The signs of inflammation include pain, redness, swelling, heat, and loss of function. Though inflammation is a very complex process involving our immune system (mostly innate immunity and not adaptive immunity which is more specific), there is a delicate balance we must have to stay healthy. No inflammation can cause […]
Read MoreIf you have ever had a massage, you will agree that massaging sore muscles helps relieve the pain. A good massage just makes you “feel good”. But massage, especially by a skilled therapist, can provide more than just a temporary relief for sore muscles. It can actually be used as […]
Read MoreNow that we have effective medications to treat this disease, living with rheumatoid arthritis is not as scary as once it may have been. You may still want to make a couple of adjustments in your lifestyle to help control the symptoms and prevent worsening of the disease. These are […]
Read MorePsoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can be seen in people with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that can cause patches of inflamed, red or scaly skin. In most cases of psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis was present before the arthritis. However in a minority of people, arthritis […]
Read MoreHow is it diagnosed? Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed starting with a thorough history, asking about symptoms and risk factors discussed in previous sections. A detailed exam is necessary to find any kind of inflammatory back signs, peripheral arthritis, or extra-articular manifestations. Certain maneuvers and measurements should be performed in the […]
Read MoreLike many of you, I had a lot of questions and hesitations before the vaccine was officially available, so I did A LOT of research in the past several weeks to find the answers. I am writing this newsletter to share my findings with you. Before I start, let me […]
Read MoreWhat are the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis? AS is characterized mainly by inflammatory back pain (described below). Inflammation can occur in several areas, leading to pain and stiffness. These include: Sacroiliac and spinal joints Hip and shoulder joints “Peripheral” arthritis: smaller joint such as the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and feet […]
Read MoreAnkylosing Spondylitis is the most common condition from this group. Also known as AS, this form of arthritis primarily affects the spine, and can cause chronic pain, discomfort, stiffness, and eventually fusing of the bones, leading to decreased mobility. Who gets it? There are several risk factors to be aware […]
Read MoreWhat is it? Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common inflammatory condition that causes aching pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, neck, and back. The term “polymyalgia” means many muscle pains. Who gets it? There are certain risk factors that make PMR more likely Age:– This condition is almost […]
Read MoreWhat causes thumb pain? The most common causes of thumb pain are arthritis and tendonitis. De Quervain’s tendonitis is caused by the inflammation of the two tendons that extend the thumb (move the thumb up, as in hitchhiking). Arthritis of the base of the thumb joint is one of the […]
Read More
