What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints. It is a condition that affects not only the joints but also the tissues that surround the joints and the connecting tissues around the affected area.
Arthritis is one of the most common joint problems. Although arthritis occurs mostly to adults age 65 and above, it may also affect younger adults and even children. The level of pain and discomfort ranges from mild to severe which can worsen over time.
What are the Causes of Arthritis?
Arthritis results from a variety of factors depending on the type of arthritis. Here are the common causes of each type of arthritis:
- Joint injury may lead to osteoarthritis.
- Metabolic malfunction is the leading cause of gout and pseudogout.
- Bacterial or viral infections can result to rheumatoid arthritis.
- Misdirected immune system with autoimmunity causes systemic lupus erythematosus.
Aside from these condition-specific causes, other common causes for arthritis are obesity and family history.
What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
The signs and symptoms of arthritis are evident on the joints and surrounding areas. Just like the causes of arthritis, the symptoms depend on the type of arthritis. These symptoms include pain and discomfort, swelling and stiffness, redness, and decreased range in motion.
Other signs and symptoms may also be observed such as warmth on the swollen area, tenderness of the inflamed joint, and loss of grip and strength. Some individuals may also feel restlessness and weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite.
How to Prevent Arthritis and Other Joint Pains
To date, there is no cure for arthritis. However, getting the right treatment approach coupled with eating the right food can help control the symptoms of arthritis from worsening.
There are a lot of medical approaches in alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. The best approach for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is interventional pain management.
Non-Invasive Approach to Treating Arthritis
Interventional pain management for arthritis is the holistic and advanced approach in relieving pain and discomfort of inflamed joints. This is a minimally to non-invasive procedure that will help lower the risks of arthritis and other joint pains.
Advanced Sports & Spine in Charlotte, NC provides the most ideal and comprehensive technique in dealing with the symptoms of arthritis. Dr. Ahmad will help you combat the discomfort, swelling, and even locking joints to enjoy a pain-free life.
Eating the Right Food
There is no recommended diet for arthritic individuals but it helps to avoid the types of food that can trigger the pain, swelling, and stiffness in arthritis.
In the case of gout and pseudogout which are affected by the metabolic factor of the body, it is best to avoid high-purine food like red meat and shellfish. Drinking beer and soda can also elevate the level of uric acid which may worsen the pain and discomfort in joints.
12 Best Foods to Ease Arthritis and Other Joint Pains
Research and studies show that there are food elements that can either aggravate or eliminate the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. While there is no diet that can cure arthritis, There are certain food types that can fight inflammation, boost immune system, and strengthen the bones.
Adding these kinds of food into your diet may help combat the risks of pain caused by arthritis and joint pains. Here are 12 best foods to ease arthritis:
#1 Broccoli
Broccoli is known as one of the most nutritious food, and it has been associated with reducing inflammation. It also contains components such as sulforaphane that blocks the formation of a cell type involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
#2 Fatty Fish
Fatty fish like herring and salmon are rich in omega-3 acids. This type of acid is known to reduce the production of chemicals that causes inflammation. Omega-3 is also present in other kinds of food such as walnut, flax seeds, and canola oil. Fatty fish is also rich in vitamin D that prevents soreness and swelling.
#3 Garlic
People who love eating food from the allium family including garlic and onion are at a lower risk of suffering from early signs of osteoarthritis. Garlic is beneficial to the health. It contains diallyl disulfide which is known to decrease the spread of cartilage damaging enzymes in the cells.
#4 Olive Oil
Olive oil has a rich balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids. It also contains oleocanthal known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
#5 Tart Cherry Juice
Anthocyanin in cherries helps relieve joint symptoms. Tart cherry juice can help improvement on stiffness and pain in osteoarthritis. It can also help increase joint motion.
#6 Spinach
Spinach and other leafy greens are full of nutritional benefits that can help prevent joint swelling. Spinach is rich in antioxidant kaempferol that decreases inflammatory agents in rheumatoid arthritis.
#7 Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts contain selenium. The research provided in the Johnson County Osteoarthritis Project of the University of North Carolina’s Thurston Arthritis Research Center, showed that people who have low selenium levels are more prone to knee osteoarthritis.
#8 Ginger and Turmeric
Ginger and turmeric are not just healthy additives to food and beverages, but are also good sources of anti-inflammatory agents.
#9 Vitamin C Rich Fruits
Antioxidants found in Vitamin C can help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Vitamin C rich fruits include kiwi, pineapple, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits.
#10 Berries
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that have anti-inflammatory agents. Berries also have quercetin and rutin that help boost health.
#11 Green Tea
Green Tea contains epigallocatechin-3 (EGCG) that lowers the production of inflammation-causing substances that may cause joint damage. This healthy brew also reduces the incidence and severity of arthritis.
#12 Grapes
Grapes are nutrient-dense fruits that contains resveratrol. This component is beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. It helps block the formation of rheumatoid arthritis cells.
These are just 12 of the many nutritious foods that can help ease pain and discomfort brought about by arthritis and joint pains. If your diet consists of joint pain triggering food like crabs, oysters, sweetbreads, and other high-sugar content foods, replace them with some of these 12 arthritis-fighting foods.
Our pain management practice in Charlotte combines our holistic approach with the right diet and proper exercise to help alleviate pain and discomfort. Consult with Dr. Ahmad and learn how you can combat arthritis and other joint pains. Contact us today at 704-542-3988 to learn more!