Current Events

In this open randomized controlled study, the effectiveness of manual and electro-acupuncture on symptom relief for patients with knee arthritis was investigated.

TEST: Thirty patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee were randomized to 3 groups: Group A received acupuncture alone, group B received acupuncture along with their usual medication, and group C used their usual medication for 5 weeks and then had a course of acupuncture added. Treatment was twice weekly over 5 weeks. Needles were inserted with manual and electrical stimulation in acupuncture points for pain and stiffness, selected according to traditional acupuncture theory for treating Bi syndrome. Patients were assessed before treatment, after treatment, and at a one month follow-up, using a Pain VAS and the Western Ontario McMaster questionnaire for osteoarthritis of the knee.

RESULTS:A highly significant improvement in pain was found in groups A and B. There was no change in group C until after the course of acupuncture, when the improvement was significant. Similarly significant changes were seen with the Western Ontario pain and stiffness scores. These benefits were maintained at one month follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Manual and electro-acupuncture cause a significant and moderately lasting improvement in the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, either alone or in conjunction with other therapies.

REFERENCE: Tukmachi E, Jubb R, Dempsey E, Jones P. The effect of acupuncture on the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis * an open randomised controlled study. Acupuncture in Medicine 22 (1): 14-22, Mar 2004.

Maegan's Current Event

Arthritis: Exercise deals with one of the most important and significant aspects of the management of arthritis. A protective agent called interferon is induced by brisk exercise. Exercising also reduces obesity. Stretching is of major importance as a prelude to walking and as a regular habit to maintain healthy ligaments, muscles, bones, joints, and tendons. Warm up before you exercise, and cool down afterward with some post-exercise stretching. Walking, which almost everyone with rheumatoid arthritis or osteo-arthritis can do to some degree, is of extreme importance as an integral, essential part of a program of disease management. John Bland came to use the term "walk the walk" when urging his patients to carry themselves proudly, and to remember that self-confidence is the most important mental ingredient for success in arthritis management. Rather, a person who walks the walk says, "I am confident in my ability," "I know how to handle pressure," and "I'm going to practise walking the walk by being aware of how I carry myself." The evidence now is that walking, even at a slow pace, can induce the mechanisms in the body (arthritis or no arthritis!) that elevate mood, relieve anxiety, and improve one's overall self-esteem. Joint stiffness is reduced. Swelling tends to gradually disappear with regular walking. The prevention of bone loss is another benefit of walking. As the authors of this book points out, walking is one of the few exercises to which age and physical condition usually pose no barriers. He also considers it of great importance to exercise your brain.

"Arthritis: Exercise" by John H Bland MD orginally published in issue 17 - Jan/Feb 1997 in Positive Health Magazine

Shelly Martin's Current Event

Breast-feeding has many health benefits for a newborn baby, but also for the mother too. Recent research shows that breast-feeding may help the mother avoid rheumatoid arthritis formation. The study found that women who breast-fed for more than 24 months reduced their risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by an astounding 50 percent, compared to women who chose not to nurse their child. The study also discovered that women with irregular menstrual cycles had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than women who have regular periods.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints. It also causes swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness of the affected joints. It is a progressive disease that usually permanently damages the joints, and may result in loss of movement.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans, so obviously the most important finding from this research is that breast-feeding helps prevent against the future risk of rheumatoid arthritis. This study took place over a term of 26 years, and from the help of over 120,000 women. Of that group, only 674 women were diagnosed with the disease. The age of the women diagnosed ranged from 30 to 79 years old. The researchers then gathered information about age, body mass index, smoking history, age menstruation began, how many children each woman had, how many months they breast-fed, use of hormones, age at menopause, and whether menstrual cycles were regular. Women who nursed 4-11 months had a decreased risk of developing the disease by 10 percent. Women who nursed for 12-23 months had a 20 percent reduction in risk. If a woman nursed for more than 24 months of her life, the risk dropped dramatically by 50 percent.

The study also found that women with irregular menstrual cycles had a 40 percent greater risk of developing the disease. Women between the ages of 50 and 54 had an increased risk of developing the disease also. This study is beneficial to young mothers whose family may have a genetic history of rheumatoid arthritis. Breast-feeding has many benefits for the child and mother alike. This is just one more reason to breast-feed your child.