Patient-Friendly News You Can Use: October

This month, we explore the challenges women face in getting their pain taken seriously in the emergency room (ER), a new AI tool for young people with knee osteoarthritis, and how mindfulness can match medication for anxiety relief.

Plus, learn about gaps in psoriatic arthritis care, heart health tips after COVID, and what to consider if you’re exploring medical cannabis for arthritis symptoms.

What Women Need to Know About ER Care

A new study reveals that women may face longer wait times and receive less pain relief when visiting the ER. Published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), the study highlights a gender gap in pain treatment, with researchers analyzing nearly 22,000 ER discharge notes from the United States and Israel. The findings are eye-opening: Women, on average, wait up to 30 minutes longer than men to receive care for pain in the ER. What’s more, even when adjusting for factors like pain scores, age, and ethnicity, women are less likely to receive pain-relief medications compared to men.

Why is this happening? To explore the reasons behind this, the researchers conducted an experiment with 109 nurses. They found that both male and female nurses often perceived women’s pain as less intense than men’s, which can lead to differences in how pain is treated. The study’s authors warn that this bias in pain management could have serious consequences for women’s health if their pain is not addressed promptly and properly.

If you’re visiting the ER, knowing this information can help you advocate for your needs and ensure that your pain is taken seriously.

New AI Tool Could Help People with Knee OA

Could a new AI tool help fill the gap in treatment options for younger people with knee osteoarthritis (OA)? A new study in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases introduces a promising tool that could help detect rapidly worsening knee OA in younger people. Using advanced machine learning, this tool can predict whose OA might get worse quickly, making it easier for doctors and patients to plan the right care. It’s designed to be more transparent, building trust and understanding.

Physical therapy doesn’t always provide enough relief, and surgery may not suit an active lifestyle. By identifying patients at higher risk, this tool could lead to earlier, more effective treatments, potentially delaying the need for surgery and helping patients stay active longer. It might even be useful for other conditions like Parkinson’s, offering hope for more personalized care.

For additional patient-friendly resources on knee OA, try out our free, new tool called OA COMPASS. Navigate your path using the tool to get advice from doctors and knee OA patients, listen to patients share their tips and thoughts about pain and treatment, and download a guide to help you prepare for appointments.

Can Mindfulness Match Medication for Anxiety Relief? 

New research suggests that mindfulness may be as effective as an antidepressant for reducing anxiety. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, included over 300,000 participants with anxiety disorders, who were assigned to either mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) or the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro). After eight weeks, both groups had similar improvements in anxiety. However, only 15 percent of the MBSR group reported side effects, compared to nearly 79 percent of those on the medication.

Globally, about 301 million people live with an anxiety disorder, according to the World Health Organization. While medications like SSRIs are common, this study suggests mindfulness could be a promising alternative for those seeking fewer side effects and a natural approach to managing anxiety.

For resources on mindfulness, as well as exercise and nutrition, check out our new Wellness Resource Hub.

Gaps in Psoriatic Arthritis Care Among Racial Groups

A new study highlights the significant impact that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can have on quality of life, especially for those with moderate or severe symptoms. The study, published in Rheumatology and Therapy, included over 1,500 participants from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Those with moderate or severe PsA experienced more pain, lower quality of life, and greater difficulty in daily activities compared to those with milder symptoms. Additionally, non-Hispanic Black participants reported higher levels of work absenteeism and activity impairment than non-Hispanic White participants, yet they visited health care providers and rheumatologists less often.

The findings suggest that the burden of PsA isn’t just about the physical symptoms — it also varies based on race and access to care. While moderate or severe PsA was linked to more emergency room visits and higher rates of depression among white participants, these differences were not as clear among other groups. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand these disparities and to ensure all patients receive timely and effective care.

New Findings on Post-COVID Heart Health

While it’s normal to feel concerned about long-term health after a COVID-19 infection, new research offers insights that can help people stay proactive about their well-being. A study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology suggests that people who had COVID-19, especially those who were hospitalized, may have a higher risk of heart problems like heart attacks or strokes for up to three years after their infection.

Researchers looked at data from about 10,000 people who had COVID-19 and compared it to over 217,000 people who did not between February 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020 — early on in the pandemic. They found that those who were hospitalized with COVID-19 had nearly four times the risk of serious heart issues compared to those who didn’t have the virus. The study also found that this risk was more pronounced in people with A, B, or AB blood types compared to those with type O.

The good news is that making heart-healthy choices can go a long way in reducing this risk. Experts suggest that a balanced diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking can all support heart health after a COVID infection. If you’ve had COVID-19, it might also be a good idea to check in with your doctor about your heart health, especially if you had a more severe case.

Many Exploring Medical Cannabis for Arthritis Relief

Are you curious if medical cannabis might help you manage symptoms of arthritis or other rheumatic conditions? A new study suggests that many people are exploring this option, with about 62 percent of the 763 survey participants substituting medical cannabis for traditional medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants. Most medical cannabis users in the study had an inflammatory rheumatic disease and often had other conditions like fibromyalgia, spine pain, or osteoarthritis.

Common reasons for choosing medical cannabis included better symptom control and concerns about side effects or withdrawal symptoms. Many reported improvements in pain, sleep, and joint stiffness, with fewer side effects than their previous medications. Many participants even reduced or stopped their other medications. While this shows a growing interest in using medical cannabis for symptom relief, it’s crucial to discuss any treatment changes with your doctor to ensure it’s safe and right for your individual needs.

Want to Get More Involved with Patient Advocacy?

The 50-State Network is the grassroots advocacy arm of CreakyJoints and the Global Healthy Living Foundation, comprised of patients with chronic illness who are trained as health care activists to proactively connect with local, state, and federal health policy stakeholders to share their perspective and influence change. If you want to effect change and make health care more affordable and accessible to patients with chronic illness, learn more here.