What Exactly Is Arthritis?

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Article featured on Movement Orthopedics

“Arthritis” is used to describe joint pain and inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis. It can occur at any joint in the body, including the hip, knee, and shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as the foot and ankle. It most often occurs in the hands, hips, and knees.

Arthritis tends to cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.

The most common types of arthritis are:

  • Osteoarthritis – a wear-and-tear type of arthritis in which the cartilage cushioning the ends of your bones begins to wear away. This ultimately leads to bone-on-bone friction, which is what causes the pain and swelling associated with arthritic joints. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, and the condition gets progressively worse over time. This is by far the most common type of arthritis.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis – considered an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane that­­ lines and lubricates joints, causing the membrane to become inflamed. This can lead to deterioration of cartilage and bone at the joint.
  • Gout – another very common type of arthritis. In this case, a build-up of uric acid in the blood (often due to a purine-rich diet that includes foods like red meat, organ meat, scallops, tuna, or sardines) causes sharp crystals to collect at the joints. This results in pain, swelling, redness, and heat – typically occurring in one joint at a time. ­

Who Is Prone to Arthritis?

Those who may be at an increased risk of developing arthritis include:

  • Older adults – symptomatic osteoarthritis is estimated to affect nearly 10% of men and 20% of women over the age of 60.
  • Athletes – active people, whether young or old, face an increased risk of arthritis developing after an injury to a joint, although anyone with a joint injury is more likely to develop arthritis, which is called post-traumatic arthritis.
  • Obese adults – added stress on the joints can make the wearing away of cartilage occur faster.

Treating Arthritis

There are numerous conservative methods used to treat symptomatic arthritis, including:

  • Medications (prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or pain relievers)
  • Physical therapy that includes strengthening the muscles around the joint
  • Pain-relieving injections like cortisone shots or viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis
  • Activity modification to reduce the strain on your arthritic joint
  • Assistive devices, such as using bracing or a cane

Lifestyle approaches that can help include weight loss and engaging in regular, joint-friendly exercise, such as swimming, bicycling, walking, or dancing.

Your Surgical Options

Should conservative measures fail to relieve your symptoms, or if these measures stop working for you, the orthopedic specialists at Movement Orthopedics are experts in the use state-of-the-art surgical techniques to help you return to your usual activities, free from the pain of arthritis.

In many cases, this may mean minimally invasive joint replacement, reconstruction, or repair – including robotic-assisted surgery – to improve your mobility and decrease pain and inflammation.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Knee Osteoarthritis: Know the Warning Signs

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Article featured on MedicalNewsToday

Osteoarthritis of the knee happens when the cartilage that cushions the bones in the knee starts to erode. The bones begin to rub against each other, resulting in damage, swelling, and pain.

Cartilage is a smooth but tough tissue that stops the bones from rubbing together and prevents damage. It allows the bones to move pass smoothly over each other. As people get older, the weight they carry can cause the cartilage to wear away.

As the cartilage breaks down and the bones rub together, osteoarthritis (OA) can result.

OA is the most common type of arthritis. The symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness. When it affects the knee, it can be difficult for a person to exercise, to climb stairs, or even to walk.

Early signs and symptoms

OA usually affects people who are over 50 years of age, but it can happen earlier, too.

Symptoms that can appear at the early stages of knee OA are:

  • pain, especially on bending and straightening the knee and with weight bearing
  • swelling, caused by a buildup of fluid in the joint, or by bony growths called osteophytes that form as the cartilage breaks down
  • warmth in the skin over the knee, especially at the end of the day
  • tenderness when pressing down on the knee
  • stiffness when moving the joint, especially first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity or walking
  • creaking or cracking on bending, known as crepitus

Activity can make symptoms worse, leading to pain at the end of the day, especially after a long time of standing or walking.

If the knee is red, the person has a fever, or both symptoms occur, the problem is probably not OA.

Treatment

Treatment of OA depends on how severe the symptoms are.

Home treatment

Some remedies and over-the-counter treatments for OA of the knee can be used at home and are readily available from the pharmacy.

These include:

  • Applying heat or cold: Heat relieves stiffness, and cold can ease pain and swelling. The heating pad or ice pack should be covered with a towel so as not to burn the skin.
  • Using an assistive device: A cane or walker can help take some of the weight off of the knees. Holding the cane in the opposite hand to the painful knee is most effective.
  • Pain relief medications: These are available over the counter, but people should use them with caution as they can cause side effects.

Medical treatment

If home or over-the-counter remedies do not help, the person should see a doctor.

They may prescribe one of the following:

  • steroid injections in the knee joint to reduce inflammation
  • physical therapy, with exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion in the joint

If these solutions do not work and damage is severe, the physician may recommend surgery to replace the joint.

When to see a doctor

For some people, pain and other symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life, and over-the-counter medications do not help.

The next step is to consult a general physician, who may refer the person to a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon.

To find out whether a patient has OA, the doctor may ask:

  • When and how did the pain start?
  • Where does it hurt?
  • Is there any stiffness, creaking, warmth, or swelling?
  • What makes it better? What makes it worse?
  • How have you treated it? Did home treatments work?
  • How have the symptoms affected daily activities?

The doctor will examine the knees, moving them forward and back to note the range of motion and to find out which movements cause pain.

They will look for areas of tenderness, check the warmth and see if any swelling is present. The physician will also check the ligaments for stability.

Diagnosis

A number of tests can help to diagnose OA:

  • Joint aspiration: The doctor uses a needle to draw a sample of fluid from the joint. They send the fluid to a laboratory for tests to check for signs of other joint problems, such as gout or infection.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This can provide detailed images of the knees, which may show fluid buildup in the thigh or knee bones.
  • X-rays: These can reveal damage to the knee joints in the later stages but may not detect changes in the early stages.

Lifestyle changes

Some lifestyle changes can relieve the pain and stiffness that occurs with knee arthritis:

Losing weight can relieve pain and prevent further joint damage.

For people with OA of the knee and either overweight or obesity, current guidelinesTrusted Source strongly recommend weight loss. A doctor can advise on how much weight to lose.

Exercise, and especially low-impact activities such as walking, riding a recumbent bicycle, or swimming, can relieve arthritis pain.

Swimming is ideal because the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints, while the warmth soothes them.

Exercise increases motion and flexibility and strengthens the muscles that support the joints. It also helps people to maintain a healthy weight.

Takeaway

OA is a common but painful condition that affects many people as they age. Pain, stiffness, swelling, warmth, or cracking in the joints may be early signs that it is time to seek medical help.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Overview of Osteoarthritis of the Hip

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Article featured on UCSF Health

Osteoarthritis of the hip causes the hip joint to get stiff and inflamed and can progress until resting no longer relieves your pain. Bone spurs might build up at the edges of the joint. When the cartilage wears away completely, bones rub directly against each other, making it very painful to move. You may lose the ability to rotate, flex or extend your hip. If you become less active to avoid the pain, the muscles controlling your joint get weak and you may start to limp.

Osteoarthritis, resulting from the wear and tear of your body as you age, affects more than 20 million people in the United States. The pressure of gravity on your joints and surrounding tissues causes physical damage, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling and decreased function. The smooth and glistening covering on the ends of your bones, called articular cartilage, which help your joints glide, may wear thin. Initially, osteoarthritis is not painful and its onset is subtle and gradual, usually involving one or only a few joints. The joints most often affected are the knee, hip and hand. In some instances, joint replacement (arthroplasty) of the hip or knee may be recommended to treat osteoarthritis.

Our Approach to Osteoarthritis of the Hip

When treating hip osteoarthritis, our goals are to relieve pain and restore normal movement. Treating the condition early, with nonsurgical options such as medication and physical therapy, can slow cartilage degeneration, minimize pain and preserve function. If the arthritis is already severe, joint replacement surgery can help, eliminating pain and improving the ability to walk.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Osteoarthritis and Runner’s Knee Can Both “Bring You to Your Knees”

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Article featured on Noyes Knee Institute
Pain in the knee area is a common issue among athletes. However, anyone can experience knee pain. It is vital to get proper treatment to get rid of the pain. More importantly, you should seek to understand the issue before considering treatment or scheduling a knee surgeon.

Will I Need a Knee Surgeon for Runner’s Knee?

A proper diagnosis from an orthopedic doctor is essential if your knee aches whenever you get from a chair or while walking, jogging, and running. You may also or experience a  constant dull ache around the knee area. Osteoarthritis (OA) and runner’s knee and are common causes of knee aches.
Injury, disease, and extra strain on the knees may also result in more sharp pain. You won’t necessarily need surgery to relieve knee pain or correct the underlying issue. The doctor will perform various tests and scans to determine what’s causing the pain.

How’s Runner’s Knee Different from Osteoarthritis?

Runner’s knee is medically referred to as patellofemoral syndrome and is basically pain experienced around your kneecap area. It occurs when you overuse your knees. Running, training, jogging, squatting, and climbing may exert excess stress on your kneecap.
If the kneecap isn’t moving properly in its groove, it may wear out the protective cartilage that prevents bones from rubbing on each other. Runner’s knee symptoms include a dull pain/ache in the kneecap area, especially after sitting for extended periods or when walking, running, and jumping.
Osteoarthritis is another form of knee pain among adults 50 years and older. It simply refers to knee joint arthritis. OA pain results from bones rubbing against each other when the cartilage begins to wear out, which is similar to what happens with runner’s knee.
Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain that gets worse over time, stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness, and difficulty maneuvering (bending/straightening) the knee. Arthritis pain may feel worse when you wake up or during bad weather. OA and the runner’s knee have many overlapping symptoms.

How Can I Relieve Runner’s Knee and Osteoarthritis?

It is essential to seek medical advice if you experience any pain around your knee area. Runner’s knee is common among track athletes, while osteoarthritis is widespread among older people of all levels of physical activity. However, both conditions can certainly happen to people of all ages.
Your orthopedic doctor will assess the pain and determine the right treatment option. Each case is unique, so pain stemming from injuries, such as falls, will require different treatment from cases of knee overuse. Below are the vital steps in relieving all types of knee pain:

  • Get Diagnosis – You should consult an orthopedic doctor for a comprehensive diagnosis of the issue to determine the underlying cause and scale of damage.
  • Discuss Treatment – The doctor will discuss different remedies available for your case. Common options include therapy, medication, injections. Surgery may be required in severe cases.
  • Ongoing Recovery – Your doctor will recommend various practices, including physical therapy, pain relievers, lifestyle changes, etc.

Advanced Knee Treatment in Cincinnati

Both runner’s knee and osteoarthritis can cause severe pain and require prompt addressing. Without proper treatment, the condition may get worse, calling for advanced procedures and longer recoveries. As such, you should seek professional advice as soon as you notice the pain.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.
New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.
Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.
If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Everything You Need to Know About Osteoarthritis

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Article featured on Medical News Today

Osteoarthritis (OA) causes inflammation in the joints and the breakdown and gradual loss of joint cartilage. As the cartilage wears down, a person experiences pain and difficulty with movement.

OA is a common joint disorder. It develops in the hand, for example, in 1 in 12 people over the age of 60, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
OA is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms worsen over time.
There is no cure, but treatment can help manage pain and swelling and keep a person mobile and active.

Symptoms

OA leads to pain and stiffness in the joints.
In the early stages, a person may have no symptoms. Symptoms may occur in one or more joints, and they tend to appear gradually.
When symptoms develop, they can include:

  • pain and stiffness that worsen after not moving the joint for a while
  • swelling
  • difficulty moving the affected joint
  • warmth and tenderness in the joints
  • a loss of muscle bulk
  • a grating or crackling sound in the joint, known as crepitus

The progression of OA involves:

  • synovitis — mild inflammation of the tissues around the joints
  • damage and loss of cartilage
  • bony growths that form around the edges of joints

Effects

Cartilage is a protective substance that cushions the ends of the bones in the joints and allows the joints to move smoothly and easily. In people with OA, the smooth surface of the cartilage becomes rough and starts to wear away. As a result, the unprotected bones start to rub together, causing damage and pain. Eventually, bony lumps form on the joint. The medical names for these are bone spurs or osteophytes, and they can lend a knobbly appearance to the joint. As the bones change shape, the joints become stiffer, less mobile, and painful. Fluid may also accumulate in the joint, resulting in swelling.
While OA can develop in any joint, it commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, lower back, and neck.

The knees

OA usually occurs in both knees, unless it results from an injury or another condition.
A person with the condition may notice that:

  • There is pain when walking, especially uphill or upstairs.
  • The knees lock into position, making it harder to straighten the leg.
  • There is a soft, grating sound when they bend or flex the knee.

The hips

A person with OA in the hips may find that any movement of the hip joint, such as standing up or sitting down, can cause difficulty or discomfort.
Pain in the hips is a common feature of the condition. OA in the hips can also cause pain in the knee or in the thighs and buttocks.
A person may experience this pain while resting as well as while walking, for example.

The hands

In the hands, OA can develop in:

  • the base of the thumb
  • the top joint of the other fingers, closest to the nail
  • the middle joint of the other fingers

A person with the condition may notice:

  • pain, stiffness, and swelling in the fingers
  • bumps that develop on the finger joints
  • a slight bend sideways at the affected joints
  • fluid-filled lumps or cysts on the backs of the fingers, which may be painful
  • a bump that develops where the thumb joins the wrist, which can make it difficult to write or turn a key

For some people, the finger pain decreases and eventually goes away, though the swelling and bumps remain.
Anyone who experiences joint stiffness and swelling for more than 2 weeks should see a doctor.

Causes

Doctors do not know the exact cause of OA, but it seems to develop when the body is unable to repair joint tissue in the usual way.
It often affects older people, but it can occur at any age.

Genetic factors

Some genetic features increase the risk of developing OA. When these features are present, the condition can occur in people as young as 20 years old.

Trauma and overuse

A traumatic injury, surgery, or overuse of a joint can undermine the body’s ability to carry out routine repairs and may trigger OA, eventually leading to symptoms.
It can take several years for OA symptoms to appear after an injury.
Reasons for overuse or repeated injury include jobs and sports that involve repetitive movement.

Risk factors

A number of risk factors increase the chances of developing OA.

  • Sex: OA is more common among females than males, especially after the age of 50.
  • Age: Symptoms are more likely to appear after the age of 40, though OA can develop in younger people after an injury — especially to the knee — or as a result of another joint condition.
  • Obesity: Excess weight can put strain on weight-bearing joints, increasing the risk of damage.
  • Occupation: Jobs that involve repetitive movements in a particular joint increase the risk.
  • Genetic and hereditary factors: These can increase the risk in some people.

Other conditions

Some diseases and conditions make it more likely that a person will develop OA.

  • inflammatory arthritis, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Paget’s disease of the bone
  • septic arthritis
  • poor alignment of the knee, hip, and ankle
  • having legs of different lengths
  • some joint and cartilage abnormalities that are present from birth

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a physical examination.
No definitive test can diagnose OA, but tests can show whether damage has occurred and help rule out other causes.
Tests may include:
X-rays and MRI: These can reveal bone spurs around a joint or a narrowing within a joint, suggesting that cartilage is breaking down.
Joint fluid analysis: A doctor will use a sterile needle to withdraw fluid from an inflamed joint for analysis. This can rule out gout or an infection.
Blood tests: These can help rule out other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment

While no treatment can reverse the damage of OA, some can help relieve symptoms and maintain mobility in the affected joints.
Interventions include exercise, manual therapy, lifestyle modification, and medication.

Medication

Medication can help reduce pain.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
This can relieve pain in people with mild to moderate symptoms. Follow the doctor’s instructions, as overuse can lead to side effects and cause interactions with other medications.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
If acetaminophen does not help, the doctor may recommend a stronger pain reliever, which may include ibuprofen, aspirin, or diclofenac.
A person can take these orally or topically, applying the medication directly to the skin.
Capsaicin cream
This is a topical medication that contains the active compound in chilies. It creates a sensation of heat that can reduce levels of substance P, a chemical that acts as a pain messenger.
Pain relief can take 2 weeks to a month to fully take effect.
Do not use the cream on broken or inflamed skin, and avoid touching the eyes, face, and genitals after using it.
Intra-articular cortisone injections
Corticosteroid injections in the joint can help manage severe pain, swelling, and inflammation. These are effective, but frequent use can lead to adverse effects, including joint damage and a higher risk of osteoporosis.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) is an oral drug that can help treat chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Physical therapy

Various types of physical therapy may help, including:
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): A TENS unit attaches to the skin with electrodes. Electrical currents then pass from the unit through the skin and overwhelm the nervous system, reducing its ability to transmit pain signals.
Thermotherapy: Heat and cold may help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints. A person could try wrapping a hot water bottle or an ice pack in a towel and placing it on the affected joint.
Manual therapy: This involves a physical therapist using hands-on techniques to help keep the joints flexible and supple.

Assistive devices

Various tools can provide physical support for a person with OA.
Special footwear or insoles can help, if OA affects the knees, hips, or feet, by distributing body weight more evenly. Some shock-absorbing insoles can also reduce the pressure on the joints.
A stick or cane can help take the weight off of the affected joints and may reduce the risk of a fall. A person should use it on side of the body opposite to the areas with OA.
Splints, leg braces, and supportive dressings can help with resting a painful joint. A splint is a piece of rigid material that provides joint or bone support.
Do not use a splint all the time, however, as the muscles can weaken without use.

Surgery

Some people may need surgery if OA severely affects the hips, knees, joints, or the base of the thumbs.
A doctor will usually only recommend surgery if other therapies have not helped or if there is severe damage in a joint.
Some helpful procedures include:
Arthroplasty
This involves a surgeon removing the damaged areas and inserting an artificial joint, made of metal and plastic. Some refer to this procedure as a total joint replacement.
The joints that most often require replacing are the hip and knee joints, but implants can also replace the joints in the shoulder, finger, ankle, and elbow.
Most people can use their new joint actively and painlessly. However, there is a small risk of infection and bleeding. An artificial joint may also come loose or wear down and eventually need replacing.
Arthrodesis
This involves a surgeon realigning, stabilizing, or surgically fixing the joint to encourage the bones to fuse. Increased stability can reduce pain.
A person with a fused ankle joint will be able to put their weight on it painlessly, but they will not be able to flex it.
Osteotomy
This involves a surgeon removing a small section of bone, either above or below the knee joint. It can realign the leg so that the person’s weight no longer bears down as heavily on the damaged part of the joint.
This can help relieve symptoms, but the person may need knee replacement surgery later on.

Complications

Septic arthritis is joint inflammation caused by bacteria. Joint replacement surgery slightly increases the risk of this infection.
This is a medical emergency, and hospitalization is necessary. Treatment involves antibiotic medication and drainage of the infected fluid from the joint.

To discover more evidence-based information and resources for arthritis, visit our dedicated hub.

Lifestyle tips

A range of strategies can help ease the symptoms of OA. Ask the doctor for advice about suitable lifestyle adjustments. They may recommend:

Exercise and weight control.

Exercise is crucial for:

  • maintaining mobility and range of movement
  • improving strength and muscle tone
  • preventing weight gain
  • building up muscles
  • reducing stress
  • lowering the risk of other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease

Current guidelines recommend that everyone should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
A doctor or physical therapist can help develop an exercise program, and it is important to follow their instructions carefully to prevent further damage.
Choose activities that will not put additional strain on the joints. Swimming and other types of water-based exercise are a good way to keep fit without putting additional pressure on the joints.
Learn more here about suitable exercises for arthritis of the knee.

Assistive devices and adjustments

A loss of mobility due to OA can lead to further problems, such as:

  • an increased risk of falls
  • difficulty carrying out daily tasks
  • stress
  • isolation and depression
  • difficulty working

A physical or occupational therapist can help with these issues. They may recommend:
Assistive devices: Using a walker or cane can help prevent falls.
Adjustments to furniture and home fittings: Higher chairs and devices such as levers that make it easier to turn faucet knobs, for example, can help.
Talking to an employer: It may be possible to make adjustments to the workplace or arrange for more flexible hours.

Supplements

Some research has suggested that people with low vitamin D levels have a higher risk of OA. Also, in people with a low vitamin C intake, the disease may progress more rapidly.
Low levels of vitamin K and selenium may also contribute, but confirming these findings will require further research.
Some people use supplements for OA, including:

  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • calcium
  • vitamin D

The American College of Rheumatology note that there is not enough evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of these supplements for OA. They recommend asking a doctor before using them.

Outlook

OA is a common disease that causes joints to deteriorate, leading to pain and stiffness. It tends to appear during middle age or later.
There is currently no cure, but researchers are looking for ways to slow or reverse the damage. Lifestyle remedies and pain relief medications can help manage it.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.
New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.
Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.
If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

What to Know About Front Shoulder Pain

What to Know About Front Shoulder Pain

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From Medical News Today; Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M.D. — Written by Sunali Wadehraon January 22, 2019

Damage to the shoulder may result from repetitive movements, manual labor, sports, or aging. A person may also injure this part of the body due to a bad fall or accident. Many people visit the doctor with front, or anterior, shoulder pain.

Read more

Chronic Pain, Osteoporosis, and Bone Density Testing

Chronic Pain, Osteoporosis, and Bone Density Testing

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Written by E. Michael Lewiecki, MD, FACP | Article Featured on PPP

Osteoporosis is a disease manifested by low bone density and poor quality of bone, resulting in skeletal fragility and increased risk of fracture.1 While osteoporosis is generally a silent and asymptomatic disease until a fracture occurs, pain and osteoporosis are often associated. Fractures usually cause sudden and severe pain, with non-union fractures and some vertebral fractures resulting in chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that pressure-induced tibial pain may be an indicator of low bone density in patients without fracture.2 Some metabolic disorders that cause low bone density, such as vitamin D deficiency and osteomalacia, can cause bone and muscle pain,3 proximal muscle weakness, and postural instability4 in the absence of fracture. Chronic pain is associated with many risk factors for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. These risk factors may be categorized according to whether they are due to the underlying disease, the pain itself, or the treatment for pain (see Table 1).

Risk Factors

Diseases associated with chronic pain and osteoporosis include prevalent vertebral fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple myeloma, and insulin-dependent diabetes5 with diabetic neuropathy. Regional bone loss may occur with painful disorders such as reflex sympathetic dystrophy6 (Sudeck’s atrophy, algodystrophy) or immobilization of a limb due to trauma — with or without fracture.7

Chronic pain and its associated diseases may result in poor nutrition, impaired cognition, elevated serum cortisol8 or high levels of inflammatory cytokines,9 with potential adverse effects on bone density.

Some treatments for chronic pain disorders, such as glucocorticoids10 and anticonvulsants,11 may be harmful to bone. Other medical treatments, such as narcotics and antidepressants, may impair balance and mobility, resulting in increased risk of falls and fractures.12 Hypogonadism, another risk factor for osteoporosis, has been reported in men13 and women14 treated with opioids.

The consequences of a fracture may include additional acute and chronic pain, limited ambulation, disability, loss of independence, increased risk of future fractures and death.15 Chronic pain patients at risk for osteoporosis should be considered for bone density testing so that appropriate therapeutic intervention may be started to prevent fractures and their clinical consequences.

“…dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the spine and hip is the recommended method for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring the effects of therapy.”

 

Bone Density Testing

Bone density testing is a non-invasive technique used to diagnose osteoporosis or low bone density, predict the risk of fracture, and monitor the effectiveness of therapy for osteoporosis. While measurement of bone density at peripheral skeletal sites with a variety of technologies is useful to increase osteoporosis awareness and predict fracture risk, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the spine and hip is the recommended method for diagnosing osteoporosis and monitoring the effects of therapy. The key to effective clinical management is the identification of high risk patients before the first fracture occurs, so that therapy can be initiated to reduce the risk of fracture.

Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry

DXA is used to measure bone mineral density (BMD) at the spine and proximal femur. With appropriate software, many DXA instruments can also measure BMD at the forearm and total body. DXA measures areal BMD (aBMD in g/cm2) by using ionizing radiation with photon beams of two different energy levels. DXA is the “gold-standard” method for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and monitoring the effects of therapy for the following reasons:

  • biomechanical studies have shown a correlation between mechanical strength and BMD measured by DXA,16
  • epidemiological studies have established a strong relationship between fracture risk and BMD measured by DXA,17
  • the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of BMD for the diagnosis of osteoporosis and osteopenia is based on reference data obtained by DXA,18
  • randomized clinical trials showing a benefit with pharmacologic intervention have selected subjects based on low BMD measured by DXA,19
  • there is a relationship between reduction in fracture risk with pharmacologic therapy and BMD increase as measured by DXA,20
  • the accuracy and precision of DXA is excellent.21

DXA is widely available in the United States, with an estimated 10,000 instruments in operation. Radiation exposure from DXA is extremely small,22 typically about the same as the normal daily level of background radiation. Conventional radiography, on the other hand, is an insensitive and subjective technique for evaluating bone density at any skeletal site, requiring 30-40% bone loss before a problem is detected. The best use of standard X-ray in the management of osteoporosis is to diagnose fractures, to monitor the healing of fractures, and to evaluate for some secondary causes of osteoporosis. If an X-ray is suggestive of low bone density, a quantitative measurement of BMD by DXA should be done.

When to Order a Bone Density Test

As with any clinical test, bone density measurement should only be done when the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and when the results are likely to play a role in making patient management decisions. The risks of bone density testing are extremely low. Pregnancy should be considered an absolute contraindication to doing any X-ray-based bone density test. Many organizations have developed guidelines to aid in the selection of those at risk for low BMD who most likely to benefit from knowledge of the results. The most comprehensive guidelines are those of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry23 upon the recommendation of an international panel of experts (see Table 2).

Osteoporosis/FractureRisk Factors
Due to Underlying Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Fragility Fracture
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
Multiple Myeloma
Due to Effects of Pain
Elevated Cortisol
Poor Nutrition
Weight Loss
Poor Balance
Cognitive Impairment
Due to Pain Treatments
Narcotics
Antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Immobilization

Diagnosis of Osteoporosis

A clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis may be made in a patient with a fragility fracture, provided other causes of fracture have been excluded. A fragility fracture is usually defined as a fracture resulting from a fall from the standing position. It is preferable, however, to identify patients at high risk for fracture before the first fracture occurs, just as risk factors for stroke and myocardial infarction should be identified and managed before a critical event occurs. The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of BMD uses the standard deviation (SD) difference between the patient’s BMD and the mean BMD of a young healthy population (Table 3). This is usually expressed as a T-score, which is calculated by subtracting the mean BMD of the reference population from the patient’s BMD and dividing by the SD of the reference population. A T-score of -2.5 or less is used for a densitometric diagnosis of osteoporosis in a postmenopausal woman.

“If a fracture has occurred, the goal of therapy is to stabilize the fracture, relieve pain, return the patient to pre-fracture levels of activity as soon as possible, and prevent future fractures.”

BMD and Fracture Risk

There is an exponential relationship between BMD and fracture risk, with fracture risk approximately doubling for every 1 SD decrease in BMD.24 Low bone density at any skeletal site is predictive of fractures at any skeletal site although, in general, site-specific fracture risk is best predicted by BMD measurement at that skeletal site. This principle does not hold true with spine BMD and spine fracture risk in the elderly, who often have degenerative arthritis in the spine that may result in an artifactual increase in spine BMD. There is no “fracture threshold.” Instead, there is a continuous relationship between BMD and fracture risk, so that fracture risk is never zero, regardless of how high the BMD, and it is never certain that a fracture will occur, regardless of how low the BMD. In clinical practice, patient management decisions must consider factors in addition to BMD that may affect fracture risk. The most important of these non-BMD risk factors are age25 and previous fracture.26 Fracture risk increases with age, even when BMD remains the same. Other clinical risk factors, such as family history of hip fracture, poor health, low body weight, and frailty, play a role as well. Since most hip fractures occur as a result of a fall, frailty and falling are potent predictors of hip fracture, independent of bone density. The risk of falling is affected by factors that include balance, mobility, strength, reaction time, visual impairment, medications, and cognitive impairment.

When to Repeat a Bone Density Test

A bone density test should be repeated when the expected amount of change in bone density equals or exceeds the Least Significant Change (LSC) — if knowledge of this change is likely to influence clinical management. The LSC is established for each technologist for each instrument used according to well-established guidelines,27 and is best expressed as an absolute value (g/cm2) with a 95% level of confidence. Values for precision error supplied by the manufacturer of the DXA instrument, which are automatically included on some computer printouts, are generally more optimistic than what is achievable in bone densitometry centers and should not be used. It is reasonable to repeat a DXA study 1-2 years after starting pharmacologic therapy to be sure that BMD is stable or increasing, and then repeat the study at intervals of 2 or more years to assure continuing response to therapy. In patients at risk for rapid bone loss, such as those being started on high dose glucocorticoid therapy, it is appropriate to repeat the DXA study every 6 months until stable. For elderly patients in whom a typical age-related bone loss of 0.5-1.0% per year is expected, it may take 3-6 years before a statistically significant change in BMD can be detected.

Indications for Bone Density Testing
  • Women aged 65 years and older.
  • Postmenopausal women under age 65 years with risk factors for osteoporosis.
  • Men aged 70 years and older.
  • Adults with fragility fracture.
  • Adults with a disease or condition associated with low bone mass or bone loss.
  • Adults taking medication associated with low bone mass or bone loss.
  • Anyone being considered for pharmacological osteoporosis therapy.
  • Anyone being treated for low bone mass to monitor treatment effect.
  • Anyone not receiving therapy in whom evidence of bone loss would lead to treatment.

Women discontinuing estrogen should be considered for bone density testing according to the indications listed above

Implications for Therapy

Non-pharmacologic therapy for patients at risk for osteoporosis and fragility fracture includes regular weight-bearing exercise as tolerated; good nutrition with adequate daily intake of protein, calcium, and vitamin D; balance training, fall prevention, and hip protectors for those with high risk of falling; and avoidance of bone toxic agents, such as cigarette smoking and excess alcohol. Pharmacologic therapy with FDA-approved agents can be expected to stabilize or increase BMD, and reduce the risk of fragility fractures by approximately 50%.28 If a fracture has occurred, the goal of therapy is to stabilize the fracture, relieve pain, return the patient to pre-fracture levels of activity as soon as possible, and prevent future fractures. Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty may offer pain relief for selected patients with vertebral fractures, although the indications for these procedures and the long-term benefits and risks are not well defined.29

World Health Organization Classification of Bone Mineral Density
ClassificationT-score
Normal-1.0 or greater
OsteopeniaBetween -1.0 and -2.5
Osteoporosis-2.5 or less
Severe Osteoporosis-2.5 or less with a fragility fracture

Conclusions

Patients with chronic pain may be at increased risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures due to the underlying disease or disorder causing the pain, as well as factors associated with the pain itself and treatments given for the pain. BMD testing is an essential tool for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis or low bone density, allowing for identification of high risk patients and selection of appropriate therapy. Currently available therapy can reduce the risk of future fracture and its clinical consequences.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Benefits of Exercising With Osteoarthritis

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IF YOU’RE ONE OF THE more than 30 million Americans who, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have osteoarthritis – the degenerative wear and tear and most common form of arthritis – you might be reticent to exercise.

“Joint pain can accompany osteoarthritis, so people assume that movement will worsen the condition,” says Katrina Pilkington, a Nevada-based National Academy of Sports Medicine certified personal trainer and corrective exercise specialist.

However, lack of exercise can actually increase joint stress and degeneration. Meanwhile, regular exercise can not only ease symptoms, but actually slow progression of the joint disease, according to a 2018 review published in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation.

Here are five science-backed ways that exercise improves the symptoms and progression of osteoarthritis:

  • Lubricating joints.
  • Replacing damaged cells with new, healthy ones.
  • Strengthening muscles.
  • Reducing excess body weight.
  • Relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Learn more about the benefits of exercising with osteoarthritis.

Lubricating Joints

A soft tissue called synovial membrane surrounds your joints and produces a fluid that acts like gear oil for your joints. This synovial fluid reduces friction to prevent further damage to the cartilage and bone – and exercise stimulates its production, Pilkington explains. Plus, by increasing the flow of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to the synovial membrane, your joints are able to stay lubricated both during and between your workouts.

Synovial fluid also prevents the collection of inflammatory proteins within joints that can lead to osteoarthritis’ trademark pain, says physical therapist William Behrns, a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Replacing Damaged Cells With New, Healthy Ones

In osteoarthritis, cartilage wears down, degrades and stops cushioning the joints. However, a 2019 animal study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine suggests that exercise stimulates cartilage autophagy, the process by which the body clears out and recycles old, damaged cells so that new ones can take their place.

Joint movement during exercise may also activate genes associated with cartilage rebuilding, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Strengthening Muscles

Even if you’ve never considered yourself a bodybuilder, when it comes to managing osteoarthritis, there’s good reason to pick up some weights, says Chris Kolba, Ph.D., a physical therapist with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Your muscles are in charge of both bracing the joints as well as absorbing shock when you walk, jog or do anything that involves impact.

“The stronger your muscles are, the more protected your joints will be,” Behrns says. That’s especially true of the knees and hip joints, which constantly support the weight of your entire body.

Reducing Body Weight

Maintaining a healthy body weight is important to making sure that those knees and hips aren’t under any excess stress.

“Joint stresses are directly related to the amount of weight placed on the joint during an activity,” Behrns says. “The less you weigh, the less joint stresses will exist.” He explains that every pound lost results in a four-fold decrease in stress placed on the knee.

If you’re already at a healthy body weight, you’re already enjoying this benefit and losing more weight is not advised.

Relieving Symptoms of Depression and Anxiety

One in five adults with arthritis suffers from anxiety, while depression symptoms occur twice as often in people with arthritis than in those without the disease, according to a 2018 analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pain, mobility limitations and side effects from pain and anti-inflammatory medications are leading reasons for an increase in depression and anxiety in men and women with arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Exercise is an established method for treating mood disturbances and mental health disorders, and a 2003 analysis published in Exercise and Sport Science Reviews concluded that, “in osteoarthritis, the psychosocial benefits of exercise are as important as physiological improvements.”

 

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

Osteoporosis: Investigating the role of a common antibacterial chemical

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By | Article Featured on Medical News Today

A recent study finds a relationship between a chemical that is in a wide array of personal care products and a reduction in bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak bones and an increased risk of fracture.

Worldwide, an estimated 200 million people currently have osteoporosis. More than 10 million of these people live in the United States. Osteoporosis predominantly affects people as they age, so as the population of the U.S. is growing older, the condition is likely to become more prevalent over time.

Although there are several causative factors, including genetics, certain medications, and body mass index (BMI), some researchers are interested in the potential role of environmental chemicals.

A new study, the findings of which appear in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism,investigates a chemical called triclosan.

What is triclosan?

Triclosan is an antibacterial compound. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently banned its use in over the counter hand sanitizers, but manufacturers still add it to a range of goods, including toothpaste, soap, and mouthwash. They also add it to some textiles and kitchenware.

As an insight into how prevalent this chemical is, in one U.S. study, scientists detected triclosan in the urine of almost three-quarters of their 2,517 participants. The corresponding author of the new study, Yingjun Li, Ph.D., from Hangzhou Medical College School of Public Health in China, explains why the team chose to investigate triclosan’s role in osteoporosis:

“Laboratory studies have demonstrated that triclosan may have potential to adversely affect the bone mineral density in cell lines or in animals. However, little is known about the relationship between triclosan and human bone health.”

Doctors use bone mineral density tests to diagnose osteoporosis and determine fracture risk. Li believes that their research is the first to “investigate the association between triclosan exposure with bone mineral density and osteoporosis in a nationally representative sample from U.S. adult women.”

Bone data

Li and colleagues took data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which the researchers had collected during face to face interviews. The questions covered demographics, diet, and general health. Medical professionals also gave each participant physical examinations and took blood and urine samples.

In the new study, the researchers analyzed data from 1,848 women aged 20 years or older who were living in the U.S. The researchers tested for triclosan in the urine samples, measured bone mineral density, and assessed the participants for osteoporosis.

During the analysis, the team controlled for a number of variables that had the potential to skew the results, including age, ethnicity, level of physical activity, smoking, calcium intake, BMI, and history of diabetes.

Overall, the analysis showed that women with higher levels of urinary triclosan had reduced bone mineral density in comparison with women with lower levels of urinary triclosan.

This relationship was more pronounced in postmenopausal women and was not significant in premenopausal women.

Triclosan and osteoporosis

When the scientists investigated the relationship between triclosan and osteoporosis, the results were less clear. This finding may partly be due to the number of individuals with osteoporosis being relatively low — only seven women in the premenopausal group, for instance.

The researchers evaluated four bone regions for the presence of osteoporosis. For three of the four regions, there was no relationship between triclosan and osteoporosis.

However, higher levels of triclosan did predict an increase in osteoporosis in the intertrochanter region, which is the upper part of the thigh bone.

Although the links between triclosan and osteoporosis were not as strong as the authors had expected, the chemical does appear to affect bone density in some way.

However, the authors note certain limitations. First and foremost, the study design does not allow the authors to prove cause and effect. They also explain that the excretion of triclosan is quite rapid. Therefore, because they only measured urinary triclosan once, it is probably not a fair representation of average triclosan levels throughout the decades.

As is always the case, scientists will need to carry out much more research using a larger group of participants to confirm these findings.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.

More Than Just Joints: How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects the Rest of Your Body

More Than Just Joints: How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects the Rest of Your Body

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Article by Mary Anne Dunkin | Featured on Arthritis.org

The inflammation that characterizes RA can impact organs and systems, too.

You know that arthritis affects your joints. Painful, swollen knees or fingers are impossible to ignore. But did you know that other parts of your body – your skin, eyes and lungs, to name a few – may also be affected?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, meaning it can affect many parts of the body. For that matter, so can some of the drugs used to treat RA. Following is a listing by body part of the ways RA (and sometimes the drugs used to treat it) can affect you.

Many of these problems – such as bone thinning or changes in kidney function – cause no immediate symptoms so your doctor may monitor you through lab tests or checkups. For other problems – such as skin rashes or dry mouth – it’s important to report any symptoms to your doctor, who can determine the cause or causes, and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Skin

Nodules. About half of people with RA develop rheumatoid nodules – lumps of tissue that form under the skin, often over bony areas exposed to pressure, such as fingers or elbows. Unless the nodule is located in a sensitive spot, such as where you hold a pen, treatment may not be necessary. Nodules sometimes disappear on their own or with treatment with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

Rashes. When RA-related inflammation of the blood vessels (called vasculitis) affects the skin, a rash of small red dots is the result. In more severe cases, vasculitis can cause skin ulcers on the legs or under the nails. Controlling the rash or ulcers requires controlling the underlying inflammation.

Drug effects. Corticosteroids, prescribed to reduce inflammation, can cause thinning of the skin and susceptibility to bruising. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which treat pain and inflammation, and methotrexate, a widely prescribed DMARD, can cause sun sensitivity. People taking biologics, a sub-category of DMARDs designed to stop inflammation at the cellular level, may develop a rash at the injection site.

Bones

Thinning. Chronic inflammation from RA leads to loss of bone density, not only around the joints, but throughout the body, leading to thin, brittle bones. Exercise, a high-calcium diet and vitamin D can all help bones, but in some cases your doctor may need to prescribe a drug to stimulate bone growth or prevent bone loss.

Drug effects. Corticosteroids can also cause bone thinning.

Eyes

Inflammation and scarring. Some people with RA develop inflammation of the whites of the eyes (scleritis) that can lead to scarring. Symptoms include pain, redness, blurred vision and light sensitivity. Scleritis is usually treatable with medications prescribed by your doctor, but in rare cases, the eye may be permanently damaged. RA can also cause uveitis, an inflammation of the area between the retina and the white of the eye, which, if not treated, could cause blindness.

Dryness. The inflammatory process that affects the joints can also damage the tear-producing glands, a condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome. The result is eyes that feel dry and gritty.  Artificial tears, which are available over the counter, as well as medications your doctor prescribes, can keep eyes more comfortable and help prevent damage related to dryness.

Drug effects. Corticosteroids may cause glaucoma and cataracts. Hydroxychloroquine, in rare cases, causes pigment changes in the retina that can lead to vision loss. As a rule, people with RA should get eye checkups at least once a year.

Mouth

Dryness. Inflammation can damage the moisture-producing glands of the mouth as well as the eyes, resulting in a dry mouth. Over-the-counter artificial saliva products and self-treatment often helps. If not, your doctor may prescribe a medication to increase the production of saliva. Good dental hygiene is a must, as bacteria tend to flourish in a dry mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Drug effects. Methotrexate can cause mouth sores or oral ulcers. For treatment, try a topical pain reliever or ask your doctor or dentist for a prescription mouthwash.

Lungs

Inflammation and scarring.  Up to 80 percent of people with RA have some degree of lung involvement, which is usually not severe enough to cause symptoms. However, severe, prolonged inflammation of the lung tissue can lead to a form of lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis that interferes with breathing and can be difficult to treat.

Nodules. Rheumatoid nodules might form in the lungs, but are usually harmless.

Drug effects. Methotrexate can cause a complication known as methotrexate lung or methotrexate pneumonia, which generally goes away when the methotrexate is stopped. Less common drugs, including injectable gold and penicillamine, can cause similar pneumonias. The condition goes away when treatment ceases; patients can usually resume the drug in a few weeks.

By suppressing your immune system, corticosteroids, DMARDs and biologics may increase your risk of tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection of the lungs. Your doctor should test for TB before initiating treatment and periodically after.

Heart and Blood Vessels

Atherosclerosis. Chronic inflammation can damage endothelial cells that line the blood vessels, causing the vessels to absorb more cholesterol and form plaques.

Heart attack and stroke. When plaques from damaged blood vessels break lose they can block a vessel, leading to heart attack or stroke. In fact, a 2010 Swedish study found that the risk of heart attack for people with RA was 60 percent higher just one year after being diagnosed with RA.

Pericarditis. Inflammation of the heart lining, the pericardium, may manifest as chest pain. Treatment to control arthritis often controls pericarditis as well.

Drug effects. While many RA medications, including methotrexate, other DMARDS and biologics may reduce cardiovascular risk in people with RA, other medications – chiefly NSAIDs – may increase the risk of cardiovascular events including heart attack. Your doctor will need to evaluate your risk when prescribing treatment for your RA.

Liver

Drug effects. Although RA doesn’t directly harm the liver, some medications taken for RA can.  For example, long-term use of the pain reliever acetaminophen (Tylenol) is considered a leading cause of liver failure. Liver diseases may also occur with long-term methotrexate use. Working with your rheumatologist to monitor your blood is key to preventing problems.

Kidneys

Drug effects. As with the liver, drugs taken for arthritis can lead to kidney problems. The most common offenders include cyclosporine, methotrexate and NSAIDs.  If you are taking these drugs long term, you doctor will monitor your kidney function to watch for problems.

Blood

Anemia. Unchecked inflammation can lead to a reduction in red blood cells characterized by headache and fatigue. Treatment consists of drugs to control inflammation along with iron supplements.

Blood clots. Inflammation might lead to elevated blood platelet levels, and blood clots.

Felty syndrome. Though rare, people with longstanding RA can develop Felty syndrome, characterized by an enlarged spleen and low white blood cell count. This condition may lead to increased risk of infection and lymphoma (cancer of the lymph glands). Immunosuppressant drugs are the usual treatment.

Drug effects. Aggressively treating inflammation with corticosteroids may cause thrombocytopenia, an abnormally low number of blood platelets.

Nervous System

Pinched or compressed nerves. Although RA does not directly affect the nerves, inflammation of tissues may cause compression of the nerves resulting in numbness or tingling. One relatively common problem is carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which the nerve that runs from the forearm to the hand is compressed by inflamed tissue in the wrist area, resulting in tingling, numbness and decreased grip strength.

New Mexico Orthopaedics is a multi-disciplinary orthopaedic clinic located in Albuquerque New Mexico. We have multiple physical therapy clinics located throughout the Albuquerque metro area.

New Mexico Orthopaedics offers a full spectrum of services related to orthopaedic care and our expertise ranges from acute conditions such as sports injuries and fractures to prolonged, chronic care diagnoses, including total joint replacement and spinal disorders.

Because our team of highly-trained physicians specialize in various aspects of the musculoskeletal system, our practice has the capacity to treat any orthopaedic condition, and offer related support services, such as physical therapy, WorkLink and much more.

If you need orthopedic care in Albuquerque New Mexico contact New Mexico Orthopaedics at 505-724-4300.