Lynne S. Peterson - Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis

Medical Editor

Lynne S. Peterson, M.D.

Editorial Director

Paula M. Marlow Limbeck

Senior Editor

Karen R. Wallevand

Managing Editor

Anna L. Cavallo

Senior Product Manager

Daniel J. Harke

Art Director

Stewart J. Koski

Illustration, Photography and Production

Paul Flessland, Joanna R. King, Michael A. King, Kent McDaniel, Gunnar T. Soroos

Editorial Research Librarians

Abbie Y. Brown, Edward (Eddy) S. Morrow Jr., Erika A. Riggin, Katherine (Katie) J. Warner

Copy Editors

Miranda M. Attlesey, Alison K. Baker, Nancy J. Jacoby, Julie M. Maas

Indexer

Steve Rath

Contributors

Andy Abril, M.D.; Brent A. Bauer, M.D.; Joshua S. Bingham, M.D.; Kathryn (Kathy) R. Cieslak, P.T., D.Sc.; Ali A. Duarte Garcia, M.D.; Kostas J. Economopoulos, M.D.; Floranne C. Ernste, M.D.; Alicia M. Hinze, M.D., M.H.S.; Mary L. Jurisson, M.D.; Stephanie N. Kannas, C.H.T., O.T.; Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.; Amir B. Orandi, M.D.; Ashley O. Otto, Pharm.D., R.Ph.; Gregory S. Peterson, M.D.; Christopher D. Sletten, Ph.D., L.P.; Kenneth J. Warrington, M.D.; Katherine A. Zeratsky, RDN, LD

Published by Mayo Clinic Press

2020 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)

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The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. This book is intended only as an informative guide for those wishing to learn more about health issues. It is not intended to replace, countermand or conflict with advice given to you by your own physician. The ultimate decision concerning your care should be made between you and your doctor. Information in this book is offered with no guarantees. The author and publisher disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.

From time to time, Mayo Clinic or a Mayo Clinic physician may have a financial interest in an invention, technology, company or product mentioned in Mayo Clinic books. Dr. Kenneth Warrington, a contributing editor of Chapter 5, has received an honorarium and research funding from the manufacturer of the medication tocilizumab, referenced in that chapter.

ISBN 978-1-893005-56-3 (hardcover)

ISBN 978-1-893005-55-6 (softcover)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019957432

This book is dedicated to my cousin Susan.

One of the fondest memories from my childhood is of my familys annual trip from Wyoming to Kansas to visit relatives. The best part about these trips was getting to see my cousin Susan. Susan and I formed a close bond at a young age, and whenever our families got together, the two of us were inseparable. When we were about 14 years old, I noticed Susan didnt join the rest of the cousins while we played kick the can. At the time, I just assumed she wasnt fond of the game. But looking back on it now, this is the first memory I have of Susan and her struggles with arthritis.

When Susan was diagnosed, limited treatment options were available for her arthritis. Over the years, I watched as she endured her pain, joint deformities and multiple surgeries with patience and determination. But despite her health struggles, Susan inspires me with her perseverance and dedication to family and her career. Susan served as my inspiration to become a rheumatologist many years ago, and she continues to be one of my role models today.

Fortunately, over the last several decades, significant advances have occurred in the understanding and treatment of arthritis. Doctors now have a host of effective medications, physical therapies, new support systems and more psychological help for people struggling with joint pain. People diagnosed with arthritis today have hope and a great likelihood that their disease can be treated and put into remission.

It has been my pleasure to help create the new Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis, and Im grateful for the contributions of many colleagues. Mayo Clinic is dedicated to providing the best medical care to everyone, and this is accomplished through an integrated model of clinical practice, education and research. This book will provide you with high-quality, reliable and up-to-date information regarding different types of arthritis, medications used for treatment, surgical options and ways to manage your symptoms to help you lead a more active life.

This book is divided into three sections. describes various tests and medical specialists that may be part of the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis.

reviews different treatment options. In recent years, many new medications and other treatments have become available for patients with arthritis. Chapters discuss these medications in simple terminology, as well as surgical options, joint injections, pain management and complementary therapies.

Finally, is a guide to help people with arthritis live as normally and comfortably as possible through self-care. Chapters in this section focus on being active, eating healthfully, reducing stress, protecting the joints, boosting the immune system and managing the disease in daily life.

Whether arthritis affects you, your family or someone else in your life, this book will leave you with a better understanding of the condition, symptoms and ways to manage life with arthritis. Most importantly, this book aims to provide you and your family with hope. Susan, I am indebted to you and many others like you who demonstrate that, despite the hardships of the disease, arthritis does not have the power to stand in the way of living an exceptional life.

Lynne S. Peterson, M.D.

Lynne S. Peterson, M.D., is a rheumatologist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and an assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. A graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine, she completed a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in rheumatology at Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Peterson has presented nationally and internationally on her research, focused on adult rheumatology. She has been recognized with multiple Clinical Researcher of the Year awards from the Rheumatoid Arthritis Investigational Network as well as the organizations Clinical Distinction Award. She is also a two-time Arthritis Walk Medical Honoree, conferred by the Arthritis Foundation.

When your joints are working smoothly, its easy to take them for granted. When they begin to ache, you take notice. If youve ever experienced pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty moving because of arthritis, youre not alone.

Arthritis is a common condition, affecting about 1 in 5 adults in the United States. More than 54 million Americans, including around 300,000 children, have been diagnosed with some form of the disease. And research suggests that the number of people affected by arthritis may be much higher, if you include those who have symptoms but havent been officially diagnosed.

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