Debunking Myths ... Arthritis Style

           It doesn’t take you long on the Internet to find some pretty amazing “natural” cures to what ails you -- from apple cider vinegar for gout to gin-soaked raisins for arthritis.  What took us on this quest for “knowledge” was a patient telling us that her mother used a well-known greasing agent (that uses letters and numbers in its name brand) to give her relief from joint pain.  We were appalled, but did our own research and found that it was, indeed, a pretty common MYTH.  Unfortunately, using this greasing agent can not only dry out your skin, but it can also have cumulative harmful effects due to the kerosene it contains.  Therefore, we strongly encourage you to call us to 1) get a proper diagnosis for your Rheumatological condition, and then 2) understand that more medications have been discovered in the last 10 years for arthritis, and its associated conditions, than in the last 100 years!  We do understand that there are some herbs and natural compounds that may give you relief from your pain, but wouldn’t you rather be safe than sorry?  Call us today, because – Pain is not normal! And, The Arthritis and Infusion Center can help! 

Venus Williams diagnosed with Sjorgen's Syndrome

In late August, The New York Times reported that Venus Williams exited the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center due to a diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome.  Originally thought to be a viral illness in Ms. Williams, The Arthritis Foundation advises that “This autoimmune condition involves more than just chronic dry eyes and mouth – it can affect other organs and systems as well.  Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, rashes on the arms and legs, and inflammation of tiny blood vessels.  The lungs, liver, and kidneys may become inflamed; some people develop tingling and numbness in the limbs because of neurological involvement.”  Dr. Hulon Crayton, of The Arthritis and Infusion Center, is the longest-tenured Rheumatologist in this region who is well versed in the treatment of not only Sjogren’s Syndrome, but Dr. Crayton has a broad range of exposure to all manifestations of Rheumatological diseases.  While a diagnosis of Sjogren’s Syndrome is not life threatening, unfortunately (to date), there is no cure.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center has the most current information regarding this condition, and the sooner you address the symptoms, the sooner you can manage this condition. Remember the theme of The Arthritis and Infusion Center:  Pain is not normal.  Let The Arthritis and Infusion Center help!©

“The Silent Killer” … Another Name for Osteoporosis

Unfortunately, elderly patients with osteoporosis are the most vulnerable for compression fractures, which are broken bones of the spine. This fracture normally occurs with osteoporosis, but could also be caused from trauma to the back or tumors in the bone.

Symptoms of Compression Fractures, which cause severe back pain, usually occur in the mid to lower part of the spine. Our patients have described “shooting” pains that are aggravated by walking and a stooped posture.

The tests that are recommended for Compression Fractures include a bone density test to evaluate the osteoporosis that may be present, followed by a CT or MRI scan if there is concern that the fracture was caused by the trauma or tumors (mentioned above).

Fortunately, treatment is available and healing can occur over eight to ten weeks. There are medications available to treat osteoporosis, which can help prevent future fractures, but when vertebrae have already collapsed, treatment cannot reverse the fracture.

Immediately contact Dr. Crayton at The Arthritis and Infusion Center if you have back pain and think you may have experienced a compression fracture. The sooner you seek medical help, the faster we can ease your pain and get to the bottom of what is causing your discomfort. Remember our slogan: “Pain is not normal. Let us help.”

Fatigue Got You Down?

Are you CONSTANTLY TIRED?  …

… even after a good night’s sleep?  You could have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, an underactive thyroid, depression, sleep apnea, or your adrenal glands could be overworked. When all other symptoms have been ruled out, you could be suffering from a condition that has been referred to as a “stealth illness” – Fibromyalgia and/or chronic fatigue syndrome.  This condition usually affects more women than men, and there can also be a genetic predisposition.  While some doctors frown on this diagnosis, Dr. Hulon Crayton knows that the symptoms are very real, and blood tests can actually provide significant “markers” regarding an accurate treatment plan.  Jump starting your energy is possible, once you learn the root cause of your condition.  Call our office today to discuss your symptoms and how The Arthritis and Infusion Center can assist with a better quality of life for you or someone you love.  Remember:  Pain is not normal.  Let us help!   

The Low Down "Low T"

“Low T” … a term all males dread, because the “t” in this term refers to testosterone, and when this hormone is low, it can cause a variety of issues for men. 

This condition can be suspected when the man experiences a loss of energy, depression (from mild to severe), thinning of bones (osteoporosis), muscle weakness, and a disinterest in sex.  Unfortunately, men are less likely than women to be evaluated for osteoporosis, and that is indeed unfortunate.  Osteoporosis (in both males and females) increases the risk of hip fracture – known to be a leading cause of mortality rates during the first year.  It only stands to reason that a screen for low testosterone, and the associated osteoporosis, should be the first step towards a better quality of life when “Low T” is first suspected based on the symptoms listed above.

So what causes “Low T”?  Trauma to the testicles from medical conditions (like mumps), old sports injuries, tumors, or simply prolonged and severe illnesses can cause this condition.  Most men begin to lose testosterone levels, as a normal course, beginning at about the age of 60, but there is a very simple blood test that can easily diagnose this condition.

Then what?  Fortunately, there are skin applications, patches, and medical science is always studying better ways to treat this troublesome condition through biological therapy.

So what should you do if you feel as if you are experiencing “Low T”?  Contact The Arthritis and Infusion Center to begin the screening process.  Peace of mind is as close as your telephone, and the prevention of fracture could even make your call a life saving one.  873-6748 will take you to the appropriate medical practice to determine if you are experiencing “Low T”.   Why wait?  Contact us today!

Investing In Your Health

At The Arthritis and Infusion Center, we understand that any pain is not normal.  However, diagnosing the source of pain – especially with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms – isn’t always easy.  That’s why Dr. Hulon Crayton has made it a point to invest in the most up-to-date diagnostic tools in order to determine the origins of the diseases he treats.

For instance, our Dexa Scan equipment provides Bone Density Studies, which determine how likely you are to fracture bones.  The scan is fast, accurate, pain-free, and has very low radiation.  This information is particularly important to those patients who may lean towards osteoporosis.

           

Ultrasonography is now appreciated as a valuable tool for diagnosis monitoring and intervention in Rheumatology.  This current technology actually allows Dr. Crayton to look closely into your body, specifically your joints and muscles, to determine the origin of pain and swelling.  We have found this to be especially helpful in detecting rotator cuff and meniscus tears, rheumatoid arthritis, and other arthritis or soft tissue conditions.

Finally, we are very excited about our equipment that enables us to do Nerve Conduction Studies.  A nerve conduction study (NCS) is a test commonly used to evaluate the function, especially the ability of electrical conduction, of the motor and sensory nerves of the human body.  The results of the NCS provide good indicators of underlying diseases in the nervous system.  Patients suffering from arthritis symptoms will find this study to be particularly helpful.

Of course, within our Infusion Center, we continuously upgrade our equipment to make certain that your experience is as painless and stress-free as possible.

Remember:  Pain is not normal, and when you begin to experience pain in your muscles and joints, it’s time to contact The Arthritis and Infusion Center in Panama City, Florida.

Start Collecting Your Own Library of Resource Information

Every person who suffers from rheumatological diseases should take an active role in their treatment plan.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center has found the following links to be very helpful to patients we have treated.  We would like to suggest that you begin an archive of these sources on your person computer:

www.arthritistoday.org

www.arthritis.org/chapters/florida/

www.rheumatology.org

www.everydayhealth.com/psoriatic-arthritis

www.fda.gov

www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info

www.lupus.org

If you have found other sites that have been beneficial to you – our patient – please provide that information to us.  TOGETHER we can work towards better outcomes in treatment and therapy if we stay abreast of the most recent scientific discoveries.  Just remember our slogan:  “Pain is not normal.”  Contact us to determine what’s at the root of your pain and how we can work together to provide a better quality of life for you (or someone you love).