Tips for Arthritis

Very Often we hear about arthritis amongst the old- This is called Osteoarthritis. When young people complain about joint pains and swelling it most probably is Rheumatoid arthritis.

The former may not have inflammatory changes and the latter is conspicuous with inflammation. The former is mainly wear and tear of the joint whereas the later is autoimmune. However there are many types of arthritis known to clinicians some inflammatory types and few other in children called juvenile arthritis present in population younger than 16 years of age.

Tips to relieve the inflammation and pain from arthritis :

• Exercise is a useful tool for relief from pain. Endurance and strengthening exercise of the muscles which support the affected joint is very crucial. Your physiotherapist can help you with customized versions of the exercise.
• NSAIDs as the anti-inflammatory medications form the first line therapy for pain and swelling in the arthritis patients. They should be carefully used under the guidance of the treating doctor. It is better to know the side effects of their excessive use.
• While there is no specific anti-inflammatory diet, research shows that if such diet can help limit the pain and provide better relief.
• Fried and processed food, mixed with salt and sugar to increase the shelf life, should be limited.
• Foods that are heated, grilled, fried, or pasteurized will damage certain proteins in the body, and the body tries to break these advanced glycan products by using cytokines, which are inflammatory messengers.
• Studies suggest that catechin and epigallocatechin prevent break down of cartilage in the joints. They also help to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body, including those involved in arthritis.

• Ginger and Turmeric are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. So grate ginger in the tea, use turmeric in everyday meal preparations and get the benefits of natural anti-inflammatory spices.
• Along with that food that is rich in Vitamin C, Anthocyanin and Omega 3 Fatty acids are helpful. Use of Olive oil for day to day food preparations are shown to benefit people suffering from arthritis pain.
• Dairy products, Alcohol and Tobacco, Salt and other preservatives, corn oil are known to damage the cartilage and its mediate inflammation; therefore should be avoided.
• Any physical activity that strains the joint should be avoided. For example in case of knee osteoarthritis use of stairs would increase the burden on the joint by 3 times and hence it should be avoided. Sitting cross legs would put strain on the knee and hip joints hence should be avoided by people suffering from hip and knee joint pains.
• During acute pain that hampers the daily life, clinicians advise rest and splints to reduce the movement and inflammation. Medications and self-management of stress would truly help.

It is also important to discuss these tips with your treating doctor before implementing them.