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Q: After a fall, I started having severe pain in my lower back and then my lower abdomen. I was diagnosed with sacroiliitis. I was given celecoxib (Celebrex®) for 10 days. I still have pain. What can I do about this? A: Sacroiliitis is inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints. These joints extend about […]

Mediterranean Diet Reduces Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk for Smokers Smoking is a known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology (September 2020) found that adhering to a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers analyzed data from a large French study that has been collecting dietary data […]

Pain often interferes with getting a good night’s sleep. When she sees patients with joint or back pain, Cleveland Clinic physical therapist Marleen Caldwell, PT, MS, Cred MDT, will ask, “How are you sleeping?” Not sleeping well can lead to a variety of problems, including weight gain and fatigue, which can make a musculoskeletal condition […]

The bones of the neck (the cervical spine) carry a lot of weight relative to their size. Like the knees and hips, the spine is vulnerable to wear and tear as we age. Cervical spondylosis, as doctors refer to neck arthritis, will afflict more than 85% of us by the time we reach our 60s. […]

It’s not uncommon to have low arches in the foot, or to even have flat feet. Some people have flat feet from a young age. Many people with flat feet have no problems. But some people develop pain and stiffness on the inside of the foot. A common cause of a flat foot is having […]

Strides have been made in acknowledging and understanding fibromyalgia, but challenges remain. No blood or imaging test can confirm it, and there is no single solution to manage it. It takes a multipronged approach to ease its debilitating symptoms. “Fibromyalgia is a chronic, stress-related condition that affects about 5% of the population and at least 20% […]

When arthritis aches flare up, you may think of taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®) or a prescription-strength one. These drugs can be effective, but they may also have side effects. As an alternative, consider topical treatments. They come in creams and gels that you rub into your […]

Delaying Doses of Prolia Boosts Risk for Spine Fractures Denosumab (Prolia®) is a drug used for postmenopausal women and men who have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every six months. This drug is effective for preserving bone density. Discontinuing it can lead to a reversal of its effects. A study […]

Q: What is the difference between a sprain and a strain? A: While the words sprain and strain are similar, they are different injuries. Put simply, a sprain occurs when you overstretch or tear a ligament, and a strain is an injury to a muscle. Ligaments are the tough bands of tissue that connect one […]

We rely on our shoulders, which provide the widest range of motion of any joint in the body, for countless everyday activities. Shoulder pain can seriously interfere with daily life. If you have pain in your upper arm when you reach up for something on a high shelf or when you stretch your arm out […]