Autumn is here and if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the cooler weather may bring temporary relief before the harsh winter. Gardening in the Autumn can keep your joints healthy and your kitchen full. Gardening, in general, has health benefits for those diagnosed with RA and when you use the right tools and methods …
Since clinical trials are at the heart of what we do here at New England Research Associates, we thought we would talk about two of the basics of clinical trials; Clinical trial types, and clinical trial phases. Clinical trials help advance treatments for different conditions and can be done with or without an investigational medication …
To put it nicely, dealing with the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis flare up can be tough. RA is an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints. The result is painful swelling that can eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Smaller joints are affected at first, like the ones in your …
Being diagnosed with Lupus was shocking, to say the least. I had no idea that getting the flu so many times would be because my own body was attacking itself. My doctor told me that lupus is an autoimmune disease, meaning my immune system couldn’t tell the difference between my healthy tissue and any germs or …
Ankylosing…What? That was my response when the doctor diagnosed me with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) five years ago. After months of severe back and hip pain, I finally had an answer, but also a lot of questions with the most ominous being, “Well, what now?”. Although the past few years have been a painful struggle, I’ve …
Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that can cause symptoms like chest pain and burning, especially after eating, and difficulty swallowing. GERD is a chronic disease that occurs when stomach acid flows into the food pipe, irritating the lining. Acid reflux and frequent heartburn are common GERD symptoms. Avoiding trigger foods may …
Every relationship has good days and bad days. When you toss a chronic condition like osteoarthritis(OA) into the mix, it can put an even bigger strain on things. However, there are steps you can take to make sure your OA doesn’t become a wedge in your relationship. First off, it’s important to be open and …
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common chronic condition of the joints. Known as the “wear and tear” arthritis, it occurs when the cushioning between the joints breaks down causing symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness. OA affects more than 27 million Americans and is most common is those aged 65 and older. Several factors …
Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that wreaks havoc on the body’s immune system and joints. RA is marked by painful swelling in the joints, most commonly the hands and feet. Eventually, joint deformities can occur along with bone erosion. Many people with RA are battling constant pain or discomfort, which can lead to …
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is marked by scaly, red patches that are often painful and may be itchy. Most people are diagnosed with psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis; however, joint problems can begin for some before the skin lesions …
