Top 10
Questions
Below is a list of the top 10 questions recently asked of our information
specialists.
Q. What is degenerative arthritis?
A. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, or OA. It affects many of us as we grow older. It is sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it involves the breakdown of cartilage and bones, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis usually affects the fingers and weight-bearing joints, including the knees, feet, hips and back.
Q. Who gets arthritis?
A. Anyone can have arthritis. Men and women of all ages and even children can have arthritis. Some people are more likely than others to get arthritis. You have more of a chance to get arthritis if you:
- Are older than 55
- Are overweight
- Have injured a joint
- Have family members who have arthritis
Q. What is the recommended water temperature for water exercises?
A. A minimum water temperature of 83 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit is required.
The warmer water (86 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit) will facilitate muscle relaxation and decrease joint pain and stiffness, which makes joint movement easier. Warmer temperatures also allow participants to stay in the water longer without experiencing chilling and muscle tension.
Q. What type of mattress is best for people with arthritis?
A. We don't have specific recommendations, but a firm mattress that evenly supports your weight is a good choice.
Consumer Reports at may have current mattress recommendations available. You may also want to visit
MedlinePlus at
for tips on easing low back pain.
Q. Can aspertame cause arthritis?
A. There has been a bogus article circulating for years that aspartame (Equal and Nutrasweet) was responsible for a wide
and diverse range of medical conditions, including lupus and fibromyalgia. There is no scientific evidence supporting this claim, but if you are concerned about aspartame go ahead and stop using it.
Q. I’ve been experiencing pain in my joints. Do I have arthritis? If so, what type?
A. There are over 100 types of arthritis and the diagnosis process varies by the type of arthritis the doctor suspects. It’s important to
find out if you have arthritis and what type it is because treatments vary for each type. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to help slow or prevent damage to joints that can occur during the first few years for several types.
Only a doctor can determine if you have arthritis and what type it is. When you see your doctor for the first time about arthritis, expect at least three things to happen: Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms; do a physical exam; and possibly order some tests or X-rays.
Q. What is osteoporosis?
A. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes bones to lose mass and become brittle, which can lead to rounded shoulders, loss of height and even painful fractures. The word osteoporosis literally means bone (osteo) that is porous or filled with holes
(porosis).
Osteoporosis is a serious health problem in the United States that affects approximately 28 million people and results in more than 1.5 million fractures of the back, wrists and hips each year. Eighty percent of people affected by osteoporosis are women. Many people with other kinds of arthritis get osteoporosis because they don’t get enough vitamins and minerals that keep bones strong. Some medicines used to treat arthritis can cause osteoporosis.
Q. Can people with arthritis exercise?
A. For many years, it was thought that people with arthritis should not exercise because it would damage their joints. Now doctors and therapists know that
people with arthritis can improve their health and fitness through exercise without hurting their joints.
People with arthritis often benefit from a balanced exercise program including different types of exercise. Three main types of exercise that should be included in your exercise program are range-of-motion, strengthening and endurance exercises.
Range-of-motion exercises reduce stiffness and help keep your joints flexible - something that can help you carry out your activities of daily living. The "range of motion" is the normal amount your joints can be moved in certain directions. Strengthening exercises help maintain or increase muscle strength. Strong muscles help keep your joints stable and more comfortable. Two common types of strengthening exercises for people with arthritis are isometric exercises, in which you tighten muscles but don’t move joints, and isotonic exercises, which move the joints to strengthen muscles.
Endurance exercises strengthen your heart. They make your lungs more efficient and give you more stamina so that you can work longer without tiring as quickly. Endurance exercises also help you sleep better, control your weight and improve your overall sense of well-being. Some of the most beneficial endurance exercises for people with arthritis are walking, water exercise and riding a stationary bicycle.
Talk to your health-care team before beginning any type of exercise program.
Q. Do all people with arthritis need surgery?
A. Most people with arthritis will never need joint
surgery. But when other treatment methods don’t lessen the pain, or when you have major difficulty moving and using your joints, surgery may be necessary. Types of surgery for arthritis include arthroscopy, synovectomy and joint replacement.
Q. Will methotrexate cause side effects?
A. Side effects do occur in some people taking methotrexate. At the low weekly doses used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, however, serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects include upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea or mouth sores. If these develop, contact your doctor immediately. A change in the dose or in how you take methotrexate may reduce these side effects.
Common side effects:
Abdominal pain and upset, chills and fever, decreased resistance to infection, dizziness, fatigue, general feeling of illness, mouth ulcers, nausea
Less common side effects:
Abortion, acne, anemia, birth defects, black or tarry stool, boils, bruises, changes in skin coloration, convulsions, diarrhea, drowsiness, eye or vision problems, fatigue, hair loss, headaches, hives, inability to speak, infection of hair follicles, infertility, inflammation of the gums or mouth, intestinal inflammation, kidney failure, loss of appetite, lung disease, menstrual problems, partial or complete paralysis, rash or itching, red patches on skin, sensitivity to light, skin peeling or flaking, sore throat,
Rare side effects:
Diabetes, impotence, infection, joint pain, loss of sexual desire, muscular pain, osteoporosis, ringing in the ears, severe allergic reaction, shortness of breath, sleepiness, sudden death, sweating.
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