We consistently learn more about identifying the symptoms of arthritis and how it affects people’s day-to-day lives. Here are a few inspiring developments in the world of arthritis over the past month.
FDA Issues Stern Warning to CBD Industry
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued warning letters to 15 companies for selling products containing cannabidiol (CBD) in ways that violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). The FDA also published arevised Consumer Update更广泛地详述了CBD产品的安全问题。美国食品药品监督管理局的警告特别关注那些不属于关节炎基金会的CBD指南的可食用食品和产品。
The Arthritis Foundation sent aletter to the FDA认为需要对CBD进行更多的监管、研究和患者教育，并继续监督任何与CBD相关的立法行动。CBD公司必须遵守严格的准则，才能通过项目、赞助或广告与我们建立联系。我们与FDA信中提到的15家公司没有任何关系。
The Arthritis Foundation released the first-ever patientCBD Consumer Guidance for Adults with Arthritisfor those considering the use of CBD. You can also learn more about CBD in episode #1 of theLive Yes! With Arthritis Podcast, available now.
Tennis Star Caroline Wozniacki Opens Up About Her Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis
沃兹尼亚奇最近宣布退出职业网坛。在她15岁开始的职业生涯中，她获得了30个女子网球协会(WTA)单打冠军，一次WTA总决赛冠军，三次奥运会——代表她的祖国丹麦——以及2018年澳大利亚网球公开赛大满贯冠军。她计划在退休期间重点关注的一个领域是提高人们对类风湿性关节炎(RA)的认识。沃兹尼亚奇最近被诊断出患有风湿性关节炎，但她说，这并不是她决定退役的原因。
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and causes inflammation as the immune system attacks joints by mistake. Treatment of RA includes over-the-counter drugs, like ibuprofen and aspirin, to control pain and inflammation and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.
Wozniak plans to use her platform to launch a health education campaign centered around RA. Her goal is let people know anything is possible, regardless of the disease.
Thermal Cameras Detect Rheumatoid Arthritis When Symptoms Are Absent
A recent study performed by Staffordshire University shows thermal imaging could be used to detect rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers wanted to see if RA patients showed different temperatures in their palms when compared to healthy individuals. Patients for this study were chosen because they showed no other signs of RA symptoms.
The researchers found patients with RA showed higher temperatures than the healthy participants, possibly caused by underlying disease activity. Although further studies are required, the research team believes thermal imaging, an emerging technology within medicine, could be an innovative tool for detecting RA compared to current methods.
New Wearable Sensor Detects Gout and Other Medical Conditions
Gout is a complex form of arthritis, characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain and tenderness in the joints. It can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other conditions.
A Cal Tech team led by Wei Gao, a professor of biomedical engineering, developed a wearable sensor that measures sweat compounds. The research team designed its sensor to measure levels of uric acid, in addition to other metrics. Uric acid was chosen because it is associated with gout, which occurs when high uric acid levels begin crystallizing in the joints, causing irritation and inflammation.
The high sensitivity of the sensors, along with the ease of manufacturing them, means they could eventually be used by patients at home to monitor conditions like gout, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Arthritis can make everyday life difficult for the millions of Americans struggling with its many different forms. But education and scientific developments can make it easier to identify, detect and treat the effects of arthritis. Get the resources you need by joiningthe Live Yes! Arthritis Network.
Quitting Smoking Helps Improve RA
根据牛津学院的一项新研究，戒烟可以降低风湿性关节炎患者的疾病活动度，并降低心血管疾病的风险。
Additionally, the Mayo Clinic recently releaseda study of 74 comorbiditiesand the timing of their development. The study discovered that comorbidities accumulate in an accelerated fashion after an RA diagnosis. In addition, autoimmune diseases and epilepsy may predispose to RA development, while heart disease, venous thromboembolism and obstructive sleep apnea might develop as a result of RA.
You can find out more aboutarthritis comorbiditiesand how RA increases risks forlungandheart diseaseson the Arthritis Foundation’s website.
Rural Areas Benefit from State Arthritis Programs
Living in rural areas of the U.S. can provide many challenges for access to care when it comes to managing arthritis. However, state arthritis programs funded by the CDC can make a difference. A recent article released by Xtelligent Healthcare Media highlighted the benefits of providing access to these programs and how they can break down some of the barriers.
The Arthritis Foundation advocates in D.C. each year for continued and increased funding from theCDCto provide these state-funded arthritis programs.You can take actionby sending a letter to your lawmakers encouraging them to support this increased funding.
关节注射前进行物理治疗?
现有的骨关节炎治疗方法有限，但新的研究表明，物理疗法对膝关节炎可能比类固醇注射更有效。
The Arthritis Foundation has aWalk with Ease Program&The Better Living Toolkitthat can provide guidance in managing OA and staying active. Information on thebenefits of physical therapyis available on our website, as well asexercising with OA.
No Itch to Switch: Few Medicare Beneficiaries Switch Plans During the Open Enrollment Period
According to a recent article, only 8-10% of Medicare beneficiaries voluntarily switch plans during open enrollment. Around 1% switch involuntarily. This lends to discussion on whether people understand the differences in their coverage plans available.
The Arthritis Foundation has a toolkit to help you understand your health insurance coverage needs and plan options with theRX for Access – Your Coverage, Your Care. Also,theArthritis Foundation Helpline这家诊所由持证临床社会工作者组成，全天候提供帮助，帮助你了解如何获得所需的护理。
