Going barefoot while spending more time at home can further damage arthritic joints. Here’s how to avoid foot pain during the pandemic.
By Kelsey Kloss
A New Study Shows Just How Easily COVID-19 Spreads During a Large Family Gathering
A CDC report details how one teenager spread COVID-19 to 11 members and what some relatives who did not get sick had in common. (Hint: It was following simple mitigation strategies.)
By Face Masks Are Safe and Don’t Impair Breathing (Even for People with COPD and Respiratory Conditions), Study Shows
In fact, pulmonologists suggest that *not* wearing a mask is dangerous for people with respiratory issues, since they are considerably more at risk for COVID-19 complications.
Many people with arthritis and chronic pain are experiencing the double-whammy of COVID-somnia and painsomnia, which are causing significant sleep disturbances.
By Kelsey Kloss
U.S. Adults Are Avoiding Medical Care Due to COVID-19, Especially Those with Chronic Conditions and Disabilities
Data reveals Americans have been avoiding both routine and emergency care during the pandemic, but researchers urge Americans to get the medical treatment they need.
By Kelsey Kloss
Having ‘Metabolic Syndrome’ Could Triple the Risk of Dying From COVID-19
New research shows this cluster of conditions, which includes obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol, is associated with greater need for intensive care, ventilation, and worse outcomes for COVID-19 patients.
These medications are often called “immunosuppressive” but some research suggests they may actually be protective against COVID-19. Here’s what the latest research says.
Here’s Why Rheumatologists Are Calling for Trials to Study TNF Biologics to Treat COVID-19
Commonly used for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, these medications may have promise in fighting inflammation related to COVID-19.
By Kelsey Kloss
Prescriptions for Hydroxychloroquine and Chloroquine Increased 80-Fold This Year (and Mostly from Doctors Who Don’t Normally Prescribe Them)
New research shows the true extent of just how much more these two drugs, commonly used for rheumatologic conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, have been prescribed in 2020, especially by primary care doctors who usually don’t prescribe them.
A new study found that many patients who tapered their meds wound up flaring.
Suspect Rheumatoid Arthritis? Seeing a Rheumatologist Within 6 Weeks Is Key
Time is of the essence when RA symptoms strike.
By EULAR 2020: 50+ Updates That Could Change the Way You Treat Your Arthritis
Held virtually, the 2020 medical meeting from the European League Against Rheumatism shared important medical breakthroughs and updates about managing rheumatic conditions.
This advice from Laurie Ferguson, PhD, clinical psychologist and Director of Education Development at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, can help you figure out better coping strategies as the pandemic continues. It’s time to turn to emotion-based and problem-based coping to deal with the months ahead.
By Kelsey Kloss
These Groups Are More at Risk for COVID-19 Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorder, According to New CDC Data
New research sheds light on the importance of providing mental health help and support to high-risk groups during coronavirus.
42% of Inflammatory Arthritis Patients Report More Fatigue During the COVID-19 Pandemic
People also reported feeling more vulnerable and anxious as the pandemic continues, according to a recent study.
In Melbourne, Rosemary Ainley’s community is emerging from a second lockdown, which has her contemplating what yet another ‘new normal’ means when you live with arthritis and chronic illness.
By CreakyStaff
World Arthritis Day ‘COVID-19 Time Capsule’ with Cecilia from Chile
For World Arthritis Day, we wanted to capture what it’s like to be living through the COVID-19 pandemic as a person with arthritis. Here’s the scoop from Cecilia Rodriguez, a rheumatoid arthritis patient in Santiago, Chile.
By CreakyStaff
World Arthritis Day ‘COVID-19 Time Capsule’ with Sheryl from Singapore
For World Arthritis Day, we wanted to capture what it’s like to be living through the COVID-19 pandemic as a person with arthritis. Here’s the scoop from Sheryl Chan, a lupus patient in Singapore.
Going barefoot while spending more time at home can further damage arthritic joints. Here’s how to avoid foot pain during the pandemic.
By CreakyStaff
Webinar: Staying Safe During COVID-19: What People with Chronic Illness Need to Know
The COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected people with arthritis and chronic illness. This webinar aims to help people living with these conditions understand how to prevent infection and engage in daily routines and activities more safely.
What Will Post-Lockdown Life Be Like? 6 Hopes and Fears from a Chronic Illness Patient in Australia
In Melbourne, Rosemary Ainley’s community is emerging from a second lockdown, which has her contemplating what yet another ‘new normal’ means when you live with arthritis and chronic illness.
Only about one-third of RA patients in high disease activity were offered a treatment change at their rheumatologist visit, according to a recent study in the ArthritisPower research registry.
By 89% of Arthritis Patients Say That Fatigue Interferes with Daily Activities
Fatigue is one of the most invisible and misunderstood parts of managing arthritis.
Nearly Two-Thirds of Arthritis Patients Say They Take Fewer Vacations Because of Their Disease
Traveling can be a lot harder when you have chronic pain, fatigue, and a boatload of medication. Here’s what can help.
Could the substance that gives chili peppers their heat help relieve joint pain from osteoarthritis? New data on a capsaicin injection seems promising, but more research is needed.
By Kelsey Kloss
Lupus Patients Are Less Likely to Take Their Medications Due to Their Costs
The findings highlight the importance of conversations between doctors and patients about drug costs.
By Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Who Take Biologics Have a Lower Risk of Heart Disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is known to increase the risk of heart disease, but taking biologic medications that help lower inflammation and disease activity can help you stay healthy.
According to new data, only 11 percent of people with knee osteoarthritis in the U.S. are considered physically active.
Can Eating a Healthy Diet Reduce the Risk of Lupus? Probably Not, a New Study Shows
For the most part, researchers found that people who ate healthy diets were no less likely to develop lupus than people who ate less nutritious diets — with one possible exception.
By Kelsey Kloss
Former or Current Smoker? Eating a Mediterranean Diet Could Help Reduce Your Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The abundance of antioxidant-rich foods could offset some of the damage done from cigarettes that is linked with the onset of autoimmune disease.
Communication is the key to getting your RA pain under good control. Here’s what you need to discuss with your doctor if you’re experiencing an increase in RA pain.
By Susan Jara
How to Discuss Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain During a Telehealth Visit
Pain isn’t as easy to manage when providers can’t see and touch your joints in person, but you can effectively discuss and treat RA pain during virtual visits. Here’s how.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Who See Nurse Practitioners Fare Just as Well as Those Treated by Doctors
Having more rheumatology patients see nurse practitioners as part of their medical team could help increase access to care and decrease wait times.
