Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common and debilitating condition for which there are no ideal treatment options. For those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a recent study published in the Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine (Silva et al, 2008), studied the effectiveness of night-time hand positioning splints in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

"OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a night-time hand positioning splint in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

RESULTS: The groups were homogenous for all parameters at baseline. Pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, DASH score, grip strength and pinch strength were significantly different between groups over time and satisfaction with the splint was reported as "better" and "much better" by most participants.

CONCLUSION: The use of a night-time hand positioning splint reduces pain, improves grip and pinch strength, upper limb function and functional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis."

Reference:

Silva AC, Jones A, Silva PG, Natour J. Effectiveness of a night-time hand positioning splint in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. J Rehabil Med. 2008 Oct;40(9):749-54.

Related blog posts on rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Glucosamine in rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Cod liver oil (omega-3 fatty acids) in rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Ganoderma lucidum (Linzhi) in rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids in rheumatoid arthritis.
   

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Pycnogenol (French maritime pine bark extract)

The results of a recent study published in the journal, Phytotherapy Research, suggest that Pycnogenol may help alleviate pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Additionally, pycnogenol helped to improve functional measures.




Dose: 150 mg Pycnogenol per day at meals.

RESULTS: Following treatment with Pycnogenol patients reported:

• An improvement of WOMAC index (Western Ontario and McMaster osteoarthritis index)
  
• A significant alleviation of pain by visual analogue scale

"CONCLUSION: Results show that Pycnogenol in patients with mild to moderate OA improves symptoms and is able to spare NSAIDs."


Reference:

Cisár P, Jány R, Waczulíková I, Sumegová K, Muchová J, Vojtassák J, Duraćková Z, Lisý M, Rohdewald P. Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Phytother Res. 2008 Aug;22(8):1087-92.

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Arthritis is a very common condition with approximately 15% of the population in developed nations suffering from some form of arthritis. In fact, osteoarthritis as a result of gradual loss of cartilage, people who suffer from it experience pain and immobility.

Today, I read a recent study published in the journal, Critial Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, which discussed how SAMe or S-adenosylmethionine, may work in the treatment of osteoarthritis (Blewett et al, 2008).

“There are numerous clinical reports showing that SAMe supplementation is an effective treatment for osteoarthritis however little is known regarding the mechanism of action.”

“Research has identified SAMe as a potential safe treatment for osteoarthritis, that may actually regenerate cartilage.”

Potential mechanisms:

• Reduce inflammatory mediators (TNFalpha)
• Signal proteoglycan synthesis (cartilage component)
  
• Treatment with SAMe reduces oxidative stress and liver damage
• Increasing membrane phospholid methylation for more “fluid” cell membranes

S-Adenosylmethionine is one of the key ingredients found in Arthroleve™

Reference:
Hosea Blewett HJ. Exploring the mechanisms behind S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2008 May;48(5):458-63.

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Psoriasis is a very common skin disorder that affects millions of Americans. In fact, it is believed to affect approximately 2-3% of the population. Frequently, people with psoriasis develop red scaly patches. These psoriatic plaques, as they are often referred to as, are areas of excessive skin production and inflammation. Though the actual cause of psoriasis is unknown, genetic factors are thought to be involved. Overall, psoriasis can impact the quality of life of people who suffer from this skin condition.



Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory disease involving the spine and peripheral joints that develops in patients with psoriasis. Further, psoriatic arthritis develops in 5-10% of patients with psoriasis.

A recent study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment discussed the role of folic acid supplementation in patients with psoriasis.

Background:
“Relative deficiency of folic acid may occur in conditions such as pregnancy and hyperproliferative or chronic inflammatory disorders.”

Conclusion: “Folic acid supplementation appears as a reasonable therapeutic option in patients affected by chronic inflammatory skin diseases, such as moderate to severe psoriasis; in particular, those with concomitant hyperhomocysteinemia, low plasma folate and additional cardiovascular risk factors.”

Reference:
Gisondi P, Fantuzzi F, Malerba M, Girolomoni G. Folic acid in general medicine and dermatology. J Dermatolog Treat. 2007;18(3):138-46.

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