Chronic Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Management

Nearly 40% of Fibromyalgia Patients May Have a History of Being Abused

A new study adds support to the theory that psychological stress might increase the risk of fibromyalgia and make symptoms worse. No one knows what causes fibromyalgia but some experts…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis Risk Factors and Causes You Need to Know About

Osteoarthritis is the most common and well-known type of arthritis. It’s largely a wear-and-tear form of arthritis that happens as a result of damage to or overuse of a joint,…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Lupus

Could the Weather Affect Lupus Symptoms? New Study Suggests Warm, Humid Weather Does

As the temperature increased, so did the risk of rash, joint inflammation, kidney problems, and other lupus symptoms. Shifts in weather patterns have long been associated with a variety of…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis

Have Asthma or COPD? You Could Have a Higher Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers hope that identifying the link between respiratory issues and RA will result in better ways to prevent or screen for rheumatoid arthritis in people with lung disease. You may…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rheumatoid Arthritis

If You’re in Remission on a DMARD for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Should You Taper? Here’s What New Research Says

New data compares what happens when the dosage of DMARDs such as methotrexate is tapered or kept steady. For most rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, sustained remission (inactive disease) is the…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rheumatoid Arthritis

If Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation Is Improving, Be Patient: Less Pain and Fatigue May Be Coming

Knowing there could be a lag between objective measures of improvement and patient-reported outcomes could help prevent over-treatment. When a rheumatologist measures disease activity in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Chronic Awareness

Good News for Pregnant Women with Arthritis: Most Babies Exposed to Biologics in Utero Don’t Get Serious Infections

Although biologics cross the placenta, research shows they lead to few infections in babies after they’re born. The prospect of pregnancy can be daunting for women with inflammatory arthritis. Not…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis

Here’s More Data That Suggests We Shouldn’t Use Opioids to Treat Osteoarthritis Pain

Surprisingly, stronger opioids were the worst at relieving pain in a new multi-study analysis. Despite concerns about safety and addiction, lots of people with osteoarthritis (OA) take opioids to address…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Chronic illness Chronic Pain

22% of U.S. Patients with Arthritis Have ‘High-Impact’ Chronic Pain — Here’s What That Means

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that arthritis might be a leading cause of chronic pain in the U.S. Chronic pain can occur for…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021

Arthritis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Rheumatoid Arthritis

This Is Important for RA Patients to Know: Taming Inflammation Doesn’t Always Alleviate Pain

"This may have implications for management decisions beyond treating to disease activity targets alone." Pain and inflammation often go hand in hand, especially for people with inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid…

chronicwoman 03/31/2021