To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: Osteoarthritis In Hands May Be Related To Grip Strength URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/E0EB2.htm Doctor's Guide February 2, 1999
BOSTON, MA -- Feb. 2, 1999 -- Using data from the long-running Framingham Heart Study, researchers at Boston University School of Medicine and the Boston University Arthritis Center have determined that people with a strong grip are at increased risk for osteoarthritis in certain hand joints. The study appeared in the January issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism. Researchers Christine Chaisson, MPH, and David Felson, MD, MPH, of Boston University School of Medicine analysed both grip strength data and enhanced x-ray data for approximately 453 men and found that those with a strong grip were more likely to have the MCP joints (those closest to the palm) and the joint at the base of the thumb affected by osteoarthritis. According to Chaisson, this is the first study to examine the relationship of osteoarthritis and grip strength in different types of hand joints. "The forces at the joint and the frequency those forces are applied is new territory in arthritis research," Chaisson said. "We've had some studies about hand biomechanics which show force along the joints, but no one has evaluated this particular association before." "Muscular contraction and its effect on the joints is extremely complex. Some types of force are beneficial, and some are potentially harmful." Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the wearing away of joint cartilage. It affects approximately 20 million Americans over the age of 45. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.