Avail Clinical Research » Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials | Debunking Two More Myths

thunderseo — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:59:51 +0000

If gone untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can threaten a person’s health and independence. A large percentage discount RA as some disease that only very old people get. In fact it is sometimes referred to as “Grandma’s rheumatism.” Because RA is still so misunderstood it is important for those who are diagnosed to enter into rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials as soon as possible. There is a cure, or at least a treatment that helps. We just need to work together to find it.

Here are a couple Myths about RA that need to be debunked.

1. ) “Most people with rheumatoid arthritis can’t work.”

A diagnosis doesn’t equal a lifetime of disability, but may change the work tasks and habits. There was a time when this may have been true, but with current treatments it is untrue. Because this disease has flare-ups, sometimes people will need allowances at work for these times, but a large percentage of people can continue with work due to treatments. A large study of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for more than 10 years, showed that their employment rates were no different than those of similar-age people without RA.

2.) “Because treatments for rheumatoid arthritis can be toxic, it’s best to wait until the disease progresses before beginning treatment.”

This has got to be the most dangerous of all the myths. There is a plethora of information out there that show early detection of RA prevents joint damage and disability. Treatment should start as soon as possible after diagnosis because delaying treatment could create painful outcomes down the road. Although it is true there are side effects, but hardly are they worse than untreated rheumatoid arthritis. A simple blood test and visits to the doctor can detect if anything serious is occurring with the treatment medications.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatments are one of the research studies we’ve been working on here in DeLand, Florida. Some of our investigational treatments have shown promising results, but we need to do additional research studies to test investigational methods that may help us understand your condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials | Debunking the Non-Exercise Myth

thunderseo — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:03:35 +0000

Approximately 1% of the world’s population is affected by rheumatoid arthritis and still it continues to be a misunderstood joint disease. In order to achieve a fuller understanding, rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials are needed, and by participating this will allow the patient to take advantage of the latest research developments.

Understanding R.A. is important though, and there many misconceptions about this disease. One of the common confusions is assuming rheumatoid arthritis is the same as arthritis. It is understandable because arthritis is much more common. There is a common myth out there that painful, stiff joints from rheumatoid arthritis need to rest most of the day.

This certainly a myth. People with RA need to stretch their joints and exercise regularly. Keeping mobile, taking medications, and exercising is essential. Doing less or being immobile is counterproductive. Of course it is natural to want to avoid movement; joints are painful and stiff. But, by performing some stretches and exercises the patient will allow the muscles around the joints to contribute to strength and stability.

Here are some tips for good exercising:

* Stretching exercises require minimal exertion and help keep joints flexible.
* Low-impact aerobic exercise improves joint health, as well as overall mental and physical health.
* High-impact exercise, in general, should be avoided.

Avail Clinical Research Announces Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Studies in DeLand, Florida

thunderseo — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:07:32 +0000

DeLand, Florida— March 3, 2010 — Avail Clinical Research, a privately owned research facility, founded in 1998 in DeLand, FL, announces the launch of several rheumatoid arthritis clinical trials to test investigational treatment options for those already diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. “We are very pleased to begin the systemic evaluation of our research studies to help find a viable investigational treatment solution to those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis,” said Bruce G. Rankin, DO, CPI., the Vice Chief of Medicine at Florida Hospital DeLand. “We believe that these research studies will build significantly on the data generated by other studies conducted on investigational treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis.” Dr. Rankin has been conducting research with Avail Clinical Research since 1999 and is currently the Medical Director.

The research studies will enroll those already diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which includes symptoms like joint pain, tenderness and swelling, firm bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms, fatigue, and morning stiffness that lasts for hours. In order to participate in the studies volunteers must be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Avail Clinical Research will not take volunteers who:

• have any evidence or treatment of malignancy within the previous 5 years,
• have a history of alcohol or substance abuse within the previous 5 years,
• have used an investigatory drug or participated in an investigatory study within 30 days of the screening,
• are pregnant, or
• are breast-feeding.

Avail Clinical Research will provide participants with study related care, including physical examinations, laboratory services and study medications. Participants will also be compensated for time and travel. For more information regarding participation in our clinical trials, contact Avail Clinical Research at 386.310.1334, or at www.AvailClinical.com.