Arthritis.
Interestingly, the anti-inflammatory effect increased over time, suggesting that the longer you eat berries, the better. Are there any other foods that have been tested in this way?
Researchers in France collected cartilage from knee replacement surgeries and then exposed it to blood samples from volunteers who had taken a whopping dose of a grapeseed and olive extract. They saw a significant drop in inflammation, as shown below and at 2:30 in my video.
There haven’t been any human studies putting grapeseeds to the test for arthritis, but an olive extract was shown to decrease pain and improve daily activities in osteoarthritis sufferers. So, does this mean adding olive oil to one’s diet may help? No, because the researchers used freeze-dried olive vegetation water. That’s basically what’s left over after you extract the oil from olives; it’s all the water-soluble components. In other words, it’s all the stuff that’s in an olive that‘s missing from olive oil.
If you give people actual olives, a dozen large green olives a day, you may see a drop in an inflammatory mediator. But according to a systematic review and meta-analysis, olive oil—on its own—does not appear to offer any anti-inflammatory benefits. What about papers that ascribe “remarkable anti-inflammatory activity” to extra virgin olive oil? Their evidence is from rodents. In people, extra virgin olive oil may be no better than butter when it comes to inflammation and worse than even coconut oil.
So, should we just stick to olives? Sadly, a dozen olives could take up nearly half your sodium limit for the entire day, as you can see below and at 3:47 in my video.
When put to the test, extra virgin olive oil did not appear to help with fibromyalgia symptoms either, but it did work better than canola oil in alleviating symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any studies putting olive oil intake to the test for arthritis. But why then is this blog entitled “Can Olive Oil Compete with Arthritis Drugs?” Because—are you ready for this?—it appears to work topically.
Topical virgin olive oil went up against a gel containing an ibuprofen-type drug for osteoarthritis of the knee in a double-blind, randomized, clinical trial. Just a gram of oil, which is less than a quarter teaspoon, three times a day, costing less than three cents a day, worked! Topical olive oil was significantly better than the drug in reducing pain, as you can see below and at 4:37 in my video.
The study only lasted a month, so is it possible that the olive oil would have continued to work better and better over time?
Is olive oil effective in controlling morning inflammatory pain in the fingers and knees among women with rheumatoid arthritis? The researchers went all out, comparing the use of extra virgin olive oil to rubbing on nothing and also to rubbing on that ibuprofen-type gel, and, evidently, the decrease in the disease activity score in the olive oil group beat out the others.
Doctor’s Note
For more on joint health, see related posts below.
If the microbiome of those eating plant-based diets protects against the toxic effects of TMAO, what about swapping gut flora?
“Almost 2,500 years ago, Hippocrates stated that ‘All disease begins in the gut.’” When we feed our gut bacteria right with whole plant foods, they feed us right back with beneficial compounds like butyrate, which our gut bugs make from fiber. On the other hand, if we feed them wrong, they can produce detrimental compounds like TMAO, which they make from cheese, eggs, seafood, and other meat.
We used to think that TMAO only contributed to cardiovascular diseases, like heart disease and stroke, but, more recently, it has been linked to psoriatic arthritis, associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, and everything in between. I’m most concerned about our leading killers, though. Of the top ten causes of death in the United States, we’ve known about its association with increased risk of heart disease and stroke, killers number one and five, but recently, an association has also been found between blood levels of TMAO and the risks of various cancers, which are our killer number two. The link between TMAO and cancer could be attributed to the inflammation caused by TMAO, but it could also be oxidative stress (free radicals), DNA damage, or a disruption in protein folding.
What about our fourth leading killer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), like emphysema? TMAO is associated with premature death in patients with exacerbated COPD, though it’s suspected that it’s due to them dying from more cardiovascular disease.
The link to stroke is a no-brainer—no pun intended. It is due to the higher blood pressure associated with higher TMAO levels, as well as the greater likelihood of clots forming in those with atrial fibrillation. Those with higher TMAO levels also appear to have worse strokes and four times the odds of death.
Killer number six is Alzheimer’s disease. Can TMAO even get up into our brains? Yes, TMAO is present in human cerebrospinal fluid, which bathes the brain, and TMAO levels are higher in those with mild cognitive dysfunction and those with Alzheimer’s disease dementia. “In the brain, TMAO has been shown to induce neuronal senescence [meaning, deterioration with age], increase oxidative stress, impair mitochondrial function, and inhibit mTOR signaling, all of which contribute to brain aging and cognitive impairment.”
Killer number seven is diabetes, and people with higher TMAO levels are about 50% more likely to have diabetes. Killer number eight is pneumonia, and TMAO predicts fatal outcomes in pneumonia patients even without evident heart disease. Kidney disease is killer number nine, and TMAO is strongly related to kidney function and predicts fatal outcomes there as well. Over a period of five years, more than half of chronic kidney disease patients who started out with average or higher TMAO levels were dead, whereas among those in the lowest third of levels, nearly 90% remained alive.
How can we lower the TMAO levels in our blood? Because TMAO originates from dietary sources, we could limit our intake of choline- and carnitine-rich foods. They’re so widespread in foods,” though we’re talking about meat, eggs, and dairy. “Therefore, restriction of foods rich in TMA-containing nutrients may not be practical.” Can we just get a vegan fecal transplant? “Vegan donors provided the investigators with a fresh morning fecal sample…”
If you remember, if you give a vegan a steak, despite all that carnitine, they make almost no TMAO compared to a meat-eater, presumably because the vegan hasn’t been fostering steak-eating bugs in their gut. See below and at 3:40 in my video Can Vegan Fecal Transplants Lower TMAO Levels?.
Remarkably, even if you give plant-based eaters the equivalent of a 20-ounce steak every day for two months, only about half start ramping up production of TMAO, showing just how far their gut flora has to change. The capacity of veggie feces to churn out TMAO is almost nonexistent. Instead of eating healthier, what about getting some vegan poop?
In a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, research subjects either got vegan poop or their own poop back through a hose snaked down their nose, and it didn’t work.
First of all, the vegans recruited for the study started out making TMAO themselves, in contrast to the other study, where they didn’t make any at all. This may be because the earlier study required the vegans to have been vegan for at least a year, and this study didn’t. So, there wasn’t much of a change in TMAO running through their bodies two weeks after getting the vegan poop, but the vegan poop they got seemed to start out with some capacity to produce TMAO in the first place.
So, the failure to improve after the vegan fecal transplant “could be related to limited baseline microbiome differences and continuation of an omnivorous diet” after the vegan-donor transplant. What’s the point of trying to reset your microbiome if you’re just going to eat meat? Well, the researchers didn’t want to switch people to a plant-based diet since they knew that alone can change our microbiome, and they didn’t want to introduce any extra factors. The bottom line is that it seems there may not be any shortcuts. We may just have to eat a healthier diet.
CLARYVILLE, N.Y. (AP) — Autoimmune diseases like lupus, myositis and forms of arthritis can strike children, too. At a sleepaway camp in upstate New York, some young patients got a chance to just be kids.
That’s how a 12-year-old recently diagnosed with lupus found himself laughing on a high-ropes course as fellow campers hoisted him into the air.
“It’s really fun,” said Dylan Aristy Mota, thrilled he was offered this rite of childhood along with the reassurance that doctors were on site. If “anything else pops up, they can catch it faster than if we had to wait til we got home.”
Nicholas Toska, 11, center, of Harrison, N.Y., who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, waters a garden with fellow campers at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Nicholas Toska, 11, center, of Harrison, N.Y., who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, waters a garden with fellow campers at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plays a game of paint tag at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plays a game of paint tag at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Nicholas Toska, 11, center, of Harrison, N.Y., who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plays cards with fellow campers at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Nicholas Toska, 11, center, of Harrison, N.Y., who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plays cards with fellow campers at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Autoimmune diseases occur when your immune system attacks your body instead of protecting it. With the exception of Type 1 diabetes, they’re more rare in kids than adults.
“It’s very important that people know that these diseases exist and it can happen in kids and it can cause significant disabilities,” said Dr. Natalia Vasquez-Canizares, a pediatric rheumatologist at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore in New York.
When symptoms begin early in life, especially before puberty, they can be more severe. Treating growing bodies also is challenging.
Montefiore partnered with Frost Valley YMCA to bring several children with autoimmune diseases to a traditional sleepaway camp, after reassuring parents that doctors would be on hand to ensure the kids take their medicines and to handle any symptom flares.
Dr. Natalia Vasquez-Canizares, left, examines camper Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dr. Natalia Vasquez-Canizares, left, examines camper Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dr. Natalia Vasquez-Canizares, right, examines Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dr. Natalia Vasquez-Canizares, right, examines Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
“Their disease impacts how they can participate and a lot of the time the parents are just very nervous to send them to a summer camp,” Vasquez-Canizares said.
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, causing joint pain and stiffness and “my legs get, like, sleepy.”
But at camp, Ethan said he’s mostly forgetting his illness. “The only time I get pain is like when I’m on long walks, my legs start getting stiff, and then I kind of feel pain, like achy.”
One day a doctor examined his hands at camp. Another day, he was running across the lawn splattered in a fierce game of paint tag.
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, takes his medication at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, takes his medication at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, left, and Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, right, 11, play a game with Nurse Mary Ramos ahead of their examination at the wellness center at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, left, and Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, right, 11, play a game with Nurse Mary Ramos ahead of their examination at the wellness center at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plays a card game with bunkmates at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Ethan Blanchfield-Killeen, 11, of Yonkers, N.Y., who has a form of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, plays a card game with bunkmates at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, second from left, and fellow campers take shelter from the rain at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, second from left, and fellow campers take shelter from the rain at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, poses for a photograph at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, poses for a photograph at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Thursday, July 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
“It’s really nice just doing the special activities and just messing around with your friends and all day just having a blast.”
To the doctor, forgetting their chronic disease for a little bit was the point.
“They blend perfectly with the other kids,” Vasquez-Canizares said. “You can just see them smiling, running, like any other normal child.”
Campers run to the waterfront for an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Campers run to the waterfront for an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, center, who has lupus, splashes in the water during an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, center, who has lupus, splashes in the water during an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, swims at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, swims at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Nicholas Toska, 11, center, of Harrison, N.Y., who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, reaches for a ball at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Nicholas Toska, 11, center, of Harrison, N.Y., who has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, reaches for a ball at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Campers take an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA, which partnered with Children’s Hospital at Montefiore so kids with autoimmune diseases could attend the sleepaway camp for the first time, in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Campers take an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA, which partnered with Children’s Hospital at Montefiore so kids with autoimmune diseases could attend the sleepaway camp for the first time, in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, stands at the water’s edge during a headcount following an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Dylan Aristy Mota, 12, of New York City, who has lupus, stands at the water’s edge during a headcount following an evening swim at the Frost Valley YMCA sleepaway camp in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Campers walk to their bunks after an evening swim, at the Frost Valley YMCA, which partnered with Children’s Hospital at Montefiore so kids with autoimmune diseases could attend the sleepaway camp for the first time, in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Campers walk to their bunks after an evening swim, at the Frost Valley YMCA, which partnered with Children’s Hospital at Montefiore so kids with autoimmune diseases could attend the sleepaway camp for the first time, in Claryville, N.Y., Wednesday, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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Neergaard reported from Washington.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
Dotted Line with Center Square
This is a documentary photo story curated by AP photo editors.
Our immune system has a dark side: It’s supposed to fight off invaders to keep us healthy. But sometimes it turns traitor and attacks our own cells and tissues.
What are called autoimmune diseases can affect just about every part of the body – and tens of millions of people. While most common in women, these diseases can strike anyone, adults or children, and they’re on the rise.
New research is raising the prospect of treatments that might do more than tamp down symptoms. Dozens of clinical trials are testing ways to reprogram an immune system-gone-rogue, with some promising early successes against lupus, myositis and certain other illnesses. Other researchers are hunting ways to at least delay brewing autoimmune diseases, spurred by a drug that can buy some time before people show symptoms of Type 1 diabetes.
“This is probably the most exciting time that we’ve ever had to be in autoimmunity,” said Dr. Amit Saxena, a rheumatologist at NYU Langone Health.
Here are some things to know.
What are autoimmune diseases?
They’re chronic diseases that can range from mild to life-threatening, more than 100 with different names depending on how and where they do damage. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis attack joints. Sjögren’s disease is known for dry eyes and mouth. Myositis and myasthenia gravis weaken muscles in different ways, the latter by attacking how nerves signal them. Lupus has widely varied symptoms including a butterfly-shaped facial rash, joint and muscle pain, fevers and damage to the kidneys, lungs and heart.
They’re also capricious: Even patients faring well for long periods can suddenly have a “flare” for no apparent reason.
Why autoimmune diseases are so difficult to diagnose
Many start with vague symptoms that come and go or mimic other illnesses. Many also have overlapping symptoms – rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren’s also can harm major organs, for example.
Diagnosis can take multiple tests, including some blood tests to detect antibodies that mistakenly latch onto healthy tissue. It usually centers on symptoms and involves ruling out other causes. Depending on the disease it can take years and seeing multiple doctors before one puts the clues together. There are efforts to improve: The National MS Society is educating doctors about newly updated guidelines to streamline diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
How the immune system gets out of whack
The human immune system is a complex army with sentinels to detect threats like germs or cancer cells, a variety of soldiers to attack them, and peacemakers to calm things down once the danger is over. Key is that it can distinguish what’s foreign from what’s “you,” what scientists call tolerance.
Sometimes confused immune cells or antibodies slip through, or the peacemakers can’t calm things down after a battle. If the system can’t spot and fix the problem, autoimmune diseases gradually develop.
Autoimmune diseases are often set off by a trigger
Most autoimmune diseases, especially in adults, aren’t caused by a specific gene defect. Instead, a variety of genes that affect immune functions can make people susceptible. Scientists say it then takes some “environmental” trigger, such as an infection, smoking or pollutants, to set the disease into motion. For example, the Epstein-Barr virus is linked to MS.
Scientists are zeroing in on the earliest molecular triggers. For example, white blood cells called neutrophils are first responders to signs of infection or injury — but abnormally overactive ones are suspected of playing a key role in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.
Women are at highest risk for autoimmune diseases
Women account for about 4 of 5 autoimmune patients, many of them young. Hormones are thought to play a role. But also, females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y. Some research suggests an abnormality in how female cells switch off that extra X can increase women’s vulnerability.
But men do suffer from autoimmune diseases. One especially severe one named VEXAS syndrome wasn’t discovered until 2020. It mainly affects men over 50 and in addition to typical autoimmune symptoms it can cause blood clots, shortness of breath and night sweats.
Certain populations also have higher risks. For example, lupus is more common in Black and Hispanic women. Northern Europeans have a higher risk of MS than other groups.
Treatment for autoimmune diseases is complicated
According to investment research company Morningstar, the global market for autoimmune disease treatments is $100 billion a year. That’s not counting doctor visits and such things as lost time at work. Treatment is lifelong and, while usually covered by insurance, can be pricey.
Not so long ago there was little to offer for many autoimmune diseases beyond high-dose steroids and broad immune-suppressing drugs, with side effects that include a risk of infections and cancer. Today some newer options target specific molecules, somewhat less immune dampening. But for many autoimmune diseases, treatment is trial and error, with little to guide patient decisions.
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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
For many dog owners, the idea of chiropractic care for animals sounds either surprising or downright strange. Isn’t chiropractic something for people with bad backs? What does it have to do with dogs? As it turns out, a lot.
Animal chiropractic is a growing field that focuses on one critical principle: the connection between the spine and the nervous system. When that connection is free and functional, your dog’s body works better. When it’s restricted, the result can be pain, stiffness, behavioral changes, and even organ dysfunction.
The beauty of chiropractic lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t treat specific diseases or prescribe medication. Instead, it works with your dog’s own innate intelligence, the body’s built-in ability to heal and regulate itself. When the spine is properly aligned, that natural healing potential is unleashed.
Understanding the Nervous System-Spine Relationship
To understand how animal chiropractic works, you first need to understand how the nervous system functions. The nervous system is the master control system of the body. It sends messages between the brain and every organ, gland, muscle, and tissue. Whether your dog is wagging their tail, digesting breakfast, fighting off an infection, or reacting to a sound, it all happens through the nervous system.
The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, which is like the main communication highway connecting the brain to the rest of the body. But the spine is more than a shield—it’s a moving, dynamic structure. Each vertebra is connected by joints, supported by muscles, and wrapped in connective tissue. When one of those vertebrae becomes restricted in movement or misaligned (a condition called a vertebral subluxation), it can irritate nearby nerves or interfere with signal transmission.
This nerve interference can lead to a wide variety of symptoms—some obvious, like limping or stiffness, and some subtle, like lethargy, frequent infections, behavioral changes, or poor digestion. Chiropractic care addresses these problems not by treating symptoms directly, but by correcting the structural imbalances that cause them.
What Happens During an Animal Chiropractic Session?
Certified animal chiropractors begin with a detailed health history and a hands-on examination of your dog’s posture, gait, spinal alignment, and muscle tone. They may ask about behavioral changes, appetite, or even how your dog prefers to sit or sleep—because all of these can offer clues about what’s happening in the spine.
Next comes the palpation exam. The chiropractor will gently feel along the spine and joints, assessing restricted movement, muscle spasms, heat, swelling, or misalignment. This step is precise and highly refined—animal chiropractors are trained to detect subtle shifts that aren’t visible to the untrained eye.
If a subluxation is detected, the chiropractor delivers a gentle, specific adjustment. This is a rapid but controlled movement applied by hand to a joint that is not moving correctly. The goal is to restore normal motion, reduce tension, and remove interference from the nervous system.
Contrary to popular belief, adjustments are not forceful, and they’re nothing like the dramatic “cracking” you may have seen in human chiropractic videos. In fact, most dogs tolerate the adjustment well and often respond with a stretch, shake, or visible relaxation afterward. Some dogs even fall asleep.
Is It Safe?
Yes, when performed by a certified professional, animal chiropractic is very safe. Chiropractors and veterinarians who pursue post-graduate certification in animal chiropractic undergo hundreds of hours of specialized education, including anatomy, neurology, biomechanics, and hands-on clinical skills. Programs like those recognized by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) require rigorous training and testing.
That said, chiropractic should never be performed by someone without proper credentials. Dog anatomy is not the same as human anatomy, and improper techniques can cause harm. Always ask to see proof of certification, and make sure your animal chiropractor is legally permitted to practice in your state or province.
What Can Chiropractic Help With?
Because the nervous system is involved in virtually every function of the body, chiropractic can have wide-reaching benefits. These may include:
Improved mobility and flexibility
Relief from stiffness, limping, or lameness
Enhanced performance in working and sport dogs
Faster recovery from injuries or surgeries
Reduced inflammation and joint stress
Better digestion and elimination
Increased energy and engagement
Support for aging dogs dealing with arthritis or weakness
Reduction in anxiety and mood-related behaviors
But chiropractic doesn’t “treat” these conditions in the way traditional medicine does. It simply removes interference so that the body can correct its own dysfunctions. For example, if a misaligned vertebra is affecting the nerve that supplies the hind leg, restoring that alignment can allow the nerve to resume normal function, and the dog may stop limping.
Chiropractic is particularly valuable for:
Performance Dogs: Agility, herding, flyball, and dock-diving dogs place significant demands on their bodies. Routine chiropractic care can improve coordination, prevent injuries, and support recovery.
Senior Dogs: Older dogs often experience stiffness, muscle loss, and balance issues. Adjustments can improve comfort and slow the physical decline associated with aging.
Puppies: Rapid growth, awkward play, and birth trauma can all contribute to early misalignments. Starting chiropractic care early can help set a foundation for balanced development.
Post-Surgical Dogs: Dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery often develop compensatory patterns. Chiropractic care can help them regain symmetry and prevent overuse of the opposite limb.
How Often Should My Dog Get Adjusted?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Frequency depends on your dog’s age, activity level, health status, and goals. An agility dog might benefit from weekly or biweekly adjustments during competition season. A senior pet may do well with monthly care to manage arthritis. For many family pets, a schedule of every 4–6 weeks works well as maintenance.
After an initial exam and adjustment, your chiropractor will recommend a care plan based on your dog’s specific needs. Just like with dental cleanings or grooming, consistency is key to getting the full benefit.
What’s the Difference Between Chiropractic and Other Modalities?
Chiropractic care is sometimes confused with massage, physical therapy, or acupuncture. While all of these are valuable, they each serve different functions:
Massage targets soft tissues to relieve tension and improve circulation.
Physical therapy focuses on rehabilitating injured muscles and joints through exercises and modalities.
Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body to influence energy flow and nerve function.
Chiropractic corrects joint restrictions to restore normal spinal function and nerve flow.
Often, the best outcomes occur when these modalities are used together in an integrative care plan. Chiropractic is not meant to replace your veterinarian, but to complement their care by addressing structural imbalances that can affect recovery and performance.
What Results Can I Expect?
Results can be immediate, cumulative, or subtle. Some dogs show improvement right after their first adjustment—moving more freely, jumping up with ease, or playing with renewed enthusiasm. Others need several sessions before significant change is noticeable, especially if the problem has been long-standing.
Just as importantly, chiropractic helps prevent problems before they start. Many owners report fewer injuries, fewer vet visits, and better overall wellness when their dog receives regular adjustments.
And then there’s the intangible: the lightness in your dog’s step, the extra tail wags, the way they stretch and breathe more easily. When the body is in balance, your dog simply feels better—and it shows.
The Takeaway: Animal chiropractic is not a trend—it’s a science-based, hands-on way to help your dog live a more comfortable, agile, and balanced life. Whether your dog is a working athlete or a beloved couch companion, chiropractic care supports the nervous system that runs it all. When that system is clear, your dog has the best chance to heal, move, and thrive—naturally.
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Dr. Bill Ormston graduated from Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. After attending Options For Animals in 1998 he received certification from the AVCA and began using chiropractic to treat his animal patients. Jubilee Animal Health is a mobile mixed animal practice in the Dallas Metroplex area where he cares for pets and horses using mostly alternative methods. He is one of the founding instructors of the post graduate course in Animal Chiropractic at Parker Chiropractic College in Dallas. Dr.O has lectured both nationally and internationally on Animal Chiropractic and biomechanics and gait analysis in the quadruped. He has written booklets on chiropractic care in the dog and horse and a book about blending traditional and alternative care in pets.
This blog contains links from which we may earn a commission.Credit: Unsplash
Foot arthritis can be a frustrating obstacle for athletes, affecting performance, training routines, and even daily movement.
The pain, stiffness, and swelling that accompany the condition can make simple actions, such as running, jumping, or pivoting, feel challenging, limiting both endurance and agility.
While arthritis is often viewed as a progressive and irreversible condition, recent insights and targeted approaches show that it is possible to manage symptoms effectively, protect joint health, and in some cases, regain a surprising level of function.
Understanding how the condition develops, recognizing early signs, and taking proactive steps can make a significant difference in athletic performance and quality of life.
Read on to discover how athletes can take control of foot arthritis and potentially reverse its effects.
PHOTO: Unsplash
1) Understanding Foot Arthritis
Foot arthritis occurs when the articular cartilage in the foot and ankle joints gradually wears down, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and joint pain. Consequently, this degeneration can affect small structures such as the big toe and metatarsophalangeal joint, altering normal movement patterns and reducing overall athletic performance. In many athletes, conditions like ankle arthritis require timely evaluation at a medical practice that offers diagnosis and treatment options to reduce inflammation and prevent further joint damage.
Furthermore, foot and ankle arthritis can develop from previous injuries, repetitive stress, or underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis, both of which involve the immune system attacking joint tissues. As a result, affected individuals may experience a limited range of motion in the ankle joint or small joints of the foot, which can interfere with both training and everyday activities. Therefore, understanding the type and severity of arthritis is crucial for selecting the most appropriate management strategies, including physical therapy or consultations with an orthopedic surgeon.
Additionally, structural changes like bone spurs or narrowing of the joint space can develop over time, potentially leading to conditions such as hallux rigidus or the need for joint replacement procedures. Athletes are encouraged to monitor symptoms such as foot pain, morning stiffness, or swelling, and to seek early intervention before joint damage worsens. With proactive care, including non-surgical measures and rehabilitation, it is possible to maintain foot and ankle function and sustain athletic performance for longer periods.
2) Signs and Symptoms in Athletes
Identifying arthritis in the feet at an early stage can help athletes manage discomfort, maintain training routines, and prevent long-term damage.
The following are some signs and symptoms to look for in athletes:
Pain During or After Activity
Many athletes experience discomfort that intensifies with repetitive impact, such as running, jumping, or prolonged training sessions. This pain is often a signal that the cartilage or surrounding tissues are under stress, which, if ignored, can lead to worsening joint damage and prolonged recovery periods. Regular monitoring of activity-related pain can help in adjusting training loads and incorporating protective strategies.
Stiffness in Joints
Limited flexibility in the toes or ankle joint is a common early symptom, especially noticeable in the morning or after rest. Reduced range of motion can affect gait mechanics, balance, and propulsion, making even routine movements feel more strenuous. Addressing stiffness with proper stretching and physical therapy can improve mobility and help maintain performance.
Swelling or Tenderness
Inflamed joints may appear visibly swollen or feel warm and sensitive to touch, signaling ongoing irritation or cartilage stress. Persistent swelling around the foot and ankle can interfere with footwear fit, increase the risk of secondary injuries, and indicate that professional evaluation is needed to reduce inflammation and preserve joint function.
Reduced Performance
Athletes may notice subtle or noticeable declines in speed, endurance, or power during training or competition. Weaker push-offs, slower running times, and general fatigue can all stem from underlying foot and ankle arthritis. Recognizing these performance changes early allows athletes to implement treatment options and protective strategies before the condition worsens.
Noticing these signs promptly is crucial for athletes aiming to sustain activity levels and protect long-term foot and ankle health. Careful observation, combined with professional assessment, can guide the appropriate interventions to manage symptoms and maintain competitive performance over time.
3) Lifestyle Adjustments for Joint Health
Managing arthritis effectively involves making thoughtful adjustments to daily activities and training routines.
Here are some practical lifestyle strategies for athletes to reduce stress on their foot and ankle joints while maintaining overall fitness and mobility:
Low-Impact Exercise
Activities such as swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine provide cardiovascular benefits while minimizing stress on the ankle joint and smaller foot and ankle structures. These exercises allow athletes to maintain stamina, enhance endurance, and improve overall fitness without aggravating arthritic joints. Additionally, low-impact routines can help preserve the range of motion, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups that often result from repetitive high-impact movements.
Footwear Optimization
Wearing shoes designed with proper cushioning, firm support, and a stable sole can greatly reduce the strain placed on affected joints during daily activity or training. Incorporating custom orthotics, padded insoles, or heel lifts can help redistribute weight evenly, alleviate pressure points, and provide extra stability on uneven surfaces. This approach not only helps prevent joint pain and inflammation but also supports proper biomechanics, enhancing balance and comfort throughout long practice sessions or competitions.
Activity Modification
Thoughtful adjustments to training routines, such as limiting high-impact drills, alternating exercise types, or including scheduled rest days, allow arthritic joints to recover and reduce cumulative stress. These modifications give athletes the opportunity to maintain strength, agility, and overall conditioning without worsening foot and ankle arthritis. Over time, careful planning of activity intensity and variation can prevent overuse injuries, protect joint structures, and support long-term athletic performance.
Adopting these lifestyle adjustments consistently supports joint health, enhances mobility, and allows athletes to remain active while protecting their feet and ankles. Small, targeted changes can make a meaningful difference in comfort, performance, and long-term joint preservation.
4) Physical Therapy and Targeted Exercises
Physical therapy plays a critical role in helping athletes maintain foot and ankle function while managing arthritis.
Below are some targeted exercise strategies that can improve strength, flexibility, and overall joint health:
Stretching Routines
Performing regular stretching that targets the calves, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia is essential for maintaining ankle joint flexibility and reducing stiffness that often accompanies arthritis. Incorporating stretches before and after workouts can improve range of motion, promote better blood flow to the muscles and joints, and decrease tension around inflamed areas. Over time, these routines support smoother and more controlled movement during daily activity and sports, while also helping to prevent tightness that could increase the risk of strain or injury.
Strengthening Exercises
Focusing on the intrinsic muscles of the feet and stabilizers around the ankles allows for more even weight distribution, which reduces pressure on arthritic joints. Exercises like toe curls, resistance band ankle movements, heel raises, and short foot drills build functional strength, enhance joint stability, and support proper alignment. Strengthening these muscles not only minimizes joint pain but also slows the progression of Foot and Ankle Arthritis, improves balance during high-impact activities, and helps athletes maintain overall performance.
Balance and Proprioception Drills
Enhancing coordination through balance and proprioception exercises helps athletes react better to unexpected movements, reducing the likelihood of falls or injuries that can aggravate arthritis. Activities such as single-leg stands, wobble board exercises, dynamic stability drills, and agility ladder drills refine neuromuscular control and strengthen stabilizing muscles. Consistent practice improves foot and ankle control, promotes confidence during sports, and supports long-term joint health by preventing undue stress on compromised joints.
Consistency in these therapies strengthens the supporting muscles, improves mobility, and helps athletes maintain functional performance. Integrating physical therapy with lifestyle adjustments ensures a more sustainable approach to managing foot and ankle arthritis while protecting long-term joint health.
5) Medical and Non-Surgical Interventions
Managing foot arthritis effectively often begins with non-surgical treatments aimed at reducing pain and preserving joint function. Medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical pain relievers, can help control inflammation and provide pain relief, allowing athletes to continue daily activities with less strain. In some cases, a medical practice may also recommend therapies specifically tailored to support ankle joint health while protecting surrounding tissues.
In addition to medications, targeted injections offer temporary relief for inflamed joints and can be particularly helpful during periods of increased activity or flare-ups. Corticosteroid injections reduce swelling and discomfort, while hyaluronic acid injections can improve joint lubrication, supporting smoother movement and easing stiffness. These procedures are often performed alongside lifestyle modifications and physical therapy to enhance overall joint health and maintain performance.
Custom orthotics and supportive insoles provide another layer of protection for the foot and ankle, redistributing weight and minimizing pressure on vulnerable areas. Properly fitted orthotics can reduce pain during running, jumping, and prolonged training sessions, helping athletes maintain mobility without aggravating arthritis. Combining orthotic support with other non-surgical strategies creates a comprehensive approach that slows disease progression, improves comfort, and promotes long-term joint function.
6) Surgical Options for Severe Cases
When non-surgical approaches fail to provide relief, surgical intervention may become necessary to restore function and reduce persistent pain in the foot and ankle. Joint fusion, or arthrodesis, is a common procedure that stabilizes damaged joints by permanently joining the bones. While this procedure limits some movement, it effectively reduces pain and creates a more stable base for walking, running, and other athletic activities.
In addition, arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive option for athletes experiencing cartilage damage or loose tissue in the joint. Small incisions allow surgeons to remove or repair damaged tissue, which can improve joint mobility and reduce discomfort. This procedure often involves shorter recovery times compared with traditional open surgery, helping athletes return to training sooner while addressing underlying joint issues.
Following any surgical procedure, rehabilitation is critical to regaining strength, flexibility, and functional performance. A structured program of physical therapy gradually restores range of motion, builds supportive muscle strength, and improves balance for safer movement. With careful post-surgical management, many athletes can resume competitive activity and continue pursuing their sport with reduced pain and improved joint stability.
7) Diet and Nutrition for Joint Support
Proper nutrition plays a key role in supporting joint health and reducing inflammation, which is essential for athletes managing foot arthritis. Including anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, and nuts can help protect cartilage and maintain joint integrity. These nutrient-rich options provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support tissue repair and overall mobility.
In addition to whole foods, certain supplements may enhance joint function and comfort. Omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin have been shown to support cartilage health and potentially reduce stiffness in affected joints. When combined with a balanced diet, these supplements can help athletes maintain endurance and minimize discomfort during prolonged activity.
Furthermore, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing stress on the foot and ankle joints. Even modest weight loss can decrease pressure on affected areas, improving movement efficiency and lowering the risk of flare-ups. Integrating proper nutrition with consistent exercise ensures that athletes preserve joint function while supporting overall performance and long-term foot health.
8) Preventing Progression and Maintaining Performance
Maintaining consistent attention to joint care is crucial for athletes who want to preserve foot function over time. To support this goal, establishing a routine that balances training intensity with adequate rest allows the joints to recover and prevents cumulative damage. As a result, athletes can sustain endurance and agility while lowering the risk of flare-ups or chronic discomfort.
Moreover, regular self-assessment of foot health can reveal subtle changes in mobility or discomfort. When athletes notice early signs such as swelling, tenderness, or reduced range of motion, they can make timely adjustments to activity or therapy. This proactive approach ensures potential issues are addressed before they compromise performance or lead to long-term joint deterioration.
Additionally, integrating preventative measures into daily habits reinforces long-term joint protection. For example, using supportive footwear, alternating exercise types, and maintaining proper warm-up routines all help reduce stress on affected joints. Ultimately, consistent care and mindful training strategies enable athletes to perform at a high level while slowing the progression of arthritis.
Final Thoughts
While foot arthritis cannot always be fully reversed, athletes have numerous strategies to manage symptoms, improve joint function, and maintain an active lifestyle.
Combining lifestyle adjustments, physical therapy, medical interventions, and proper nutrition can slow progression, relieve pain, and even restore some mobility.
Early recognition and consistent care are key, ensuring that arthritis does not dictate the limits of athletic performance.
Learn about three of the most common health issues in dogs and the ways you can support a canine pal who’s struggling!
All dog parents share the wish that their pup will live a long, happy, full life. Unfortunately, there are common health issues in dogs that can impact their quality of life and make it more difficult for them to enjoy every day to the fullest. But the good news is there are things you can do to support struggling dogs, including everyday tips, products, and supplements specially formulated for their unique needs. Let’s explore three problems dog parents face and what you can do to help your fur baby!
1. Allergies
Allergies are an immune issue that happen when your dog’s body mistakenly identifies something harmless—like pollen—as a dangerous invader. Dogs can be allergic to foods, things in the environment, substances they come in contact with, and even fleas.
Key tips for supporting dogs with allergies:
Schedule regular vet checkups to keep an eye on their status
Try an elimination diet if you suspect a food allergy
Stay on top of flea and tick prevention
Have regular baths with hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos to remove allergens and soothe skin
Wipe down their body and paws after walks to remove allergens
Install HEPA filters in the home to keep allergens out
Consider supplements that support allergies and the immune system
2. Stress
Dogs experience stress just like their human family, and causes can include changes in environment, loud noises, separation, or boredom. Acute stress can have short-term consequences like pacing, barking, drooling, or destructive behavior, but chronic stress can lead to additional health issues in dogs, like weakened immunity, digestive issues, or behavioral problems.
Key tips for supporting dogs who are stressed:
Identify and minimize triggers
Maintain a consistent routine for walks, sleep, and feeding
Create a safe, quiet space just for your dog
Provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation
Practice safe socializing with other dogs and people
Consider calming music, pressure wraps, or supplements
3. Mobility
Mobility problems in dogs can stem from arthritis, hip dysplasia, injuries, or neurological conditions. Affected dogs may limp, struggle with stairs, or avoid activities they enjoy. These issues can lead to weight gain, depression, and reduced independence, significantly lowering their quality of life, which is why it’s so important to manage joint health from an early age.
Key tips for supporting dogs with mobility issues:
Consult with your veterinarian for a diagnosis and pain management tools
Manage their weight
Try low-impact activities like walking or swimming
Invest in a bed that reduces pressure on joints
Consider physical therapy, assistive devices, and supplements that support the joints and mobility
Natural Supplements for the Most Common Health Issues in Dogs
Wholistic Pet Soft Chews, from the same family as Wholistic Pet Organics products, are made in the USA with beneficial ingredients and are specially formulated to manage common health issues in dogs: allergies, stress, and joint issues. Support your dog with natural ingredients like:
Allergy & Immune formula: Colostrum, turmeric, mushrooms, wild salmon oil, and pre- and probiotics
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Acupuncture is an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has gained popularity in veterinary care. This holistic approach involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. For cat parents considering acupuncture for cats, understanding its principles and applications can be incredibly beneficial.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is based on the concept of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which refers to the vital energy that flows through the body along specific pathways called meridians. When this energy flow is disrupted due to illness or injury, it can lead to pain and dysfunction. By inserting needles into specific acupuncture points, practitioners aim to restore the balance of Qi, promoting healing and alleviating symptoms.
Common Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be effective for a variety of conditions in cats. Here are some of the most common ailments that may benefit from this treatment:
1. Pain Management
Arthritis: Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis, a common issue in older cats.
Muscle Strains and Sprains: It can aid in recovery from injuries by promoting blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
2. Neurological Disorders
Seizures: Acupuncture may help manage the frequency and severity of seizures in cats.
Nerve Injuries: It ca support recovery from nerve damage and improve mobility.
3. Gastrointestinal Issues
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Acupuncture can help manage symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea by promoting digestive health.
Constipation: It may stimulate bowel movements and relieve discomfort associated with constipation.
4. Respiratory Problems
Asthma: Acupuncture can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks by improving airflow and reducing inflammation in the airways.
5. Immune System Support
Chronic Diseases: Conditions like kidney disease and hyperthyroidism can benefit from acupuncture by supporting overall health and immune function.
What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture for Cats?
Acupuncture offers several advantages for cats, including:
Has Minimal Side Effects: When performed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture is generally safe and well-tolerated by cats.
Can be Used with Other Treatments: Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional treatments, enhancing their effectiveness and reducing the need for medications.
Is an Holistic Approach: Acupuncture addresses not just the symptoms but also the underlying imbalances in the body, promoting overall wellness.
Conclusion
Acupuncture can be a valuable tool in managing various health issues in cats. By understanding its principles and potential applications, cat parents can make informed decisions about incorporating this holistic therapy into their feline companions’ care. Always consult with a veterinarian experienced in acupuncture to determine the best treatment plan for your cat’s specific needs.
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Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
Roughly 19% of the people suffer from joint pain – a daily struggle…but here is how medical marijuana can help.
Roughly 19% suffer from joint pain or some part of arthritis. Not only is it painful, it is disruptive in daily life. Some pain can be short term, like from sprains, an injury, tendinitis, or tendon inflammation, an infection of the bone or joint, or overuse of a joint. But some can be long term issues with an impact the patients like. Arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, bursitis, lupus and more can be long, lingering issues with pain. There is some hope, and cannabis might be one. Here is key information about joint pain and medical marijuana.
One study concluded about 20% of patients with rheumatoid diseases who actively consume cannabis report an improvement in pain. Cannabis contains key components which help reduce inflammation. More research needs to be done to to perfect treatment and dosage, but early indicators look positive for help. Another current benefit of medical marijuana or CBD with joint pain, is it helps with sleep, which is a problem with people in chronic pain.
Photo by Ake via rawpixel.com
Medical marijuana, in the right dose can also be easier on the body. Long used as a natural pain killer, it is less addictive and the body responds positively. Currently used, orticosteroid injections have been a staple in managing pain and inflammation. With new research showcasing the long-term effects of one of the most used treatments, doctors and researchers are concerned about the risks of injections and the potential risks involved with cortisone.
A Boston University study found patients who had been given the medicine by injection found a risk for “accelerated adverse joint events after treatment.” Meaning, when a patient was treated for osteoarthritis or other joint pain via a shot of cortisone, it may have accelerated joint destruction and bone loss. The study also found certain preexisting conditions, such as older age and Caucasian race seemed to increase the risk for the outcome even more. Researchers recommended MRI pre-screening before injections were given to identify the area better and find if the danger could be accurately assessed before the dose was given.
Not only can medical marijuana be helpful, but so can CBD. The Arthritis Foundation has a guide to CBD for those that suffer from the condition. According to Dr. Daniel Clauw, a contributor to the guide, “Right now, it (CBD) appears to be fairly safe and might help certain types of pain.”
While CBD and THC can be used as part of a pain management regimen, they currently can not be the entire plan. Studies like the one conducted on cortisone treatments are bringing the conversations of cannabis and CBD to greater light and offering less stigmatization, but until more research is done, the best path for joint pain is still unknown.
Our furry friends age much faster than we do, and before we know it, our once-bouncy puppies become slower, grayer, and a bit creakier. But just because your dog is getting on in years doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy a great quality of life.
There’s no magic solution for older dogs, but with a few adjustments and some extra TLC, you can help your senior canine companion stay happy, healthy, and comfortable well into their golden years. By implementing these tips, you’re creating your own personal Longevity Formula tailored specifically to your aging pup’s needs.
1. Tailor Their Diet to Their Changing Needs
As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Many older dogs struggle with weight gain due to decreased activity levels, while others might have trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Your aging pooch might benefit from switching to a senior dog food formula that’s easier to digest and tailored to their specific needs.
If your older dog is packing on the pounds, look for a lower-calorie option that still provides all the necessary nutrients. On the flip side, if your senior pup is losing weight, you might need a higher-calorie food or one with more protein to help maintain muscle mass.
Don’t forget about dental health either. Softer foods or kibble soaked in warm water can be easier on aging teeth and gums. And hey, who doesn’t love a little gravy on their dinner now and then?
2. Keep Them Moving (But Don’t Overdo It)
Exercise is crucial for dogs of all ages, but you’ll need to adjust your approach as your furry friend gets older. While your dog might not be up for the long hikes or intense fetch sessions of their youth, regular, gentle exercise can work wonders for their physical and mental health.
Short, frequent walks are often better than one long trek. If your dog has arthritis or joint issues, swimming can be a fantastic low-impact exercise option. Many areas have dog-friendly pools or hydrotherapy centers specifically for canines.
Indoor activities can be great too. Hide treats around the house for a stimulating scavenger hunt, or try out some gentle tug-of-war games. The key is to keep your dog active without pushing them too hard.
3. Make Your Home Senior-Dog Friendly
As your dog ages, they might start to have trouble with things that were once easy for them. A few simple changes around your house can make a big difference in your older dog’s comfort and safety.
If your dog is having trouble with slippery floors, put down some non-slip mats or rugs to give them better traction. This can prevent falls and make your dog feel more confident moving around.
For dogs with arthritis or joint pain, consider getting an orthopedic bed. These beds provide extra support and can really help ease aches and pains. Place a few of these comfy spots around the house so your dog always has a cozy place to rest.
If your dog is struggling with stairs, a ramp can be a game-changer. You can use it to help them get in and out of the car, onto the bed, or up short flights of stairs.
4. Stay on Top of Vet Check-Ups
Regular vet visits become even more important as your dog ages. Many health issues are more common in older dogs, and catching them early can make a huge difference in treatment outcomes.
Don’t wait for obvious signs of illness to take your senior dog to the vet. Schedule check-ups at least twice a year, even if your dog seems perfectly healthy. Your vet can run tests to catch potential problems before they become serious and advise you on any changes in care your dog might need.
Between vet visits, keep an eye out for any changes in your dog’s behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Older dogs can be good at hiding discomfort, so it’s up to us to be their advocates and speak up when something seems off.
5. Pamper Those Aging Joints and Muscles
Just like us, dogs can get achy and stiff as they age. A little extra attention to their physical comfort can go a long way.
Gentle massages can help soothe sore muscles and promote circulation. You don’t need to be a professional masseuse – just some gentle rubbing and kneading can feel great to your dog. It’s also a wonderful way to bond and check for any unusual lumps or bumps.
If your vet gives the okay, consider adding a joint supplement to your dog’s diet. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular options that may help support joint health.
For dogs with arthritis, a heating pad (on low setting) or a warm towel can provide soothing relief. Just be sure to monitor closely to avoid burns, and never leave a heating pad on unattended.
Caring for an aging dog comes with its challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your bond and show your appreciation for all the love and companionship they’ve given you over the years. With these tips and a lot of love, you can help your senior dog enjoy their golden years to the fullest. After all, they’ve spent their whole life being your best friend – now it’s your turn to be theirs.
Animal Wellness is North America’s top natural health and lifestyle magazine for dogs and cats, with a readership of over one million every year. AW features articles by some of the most renowned experts in the pet industry, with topics ranging from diet and health related issues, to articles on training, fitness and emotional well being.
WASHINGTON, July 29, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– A recently published article in Experimental Biology and Medicine (249:4, 2024) titled “TLR3 signaling-induced interferon-stimulated gene 56 plays a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis” highlights a potential target for the development of novel Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) treatments. The study, led by Dr. Ishibashi, at Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine (Japan), reports that interferon-stimulated gene 56 (ISG56) may be involved in the Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3)/type I IFN/CXCL10 axis, and play a role in RA synovial inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of synovial joints as well as the cartilage and bones within the joint primarily. Rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RFLS) have an important role in the inflammatory pathogenesis of RA. Therefore, in recent years, RA therapies have focused on FLS targeting. Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is upregulated in RFLS; its activation leads to the production of interferon-β (IFN-β), a type I IFN. IFN-stimulated gene 56 (ISG56) is induced by IFN and is involved in innate immune responses; however, its role in RA remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of TLR3-induced ISG56 in human RFLS.
The study, led by Dr. Ishibashi, reported that under polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) treatment, ISG56 expression was upregulated in RFLS, and a type I IFN-neutralizing antibody mixture suppressed ISG56 expression. ISG56 knockdown decreased CXCL10 expression. ISG56 was strongly expressed in the synovial cells of patients with RA. TLR3 signaling-induced ISG56 expression in RFLS and type I IFN was involved in ISG56 expression. These findings suggest that ISG56 is involved in the TLR3/type I IFN/CXCL10 axis, which plays an important role in the inflammatory responses in RFLS.
Dr. Ishibashi said, “This study showed that ISG56 expression is induced in cultured RFLS via the TLR3/type I IFN axis. In addition, it was shown that ISG56 may positively regulate CXCL10 expression, induced by TLR3 activation. Furthermore, ISG56 was upregulated in the synovial joint cells of patients with RA. These results indicate that ISG56 plays a role in RA pathogenesis. Thus, ISG56 may be a potential target for the development of novel RA therapies.”
Dr. Goodman, Editor-in-Chief for Experimental Biology and Medicine, said: “Dr. Ishibashi and colleagues have provided compelling evidence that interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 56 (ISG56) is involved in the TLR3/type I IFN/CXCL10 axis, which plays an important role in the inflammatory responses in rheumatoid fibroblast-like synovitis. Future studies will be needed to determine the potential of ISG56 as a therapeutic target for RA treatments.”
Experimental Biology and Medicine is a global journal dedicated to the publication of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research in the biomedical sciences. The journal was first established in 1903. Experimental Biology and Medicine is the journal of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine. To learn about the benefits of society membership, visit www.sebm.org. If you are interested in publishing in the journal, please visit https://www.ebm-journal.org/journals/experimental-biology-and-medicine.
For further information, please contact bzimmer@sebm.org.
Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory, aging-associated oxylipins can be normalized by eating ground flaxseed.
I previously explored the “Potent Antihypertensive Effect of Dietary Flaxseed in Hypertensive Patients” study in my video Flaxseeds for Hypertension. That was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial where researchers disguised ground flaxseed in baked goods versus flax-free placebo muffins and saw an extraordinary drop in high blood pressure. As you can imagine, the flaxseed industry was overjoyed, praising the “impressive” findings, as was I. After all, high blood pressure is “the single largest risk factor” for death in the world. Yes, we give people medications, lots and lots of medications, but most people don’t take them. Nine out of ten people take less than 80 percent of their prescribed blood pressure pills.
It’s not difficult to understand why. “Patients are asked to follow an inconvenient and potentially costly regimen, which will likely have a detrimental effect on health-related quality of life, to treat a mostly asymptomatic condition that commonly does not cause problems for many years.” So, they may feel worse instead of better, due to the side effects. Then, some think the answer is to give them even more drugs to counteract the effects of the first drugs, like giving men Viagra to counteract the erectile dysfunction caused by their blood pressure pills.
How about using a dietary strategy instead, especially if it can be just as effective? And, indeed, the drop in blood pressure the researchers saw in the flaxseed study “was greater than the average decrease observed with the standard dose of anti-hypertensive medications.” Flaxseeds are cheaper, too, compared to even single medications, and most patients are on multiple drugs. Plus, flaxseeds have good side effects beyond their anti-hypertensive actions. Taking tablespoons of flaxseed a day is a lot of fiber for people living off of cheeseburgers and milkshakes their whole lives, and your gut bacteria may need a little time to adjust to the new bounty. So, those who start with low-fiber diets may want to take it a little slow with the flaxseeds at first.
Not all studies have shown significant blood pressure–lowering effects, though. There have been more than a dozen trials by now, involving more than a thousand subjects. And, yes, when you put them all together, overall, there were “significant reductions in both SBP and DBP”—systolic blood pressure (the upper number) and diastolic blood pressure (the lower number)—“following supplementation with various flaxseed products.” But none was as dramatic as what the researchers had found in that six-month trial. The longer trials tended to show better results, and some of the trials just used flaxseed oil or some kind of flaxseed extract. We think this is because the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. “Each of the components of interest within flaxseed, ALA, lignans, fiber, and peptides”—the omega-3s, the cancer-fighting lignans, all the soluble fiber, and the plant proteins, for instance—“all contribute towards BP reduction.” Okay, but how? Why? What is the mechanism?
Some common blood-pressure medications like Norvasc or Procardia work in part by reducing the ability of the heart to contract or by slowing down the heart. So, might it be that’s how flaxseeds work, too? But, no. In my video Benefits of Flaxseeds for Inflammation, I profile the “Dietary Flaxseed Reduces Central Aortic Blood Pressure Without Cardiac Involvement but Through Changes in Plasma Oxylipins” study. What are oxylipins?
“Oxylipins are a group of fatty acid metabolites” involved in inflammation and, as a result, have been implicated in many pro-inflammatory conditions, including aging and cardiovascular disease. “The best-characterized oxylipins about cardiovascular disease are derived from the w-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid,” a long-chain omega-6 fatty acid. These are found preformed in animal products, particularly chicken and eggs, and can be made inside the body from junky oils rich in omega-6, such as cottonseed oil, as noted below and at 3:49 in my video. But, as this study is titled, “Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory oxylipins in older subjects are normalized by flaxseed consumption.”
That’s how we think flaxseed consumption reduces blood pressure in patients with hypertension: by inhibiting the enzyme that makes these pro-inflammatory oxylipins. I’ll spare you from acronym overload, but eating flaxseeds inhibits the activity of the enzyme that makes these pro-inflammatory oxylipins, called leukotoxin diols, which in turn may lower blood pressure. “Identifying the biological mechanism adds confidence to the antihypertensive actions of dietary flaxseed,” but that’s not all oxylipins do. Oxylipins may also play a role in the aging process. However, we may be able to “beneficially disrupt these biological changes associated with inflammation and aging” with a nutritional intervention like flaxseed. Older adults around age 50 have higher levels of this arachidonic acid–derived oxylipin compared to younger adults around age 20, as you can see in the graph below and at 4:56 in my video. “These elevated concentrations of pro-inflammatory oxylipins in the older age group…may…explain the higher levels of inflammation in older versus younger individuals.” As we get older, we’re more likely to be stricken with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. So, this “elevation of pro-inflammatory oxylipins…may predispose individuals to chronic disease conditions.”
What if you took those older adults and gave them muffins, like the ones with ground flaxseed? That’s just what a group of researchers did. Four weeks later, the subjects’ levels dropped down to like 20-year-olds’ levels, as seen in the graph below and at 5:32 in my video, “demonstrating that a potential therapeutic strategy to correct the deleterious pro-inflammatory oxylipin profile is via a dietary supplementation with flaxseed.”
What about flax and cancer? See the related posts below.
Alternate-day modified fasting is put to the test for lifespan extension.
Is it true that alternate-day calorie restriction prolongs life? Doctors have anecdotally attributed improvements in a variety of disease states to alternate-day fasting, including asthma; seasonal allergies; autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis; infectious diseases, such as toenail fungus, periodontal disease, and viral upper respiratory tract infections; neurological conditions, such as Tourette’s syndrome and Meniere’s disease; atrial fibrillation; and menopause-related hot flashes. The actual effect on chronic disease, however, remains unclear, as I discuss in my video Does Intermittent Fasting Increase Human Life Expectancy?.
Alternate-day fasting has been put to the test for asthma in overweight adults, and researchers found that asthma-related symptoms and control significantly improved, as did the patients’ quality of life, including objective measurements of lung function and inflammation. As you can see in the graphs below and at 0:56 in my video, there were significant improvements in peak airflow, mood, and energy. Their weight also improved—about a 19-pound drop in eight weeks—so it’s hard to tease out the effects specific to the fasting beyond the benefits we might expect from weight loss by any means. For the most remarkable study on alternate-day fasting, you have to go back more than a half-century. Though the 2017 cholesterol findings were the most concerning data I could find on alternate-day fasting, the most enticing was published in Spain in 1956. The title of the study translates as “The Hunger Diet on Alternate Days in the Nutrition of the Aged.” Inspired by the data being published on life extension with caloric restriction on lab rats, researchers split 120 residents of a nursing home in Madrid into two groups. Sixty residents continued to eat their regular diet, and the other half were put on an alternate-day modified fast. On the odd days of the month, they ate a regular 2,300-calorie diet; on the even days, they were given only a pound of fresh fruits and a liter of milk, estimated to add up to about 900 calories. This continued for three years. So, what happened?
As you can see below and at 2:16 in my video, throughout the study, 13 participants died in the control group, compared to only 6 in the intermittent fasting group, but those numbers were too small to be statistically significant.
What was highly significant, though, was the number of days spent hospitalized: Residents in the control group spent a total of 219 days in the infirmary, whereas the alternate-day fasting group only chalked up 123 days, as you can see below and at 2:38 in my video.
This is held up as solid evidence that alternate-day fasting may improve one’s healthspan and potentially even one’s lifespan, but a few caveats must be considered. It’s not clear how the residents were allocated to their respective groups. If, instead of being randomized, healthier individuals were inadvertently placed in the intermittent fasting group, that could skew the results in their favor. As well, it appears the director of the study was also in charge of medical decisions at the nursing home. In that role, he could have unconsciously been biased toward hospitalizing more folks in the control group. Given the progress that has been made in regulating human experimentation, it’s hard to imagine such a trial being run today, so we may never know if such impressive findings can be replicated.
Well, that was interesting! I had never even heard of that study until I started digging into the topic.
Check out my fasting series and popular videos on the subjecthere.
Dear diary, today is the fourth day of this logging contract, I have 10 days to go until my first break, my skin is wind burned, the arthritis in my hands means I can barely hold a coffee cup and I think I’m starting to have paranoid delusions. The fae call to me.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is marketed by some suppliers as a painkiller, e.g. for osteoarthritis of the knee. Animal experiments have shown that the substance, which is extracted from the hemp plant, has an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect in arthritis. As pain researchers at MedUni Vienna were now able to show for the first time in humans, CBD is not effective as pain medication, even in high doses. The results of the clinical study involving patients from the Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine at MedUni Vienna and University Hospital Vienna have just been published in the prestigious scientific journal “The Lancet Regional Health – Europe”.
86 men and women with an average age of around 63 years who suffered from severe pain due degeneration of the knee joint (osteoarthritis) were involved in the study. While one half of the patients received high-dose cannabidiol (CBD) by the mouth, the other group was given a placebo that was not recognizable as such, i.e. a drug without an active ingredient. The strictly controlled study period of eight weeks showed that CBD did not have a stronger pain-relieving effect than the placebo.
This means that CBD is not an alternative for pain therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee, so the search for more effective options must continue.”
Sibylle Pramhas (Division of Special Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, General Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy at…
Newswise — There are significant variations in healthcare spending and care delivery across NHS hospitals in England and Wales following hip fracture, a new study aimed at understanding how hospital care impacts patients’ outcomes and costs has revealed.
The study, led by the University of Bristol and funded by Versus Arthritis, highlights the urgent need for evidence-based quality improvement strategies to reduce healthcare spending and improve patient outcomes in the year following a hip fracture. The research is published online in The Lancet Healthy Longevity today [10 July].
Hip fracture is a serious health concern, with more than 70,000 older adults admitted to a UK hospital each year. This study highlights the high healthcare burden associated with breaking a hip.
The research analysed data from national databases for 178,757 hip fracture patients aged 60 years and above in England and Wales, who broke their hip between 2016 and 2019, followed up to just before the pandemic. More than one in four patients died within a year of their hip fracture.
Patients spent an average of 32 days in hospital in the year following a hip fracture, resulting in substantial inpatient costs of on average £14,642 per patient – a cost similar to that incurred in the year after a stroke, and that exceeds costs of many common cancers. But this cost varied substantially between hospitals, with more than a two-fold difference in spending, ranging from £10,867 to £23,188 per patient, between 172 NHS hospitals studied in England and Wales.
The researchers identified that in hospitals where patients are up and about quickly after their operation and where physiotherapy is provided seven days a week, patient costs were lower, and patients spent fewer days in hospital in the year following hip fracture.
The research further highlighted the crucial role of orthogeriatricians – consultant geriatricians who specialise in the care of people with fractures – in hip fracture care.
Dr Petra Baji, Senior Research Associate in Health Economics at Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences (THS) and the paper’s first author, explained: “The findings suggest that having all patients assessed by an orthogeriatrician within the first days of admission could cut healthcare spending by £529 per patient, as well as reduce the chance of dying by 15% in the year following hip fracture.”
Dr Rita Patel, Senior Research Associate in Medical Statistics at Bristol and statistician for the study, added: “If a consultant orthogeriatrician attends hospital clinical governance meetings, a further cost saving of £356 per patient could potentially be achieved, as well as patients spending fewer days spent in the hospital in the year following hip fracture.”
“Hospitals with fracture liaison services also have lower mortality rates and patients spend fewer days in hospital. Our study suggests that rather than increasing the burden on the NHS, providing additional care for patients with orthogeriatrician and fracture liaison services may actually improve NHS efficiency.”
The study highlights the importance of addressing the way hospitals deliver hip fracture care to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of hip fracture services, and the need to develop evidence-based quality improvement strategies across the UK, to achieve financial savings while also improving patient outcomes.
Celia Gregson, Professor in Clinical Epidemiology in the Musculoskeletal Research Unit at the University of Bristol and Chief Investigator of the study, commented, “The variation we have seen in patient outcomes and health spending following hip fracture are difficult to justify on purely clinical grounds, it tells us that the way we organise the delivery of care can be improved nationally.
“By prioritising orthogeriatrician assessment, getting patients out of bed promptly after surgery, providing seven-day physiotherapy, reducing delirium risk for patients, and holding monthly multidisciplinary clinical governance meetings, hospitals stand to improve patient outcomes and reduce their healthcare spending.”
Caroline Aylott, Head of Research Delivery at Versus Arthritis, said: “This research shows the unacceptable state of care for older people who break their hip. The findings show that older people have a high chance of dying within a year of a hip fracture, and that quality of care varies hugely between NHS hospitals in England and Wales.
“As hip fractures mainly affect older people, many of whom live with multiple long-term conditions, this research suggests we are not getting older people’s care right. That must change.
“The study found that better, faster access to orthogeriatricians and fracture liaison services would not only reduce people’s risk of dying and improve chances of a better recovery, but also reduce NHS spending. Just weeks after publication of the NHS workforce plan, the study provides yet further evidence of the desperate and immediate need for a properly resourced NHS.”
The toolkit is freely available to all healthcare professionals and service managers to support the quality improvement of fracture service provision within the 172 acute hospital settings across England and Wales.
This study follows previous work from the REDUCE study (REducing unwarranted variation in the Delivery of high-qUality hip fraCture services in England and Wales), published last year in Age and Ageing, the journal of the British Geriatrics Society, which focused on patient outcomes of hip fracture patients in the short term.
‘Organisational factors associated with hospital costs and patient mortality in the 365 days following hip fracture in England and Wales (REDUCE): a record-linkage cohort study’ by Petra Baji, Elsa M R Marques, Celia L Gregson et al. in The Lancet Healthy Longevity [open access]
Newswise — FAIRMONT, Minnesota — Se sentir dores no ombro após movimentar o braço, talvez você tenha um problema nele. A dor no ombro pode ser um sinal de artrite, tendinite, ruptura do manguito rotador ou instabilidade no ombro.
Independentemente da causa, o paciente deve procurar um profissional da área de ortopedia. A primeira consulta incluirá uma análise do histórico de saúde, exame físico e possivelmente um raio X para determinar a causa subjacente e extensão do problema no ombro. Em alguns casos, um exame adicional de imagem, como uma ressonância magnética (RM), pode ser necessário.
O profissional da área de ortopedia indicará as opções de tratamento e ajudará a decidir o que é melhor para você. A primeira linha de tratamento pode incluir:
Tomar anti-inflamatórios que não necessitam de receita médica.
Fazer repouso do ombro/braço afetado.
Colocar gelo no ombro.
Modificar as atividades para evitar complicações.
Receber aplicação de injeção de esteroides.
Fazer fisioterapia para fortalecer os músculos do ombro e braço.
Muitos estudos demonstram que as pessoas com dores no ombro respondem bem a esses tratamentos e são capazes de se restabelecer para fazer as atividades cotidianas. Porém, caso o paciente esteja sentindo dor e fraqueza, o profissional da área de ortopedia poderá recomendar uma cirurgia.
Uma das causas de dor e fraqueza é a ruptura do manguito rotador. O manguito rotador é um grupo de músculos e tendões. Ele mantém a articulação do ombro posicionada e auxilia na movimentação e força do braço. Caso o exame de ressonância magnética (RM) revele uma ruptura no manguito rotador, poderá ser necessário fazer uma cirurgia, ainda que isso não seja necessário para a maioria dos pacientes.
Normalmente, a cirurgia é ambulatorial, e o paciente pode ir para casa no mesmo dia. Neste procedimento, o cirurgião insere uma câmera minúscula (artroscópio) e ferramentas através de pequenas incisões para recolocar o tendão rasgado no osso. O paciente poderá necessitar de uma tipoia por seis semanas após a cirurgia para cicatrizar o ombro.
Após quatro a seis semanas, o paciente ainda poderá ter algumas restrições para trabalhar e talvez tenha que mudar as atividades. O profissional da área de ortopedia também poderá recomendar fisioterapia.
Independentemente de o paciente responder aos tratamentos não invasivos ou necessitar de uma cirurgia, o objetivo do profissional da área de ortopedia é aliviar a dor no ombro para que o paciente possa retomar as atividades cotidianas sem dor ou restrições.
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TUESDAY, March 28, 2023 (HealthDay News) — If you’re one of the millions of people with allergic asthma or eczema, you may be more likely to develop the wear-and-tear form of arthritis as you age.
This is the main finding from a new study that examined the risk of developing osteoarthritis among people with the two allergic conditions.
The study wasn’t designed to say how, or even if, these allergic diseases increase osteoarthritis risk, but the researchers do have a theory.
“Our group has done work showing that mast cells [a type of allergic cell] are increased in numbers in the joints of people with osteoarthritis, and their activity contributes to the development of osteoarthritis,” said study author Dr. Matthew Baker, clinical chief in the division of immunology and rheumatology at Stanford University in Stanford, Calif.
And asthma and eczema may be the tip of the iceberg, he said.
“It is possible that other atopic conditions such as seasonal allergies, food allergies and/or allergic rhinitis [hay fever] may provide a similar risk,” Baker noted.
These researchers did not look at these conditions in the new study.
For the study, they reviewed insurance claims from two databases. The first set included more than 117,000 people with asthma or eczema and 1.2 million people without these conditions. After eight years of follow-up, the risk of developing osteoarthritis was 58% higher among folks with allergic asthma or eczema than among their counterparts without these allergic conditions.
The risk of osteoarthritis was even higher among people who had both allergic asthma and eczema, the study findings showed.
About half of people with eczema also have allergic conditions such as hay fever, asthma or food allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
The researchers also compared the risk of developing osteoarthritis among people with allergic asthma to those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a lung disease that doesn’t involve allergic pathways. People with asthma were 83% more likely to develop osteoarthritis than those with COPD.
In the second database, the odds of developing osteoarthritis were 42% higher among people with either allergic asthma or eczema and 19% higher among those with both conditions. These findings weren’t as robust as those seen in the first set as they took body mass index (BMI) into account. (BMI is a estimate of body fat based on height and weight.) A high BMI is a risk for developing osteoarthritis.
The million-dollar question is whether treating asthma or eczema lowers arthritis risk. The researchers didn’t look at this in this study, but there is reason for hope.
Older research has linked the use of antihistamines with reduced structural progression in knee osteoarthritis, Baker said.
“We are hopeful that any number of drugs that work to inhibit mast cells or mast cell products [such as histamine] will reduce the incidence of osteoarthritis,” he said.
The study — published March 27 in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases — was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
The connection between osteoarthritis and allergic diseases could be the low-grade inflammation, said Dr. Theodore Fields, a rheumatologist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, who reviewed the findings.
The good news is that there are more treatments for eczema today than ever before and many more are in the pipeline.
“If treatment of atopic disease helps prevent or lessen osteoarthritis, there are a lot of options and will be more,” Fields said.
“For patients with eczema or asthma, this data can make them aware that they might be more likely to get osteoarthritis,” he said.
If you have an allergic disease and develop aches and pains in your joints, see your doctor, he advised.
“We have many strategies to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis but don’t yet have a disease-modifying treatment,” Fields said.
“There can be some hope in this study for patients with eczema or asthma that their treatment for atopic disease might prevent or diminish their potential to develop osteoarthritis,” he added.
More information
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology has more on eczema.
SOURCES: Matthew Baker, MD, clinical chief, division of immunology and rheumatology, Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.; Theodore Fields, MD, rheumatologist, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City; Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, March 27, 2023
Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile, Candida auris, Drug-resistant Shigella. These bacteria not only have difficult names to pronounce, but they are also difficult to fight off. These bacteria may infect humans and animals, and the infections they cause are harder to treat than those caused by non-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance is an urgent global public health threat. According to the World Health Organization, antibiotic resistance leads to higher medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and increased mortality. It kills at least 1.27 million people worldwide and they are associated with nearly 5 million deaths in 2019, according to the CDC. In the U.S., more than 2.8 million antimicrobial-resistant infections occur each year. Careful prescribing of antibiotics will minimize the development of more antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Staying informed is another way to fight these dangerous “superbugs.” Below are some of the latest news updates on the topic of Drug Resistance.
Newswise — After years of searching for answers and numerous doctor consultations, 59-year-old Kathleen Kaler finally found relief from the severe ankle pain and instability that had plagued her for years. At Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), Constantine Demetracopoulos, MD, performed successful ankle replacement surgery.
Kaler, who is from Long Island, says the surgery changed her life. She can now engage in activities most people take for granted – walking normally without pain, wearing shoes she likes, being able to do her job, working in her backyard.
“You have no idea how grateful I am. Before the surgery, my left ankle was collapsing, it could barely support my weight,” says Kaler, a slim 5 foot 7. “All my shoes were worn out on one side.” Her ankle was so unstable, she lived in fear that she would fall or break it, despite the rigid plastic brace she wore from her foot to her knee, day in and day out. She could only wear one type of shoe that she needed to replace every three months.
As a child, Kaler recalls constantly twisting her ankle. Her parents took her to several doctors, and she was given a shoe insert to help with her high foot arches. Years later, arthritis set in, and the pain worsened and became more debilitating. Cortisone shots could only do so much, and she resumed the search for a long-lasting solution. Four doctors said nothing could be done. One orthopedic surgeon said the problem might be corrected with four separate surgeries, which she declined.
Then she learned about total ankle replacement during an appointment with a doctor at HSS Long Island. It’s a complex surgery performed by relatively few orthopedic surgeons, and she was referred to Dr. Demetracopoulos, director of the HSS Total Ankle Replacement Center at the main hospital in Manhattan.
“One of the few centers of its kind, we have a team of foot and ankle specialists, anesthesiologists, radiologists, nurses and physical therapists who have extensive experience in ankle replacement,” he explains. “We strive to provide the best possible care for each of our patients and have grown our volume to become one of the top institutions nationwide in ankle replacement.”
Kaler says her consultation with Dr. Demetracopoulos gave her hope, and she would not be disappointed. She had the surgery in April 2021. “He saved my life. I never cry, but I cried in front of him, I was so grateful,” she says.
“Ankle replacement is considered when patients are no longer able to manage arthritis pain with nonsurgical treatments such as physical therapy, appropriate footwear, an ankle brace or anti-inflammatory medication,” Dr. Demetracopoulos explains. “They have consistent pain that limits their activities and affects their quality of life.”
Like other types of joint replacements, the surgery involves replacing the damaged bone and cartilage in the ankle with a prosthesis. The implant, made of metal and plastic, has the shape of a natural joint and seeks to provide normal, pain-free movement.
The last 15 years have brought vast improvements in ankle replacement implants, technology and surgical techniques, making it a viable option for many patients suffering from severe arthritis, says Scott Ellis, MD, another orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery at HSS.
One of the most noteworthy advances in ankle replacement is patient-specific instrumentation, or PSI, Dr. Ellis says. It entails obtaining a CT scan of the patient’s ankle and developing a customized presurgical plan tailored to the individual’s anatomy. “PSI has been a game changer. It enables us to choose an implant that is the perfect size and map out a very precise surgery for optimal alignment and positioning,” he says.
For people considering an ankle replacement, the first step is a thorough assessment of the ankle and the foot, and a discussion of patient goals and expectations. Imaging and other tests determine if a patient is a candidate. For someone whose ankle is very stiff with limited mobility or a severe deformity, a fusion of the ankle bones might be a better option and is also very successful in relieving pain, the HSS experts say. An ankle fusion would also be a better option for someone with weakened bones or osteoporosis. The benefit of ankle replacement over fusion is better movement after surgery.
Sometimes an ankle replacement needs to be combined with another procedure, as it was in Kaler’s case. “Hers was a complex surgery. She had a type of foot that predisposed her to ankle instability,” Dr. Demetracopoulos explained. “In addition to treating her arthritis with the ankle replacement, we needed to treat the instability by repairing the ligaments in her ankle and by correcting the alignment in her foot, so it was in the right position.”
Kaler says she experienced no pain after surgery, which Dr. Demetracopoulos attributes to advances in nerve block anesthesia and pain management protocols after the procedure. He notes that each patient experiences pain differently, though.
The HSS doctors expect 90 percent of ankle replacements to last 10 years. If the implant wears out, patients could be candidates for a revision ankle replacement or an ankle fusion. The physicians follow and monitor patients in a joint replacement registry at HSS. “One of our core missions at HSS is not only to deliver the care and do the best surgery we can for our patients, but to collect data over time that we can share with other surgeons and clinicians,” Dr. Demetracopoulos says.
Kaler says the surgery has enabled her to regain her confidence. She can now drive her stick-shift Mini Cooper and carry out her demanding job responsibilities at a major home improvement store. “I’m all over the place, to the point where my friends and colleagues are saying, ‘slow down,’” she adds, making up for lost time and living life to the fullest.
About HSS
HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 13th consecutive year), No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2022-2023), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2022-2023). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a third consecutive year (2023). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest complication and readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 145 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.
