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We want to hear about your experiences living with Arthritis! Share stories, discuss tips, and learn from your fellow Smart Living Networkers in the Arthritis group!

Relieve Arthritis with Diet Changes

As a dietitian, I applaud those who experiment with diet and exercise as proactive measures rather than resorting to surgery and prescriptions. Read More ▶

Krackin Knuckles: Is It Bad for You?

As it turns out, cracking your knuckles isn't all that bad for you. Read More ▶

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month

The month of May is a time to become educated about a disease which becomes debilitating for many people. Read More ▶

Tendons, Ligaments, and Muscles Affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis

An overview of tendons, ligaments, and muscles and their relation to rheumatoid arthritis. Read More ▶

How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

The main goal when treating rheumatoid arthritis is to control the inflammation. Read More ▶

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Many people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are learning that acupuncture is a great method of symptom relief. Read More ▶

Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Every year rheumatoid arthritis causes thousands of people in the United States frustration and uncomfortable symptoms. Read More ▶

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise

Exercise is especially important to maintain joint function for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Read More ▶

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3 Comments
Krackin Knuckles: Is It Bad for You? by Dayton 5/11
- Rex Foreman said:
  The Kraken picture gets me. I love cracking my knuckles and don't think I will stop. My arthritis will come from the computer use, guitar playing and everything else I do with my hands. But, thanks for silencing all those people that yell at me about cracking.5/11
- sprouty said:
  Crackin'll quickly keep your knuckles nice n gnarly, no?5/11
- Victoria Swanson said:
  So not showing my 12 year old daughter this article. She has recently begun cracking her knuckles and I am relieved to find out it won't damage her hands in any way, but it is so ANNOYING TO ME! I will keep telling her how bad it is for her and she can't do it. Works for me as I am her mom :-)5/15
0 Comments
Bri Luginbill
Constant stress can actually lead to you becoming sick more often
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/04/09/really-the-claim-consta…4/9
0 Comments
The Science of Gout by Jeffrey VanWingen M.D. 4/4
0 Comments
E.M. Wollof
Canadian rheumatologists are pushing for use of ultrasound in RA cases:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/new-health/health-new…3/19
2 Comments
Candice
I'm 21 and I have been diagnosed with RA at 14. My rheumatoid doctor hasn't given me really anything to help with the pain and only given me naproxen plaqunel(sp?) and vitamin d mad nothing is helping1/13
- Dr. Jeff Chamberlain, MD said:
  Candice,
  
  Living with RA can be frustrating, painful, and sometimes difficult to control.
  
  In RA, the immune system is attacking the joints, this not only causes pain in the joints, but it also causes further destruction of the joints. The goal of the plaquenil is to help prevent destruction of the joints and provide pain relief by stopping your immune system from attacking the joints. It is important to remember that every one is different, so it might take time to figure out what is the best treatment for you.
  
  If your current treatment is not working, then it is very important to follow up with your doctor. I always recommend that when people start a treatment, they should ask their doctor: 1. How long until they can expect results. 2. What to do if they are not getting the desired results.
  
  I highly recommend reading some of the blogs and Q&As we have here on HelloLife. There is a log of good advise about natural ways to treat RA symptoms.
  
  As always, talk to your health care provider about which treatments might be right for you. I recommend starting with the safest treatments first and moving on from there.
  
  I recommend that people who suffer from chronic pain should read the book â€œThe Gift of Painâ€ by Paul Brand & Philip Yancey.
  
  Stay Healthy! Dr. Jeff M.D.1/26
- Jessica Corwin RD MPH said:
  Hi Candice,
  
  I can feel your frustration through the Web. It must be very difficult to not feel as though your physician is addressing all of your needs.
  
  As a registered dietitian, I of course focus on the foods we are eating, taking a more holistic approach to addressing health concerns. This is always a great place to at least review and/or experiment with as our diet has an incredible impact on every cell within our bodies. I also agree that medicine plays an incredible and important role as well and this is why I am grateful Dr. Jeff is here to share his advice as well. When it comes to food choices with RA, I encourage you to take a peek at this blog post I wrote on this very topic: http://www.hellolife.net/arthritis/b/relieve-arthritis-with-diet-changes/ Essentially encouraging a plant-based, Mediterranean style diet, rich with heart healthy fats found in fatty fish, flax seeds, hemp seeds, and walnuts. This type of diet can help to reduce the inflammation throughout your body which some research indicates may help to reduce the pain caused by the highly inflammatory diseases of arthritis. Dietary changes may not offer instant pain relief, but after following this type of diet for up to 6 months, many people have found their pain reduced.
  
  Here at HelloLife, we also have a pain management support group which may serve as a helpful resource for you as well: http://www.hellolife.net/pain-management/
  
  Welcome to HelloLife, Candice, and please do not hesitate to ask any other questions at all. We're here to help :)
  
  Be well,
  Jessica Corwin, RD1/29
0 Comments
John
The Arthritis National Research Foundation celebrates 15 years of 90 cents of every dollar going to research:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/12/22/prwe…
1/9
1 Comments
E.M. Wollof
Mindfulness Meditation can help with the pain caused by RA:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/mindfulness-meditation-…
1/3
- Bri Luginbill said:
  "people who partake in mindfulness exercises had less fatigue and lower levels of stress than people who just receive standard treatment for the condition." I have heard so many benefits that meditation brings in all areas of health. This just confirms that meditation is a great natural way to feel better! :)1/31
0 Comments
John
An impressive new research study shows some extremely promising arthritis symptom relief capabilities:
http://www.economist.com/node/21541379?fsrc=rss|sct
12/9