Reducing Knee Replacement Pain
Osteoarthritis is a condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage, most commonly affecting the knees. It results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and restricted mobility. Unrelenting pain and impaired function call for a knee replacement surgery during which the surgeon replaces the damaged parts with metal or plastic prosthesis. More than half the population worldwide is affected by osteoarthritis. This surgery aims at giving a better life to patients, but the procedure itself involves pain as a major problem following surgery. The good news is that better pain relief measures have been discovered that can give a pain-free life immediately after surgery.
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Cardiac risks higher in patients with arthritis, psoriasis
A higher cardiac event risk was thought to exist in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, but little was known about the link between psoriatic arthritis and heart disease. Psoriasis is a chronic auto-immune disorder that affects people in middle age worldwide. This disorder has affected more than 7.5 million people as per the data shared by National Psoriasis Foundation.
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New Method Increases Bone Density
Researchers from the University of Liverpool have found a new system which helps increase muscle contractions and eventually increases bone density.
This new method is extremely helpful in initial rat models and experiments. The results showed a 30% hike in bone growth, improving bone density. This new device is called a ‘miniature muscle pacemaker’ and is designed to produce contractions in the muscles. These miniature muscle pacemakers were designed by Professor Jonathan Jarvis of Liverpool John Moores University. In the rats, they were placed on the legs for a period of 28 days.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Lessen Severity of Osteoarthritis
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have found that unhealthy dietary habits along with obesity can accelerate the degenerative process of osteoarthritis. The findings of the study were recently published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases and stated that ingestion of unhealthy dietary fats leads to the worsening of the osteo-arthritic joint condition.
Obesity is the primary cause of joint degeneration but the process is hastened by unhealthy eating habits. It was found that consumption of omega 3 fatty acids can protect joints in case of osteoarthritis. It does not revert osteoarthritic changes but helps in slowing the degenerative process. Omega 3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are good for the heart. Their routine consumption is considered helpful for patients. The Duke trial showed that omega 3 fatty acids (when given to mice) reduced the severity of the osteoarthitic joint pain. It was also shown that these mice had wounds that healed quickly as opposed to mice who did not receive the supplement. The Omega-3 supplement is easily found in fish and fish oil supplements.
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Weather May Not Affect Low Back Pain
We often here people complaining about back and joint pain as soon as the weather turns a little rainy, cold or even windy. Arthritis Care and Research, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology, has published a new study stating that the risk of having low back pain is proportional to the speed of the blowing wind rather than the change in temperature. The team of researchers also showed that the clinical significance was negligible. Many people say that weather conditions modify the state of their pain and make it more intense. Fortunately, a recent study in Australia also reveals that sudden low grade back pain is not initiated or related to weather conditions like humidity, air pressure, temperature etc.
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Nano Particles Battle Bone Cancer
Nanomedicine technologies have advanced through the research done by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Institute. The institute recently discovered a new drug delivery system that can attack cancer cells which are present bones. This system should increase bone strength as well as bone volume in order to control the growth of cancerous cells.
“Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” published last week discussed this nano technology. Bone is a very favorable place for cancer cells to grow and multiply in large numbers especially from certain parts of the body such as the breasts, prostate and blood. This nano particle system selectively targets the bones and releases the drug in a very subtle way, thus enhancing the growth and strength of the bone.
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Frog Promises Solution to Muscle Atrophy
A new bunch of genes have been researched by the scientists of the University of Queensland. These are known to help the striped burrowing frog prevent muscle wasting during periods of dormancy. Researchers have deduced that these same genes can be extremely beneficial when used in patients who are bedridden and who experience wasting of muscles. They might even help astronauts, the researchers said.
Most times, mammals including humans, experience muscle atrophy, which means that the muscles that are not in use for a long time start degenerating. This is not the case with green striped burrowing frogs which are scientifically known as Cyclorana alboguttata. These frogs hibernate when resources outside are very scarce and thus, can survive by wrapping themselves in a cocoon of shed skin. These frogs suffer very minimal muscle wastage even after long periods of practically zero muscular activity.
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Romosozumab increases BMD!
We all lose some bone mass as we age, as the existing bone is broken down faster compared to the formation of new bone. The bones lose calcium and become lighter and more porous; more fracture-prone. Bones lose density as well (Osteopenia). With further breakdown, the bones lose more calcium and become even more porous; this advanced stage is called Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis is commonly seen in large numbers nowadays. Post menopausal women and men of age 70 years and above are at an increased risk for this condition. Bone Mineral Density (BMD) is the test which measures the amount of minerals such as calcium in your bones. It is done using X-ray and Computed Tomography (CT) scan. This information is then used to estimate the strength of your bones.
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Recovering from a Rodeo
‘Let’s go around’ is probably what the cowboy originally told the bull. Thus emerged the macho sport ‘Rodeo’ which is Spanish for ‘go around’. This sporting event involves livestock like horses, bulls, calves, steers with athletes typically known as cowboys or cowgirls. Various events are designed to test the skill and speed of the participants. It’s loved in places that are abundant in ranches and attracts an audience that is entertained by the display of machismo.
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Discounts for Uninsured!
No health insurance? Don't worry. During the past year, Onto Orthopedics has given a greater focus towards providing for uninsured patients. Whether you have lost your employer insurance or simply could never afford your own, Onto Orthopedics is here to help...