Arthritis Research Campaign

Home Page submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

ARC's web site.

ARC - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Carpal' is a medical term which refers to the wrist. A 'syndrome' is a combination of problems which doctors recognise as a particular disease or disorder. The 'carpal tunnel' lies in the wrist and the tendons which run down from the muscles in the forearm to move the fingers pass through it. The carpal tunnel also contains an important nerve called the median nerve. This nerve controls some of the muscles which move the thumb. It also carries information back to the brain about sensations you feel in your thumb and fingers – particularly the index, middle and (occasionally) the ring fingers. In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve gets squeezed – often because the tendons become swollen and overfill the tunnel – and this causes the symptoms described in this link.

ARC - The Painful Shoulder submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

Shoulder problems are common. Most cases of shoulder pain only last for a short while and are not caused by arthritis.This booklet explains why people get shoulder pain and discusses the usual conditions which cause problems. Most shoulder problems settle with simple treatments, but more complex treatments, such as arthroscopy and other forms of surgery, are also discussed.

ARC - Work-related Rheumatic Complaints submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

The physical demands of work and exercise can make existing rheumatic problems worse. However, work can sometimes cause a rheumatic problem, particularly if your physical working methods suddenly change. These conditions are often known as work-related or occupational disorders. The term 'repetitive strain injury' (RSI) is less likely to be used nowadays. In sports medicine the term 'overuse injury' is used. If your particular sport or DIY activity strains the same parts of the body that you also use at work, you may be more prone to rheumatism and its symptoms.Other work and home demands can also make existing problems worse, or can add to symptoms occur ring in the workplace. These might include, in the home, such things as stress or depression. In the workplace causes of stress might include bullying and jobs in which people have little or no control over their work pattern.

ARC - Raynaud's Phenomenon submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

If you have Raynaud's phenomenon your hands, and sometimes your feet, change colour when exposed to cold conditions. Typically the hands go white, then blue, and then red. People with Raynaud's phenomenon often complain of cold feet as well, and the tip of the nose may also feel uncomfortable. Raynaud's phenomenon can also occur as a result of using vibrating machinery, when it is called 'vibration white finger' or 'hand-arm vibration syndrome'. It can also sometimes occur as a side-effect of certain drugs such as beta-blockers which are used in the treatment of raised blood pressure and angina.

ARC - Pain in the Neck submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This booklet describes simple ways of dealing with neck pain as well as the main medical and complementary treatments. Neck pain can be caused through poor ergonomic working positions, injury or an illness itself.

ARC - Tennis Elbow submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

This ailment is caused by a physical strain. Of course, a strenuous game of tennis can be the cause, but it can also be any one of a number of activities. People who are continually gripping and twisting – carpenters and plasterers, for instance – are particularly prone to this painful condition. The medical name for tennis elbow is 'lateral epicondylitis'. The lateral epicondyle is the bony part you can feel on the outside of your elbow joint. It is outside the joint and so is unaffected by arthritis or deformity, but it is often prominent, especially in thinner people, and consequently it can easily be knocked, which causes soreness and bruising.

ARC - Back Ache submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

If you've got back pain, then you're probably reading this booklet because you want to get better and because you want to understand more about this problem. You are in good company because 4 out of 5 of us get back pain at some time. However, most bouts of back pain get better in a short time and simple painkillers are all that are needed. Getting back to normal activities is the best way to cope with back pain. This booklet is aimed at people who have more persistent (long-lasting) back pain. It explains some of the causes of back pain and what can be done to help it and prevent it happening again

ARC - Primary Care Management of Acute Back Ache submitted by WHIG Administrator — last modified 2005-10-04 16:29

The major aim of this report is therefore to describe an approach to the early treatment and ‘handling’ of LBP (Lower Back Pain) patients which, if adopted widely, may reduce the likelihood of acute LBP attacks deteriorating into more chronic problems.