Yoga for arthritis

NATION

Khaleej Times Online
Some Good News for Arthritis Sufferers: Yoga Can Ease the Pain
Staff reporter 27 September 2008

DUBAI — At least 12 sessions of yoga can significantly improve the health of some rheumatoid arthritis patients, reveals a pilot study conducted by a team of specialists from the UAE.
The study was presented at the 13th Congress of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology held recently in Yokohama, Japan.
“It is possible that yoga may have important physical and psychological benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis,” said Dr Humaira Badsha, rheumatology specialist at the Dubai Bone and Joint Centre. A total of 47 patients were enrolled for the study, of which 26 undertook yoga sessions, while 21 were on regular arthritis treatment.
The new programme, based on Raja Yoga, is called Vishwas Yoga for Arthritis and the study was funded by the Emirates Arthritis Foundation.
The yoga sessions were specially modified to suit arthritis patients by Dr Vishwas Chhabra, a certified yoga therapist at the centre, and Dr Badsha.
According to the study, three patients stopped taking steroids when their condition improved after the inflammation in their joints subsided.
The patients were all above the age of 18 and were diagnosed with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria.
Raja Yoga is defined as “concerned principally with the cultivation of the mind using meditation to further one’s acquaintance with reality and finally achieve liberation.”
“Our study was able to demonstrate statistically significant improvements in RA disease parameters, especially Health Assessment Questionnaire scores.”

Kids with Arthritis Dubai

The Emirates Arthritis Foundation kicked off the Arthritis Month with a special event for Children with Arthritis at the Atlantis Resort on the Palm Jumeirah.

DUBAI LUPUS

Dubai Lupus Support Group
This support group was initiated to provide a comfortable environment for Lupus patients to ask questions, get recommendations on doctors/treatments and create friendships with people who understand the intricacy of the disease and what goes along with being a 'lupus patient'. Although our spouses/friends/family offer support, there is a different understanding that we find comfortable from a person who has been through the same situation. Ultimately, this support group aims to be a positive experience for all who participate. Contact info@arthritis.ae

Arthritis Dubai

The Emirates Arthritis Foundation will celebrate the Middle East’s 1st Arthritis MonthSeptember 12th until World Arthritis Day, October 12th 2008In order to celebrate World Arthritis Day with the theme, “Think Positive”, the Emirates Arthritis Foundation invite our patients and friends to celebrate and learn about arthritis. Our Ramadan newsletter will be available in all Rivoli Group’s stores, a mural will be painted at the Jam Jar, children will swim with dolphins, look out for the treadmills in malls where each step will raise money for charity and please take a few minutes to fill in the survey on www.worldarthritisday.org. Join us in our mission.
For information and registration on the events please contact Gemma on 04-3300444 or send an email to info@arthritis.ae.

Dubai Rheumatology Conference 2009

The 2nd Arab Health Rheumatology Conference will bring together regional and International experts for a 3 day meeting March 17-20th at the Dusit Dubai hotel. For more details email infoatdbaj.ae. There will be new attractions such as prize for the best oral abstract presentations and a 1 day musculskeletal ultrasound workshop.

The First Emirates Rheumatology Society Formed

The following selected as Board members of the first ESR:

Humeira Badsha; Waleed Al Shehhi: Saif Al Salameh; Ayman Mofti: Shehata Elkhouly;

How to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease and we should not be using only pain killers to treat the symptoms, but rather aim to eradicate inflammation so as to prevent joint disability and damage. When treated in the early stages, remission can be induced and patients can have very good outcomes.

The treatment is usually aimed at controlling inflammation.

The gold standard medication is methotrexate which is taken once a week in doses of 15-20 mg. The side effects are generally mild, and not life threatening. Methotrexate is very effective in halting the progress of the disease and usually does not have serious adverse effects when taken under the supervision of a rheumatologists. Blood tests should be monitored regularly to check for liver irritation. Sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and Imuran are alternatives for milder forms of rheumatoid arthritis. The newer drugs such as Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, Mabthera, Abatacept are alternatives which are highly effective, but also expensive. Check which is the best option for you with your rheumatologist.