Ruth Jessen Hickman

Bloomington

Medical Writer at Freelance

freelance medical writer, mother, artist, explorer, seeker

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Articles

Psychosocial Factors & Pain in Hand Osteoarthritis

3 weeks ago | the-rheumatologist.org | Ruth Jessen Hickman

A recent longitudinal study of hand pain in osteoarthritis (OA) indicates a variable course, with some patients showing pain stability or even improvement over time.1 As researchers learn more about the biopsychosocial factors that influence pain course, the data may help shape more targeted interventions in specific patient subsets. Multiple processes are thought to underlie pain in chronic hand OA, which may be present in patients to differing degrees.
The ACR Releases New Lupus Nephritis Guideline

3 weeks ago | the-rheumatologist.org | Ruth Jessen Hickman

At a session of ACR Convergence 2024, speakers shared key elements of the new guideline on the screening, treatment and overall management of lupus nephritis in children and adults.1 This guideline attempts to balance the risks of medication side effects with the important goal of preserving kidney function. This is the ACR’s first lupus guideline since 2012.
Kidney Biopsy in Lupus Nephritis

3 weeks ago | the-rheumatologist.org | Ruth Jessen Hickman

As part of a session on lupus nephritis at ACR Convergence 2023, Simone Appenzeller, MD, PhD, shared perspectives on the importance of biopsy to inform the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of the condition, with an emphasis on childhood disease. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of lupus nephritis is perhaps even more important for children than for adults because of the risk of kidney failure and longer total lifetime impact.
Do Your Nails Look or Feel Different? Could It Be From Alopecia?

1 month ago | health.com | Ruth Jessen Hickman |Casey Gallagher

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes abnormal inflammation around hair follicles, leading to excessive hair loss. The condition may cause nail symptoms, including texture, shape, or color changes. These changes are usually minor and may not affect your daily life. However, some people have more serious nail changes that can cause pain and interfere with daily activities.
Pressures Intensify for Rheumatology Researchers

1 month ago | the-rheumatologist.org | Ruth Jessen Hickman

Many rheumatology researchers share concerns about the landscape for future opportunities, given recent pressures from the current presidential administration. These may make an already challenging environment even more difficult for academic physicians to successfully navigate. But many in the field will persevere despite obstacles, driven by the need to deepen understanding of these conditions and ultimately improve long-term quality of life for people with rheumatic diseases.
5 Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis in Darker Skin To Talk to Your Doctor About

1 month ago | health.com | Ruth Jessen Hickman |Katlein França

Maskot / Getty Images Atopic dermatitis may be more challenging for healthcare providers to identify because its color differs in people with darker skin than in people with lighter skin. Atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, leads to chronic (long-term) inflammation in areas of the skin. With darker skin, this skin inflammation doesn’t usually look red like in people with lighter skin. Instead, the affected skin may have a darker brown or purplish color.
Food Allergy Testing for Children: What Parents Should Know

2 months ago | health.com | Ruth Jessen Hickman

A food allergy is a serious medical condition where your body's immune system reacts to certain foods like they're invaders. If your child has food allergies, an essential part of keeping them safe is knowing which foods trigger a reaction so you can avoid them.A healthcare provider can help you learn which foods your child is allergic to through food allergy testing.
Venous Hypertension: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

2 months ago | verywellhealth.com | Ruth Jessen Hickman

Venous hypertension is a common medical condition, especially in older adults, when the blood pressure in your veins is higher than it should be. When healthcare providers use this term, they usually mean elevated pressure in the veins of your legs. Venous hypertension is most commonly caused by venous insufficiency, a condition in which the veins can’t normally return blood to the heart. Venous hypertension is different from arterial hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure.
Is Your Fatigue From Psoriatic Arthritis? Here's What You Should Know

Mar 29, 2025 | health.com | Ruth Jessen Hickman

Three Spots / Getty Images Many people associate psoriatic arthritis (PsA) with itchy, scaly skin and joint pain, but excess fatigue is also a symptom for at least 50% of people with PsA. Fatigue from PsA might be mild, moderate, or severe. It can happen without warning, even if you haven't done anything strenuous. Sometimes healthcare providers underestimate how many people with PsA have fatigue and how severely the fatigue impacts people's quality of life.
Tricompartmental Osteoarthritis: Treatment, Causes, and More

Mar 21, 2025 | health.com | Ruth Jessen Hickman

andreswd / Getty Images Tricompartmental osteoarthritis causes pain and damage due to the cartilage (cushioning) in a joint breaking down. This form of osteoarthritis occurs when there's damage in the three compartments of your knee joint—the inner side, outer side, and front. In the United States, about a third of people aged 65 or older have knee osteoarthritis. Of these, about a quarter have tricompartmental osteoarthritis.