In The News: 03/08

Preliminary research in Australia suggests that the pattern of osteoarthritis (OA) pain may be linked to your bodys daily (circadian) clock. According to a report in Annals of Rheumatic Diseases (Vol. 61, No. 12), 21 patients with OA of the hand were asked to keep daily journals for 10 days, documenting their pain throughout the day. In reviewing the journals, doctors found that reported dexterity levels were highest, and pain levels lowest, in the afternoon, usually between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.