Arthritis: Doctor gives advice on best foods to help ease pain
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Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. The term is family but poorly understood. For example, it is not a single disease but an umbrella term for a range of conditions. Another misconception is that arthritis only affects the joints.
As the Arthritis Foundation (AF) explains, some conditions that accompany different forms of arthritis “affect our largest and most visible organ: our skin”.
According to the AF, the following skin changes may signal you have arthritis or an associated condition:
- Increased Sun Sensitivity
- Multiple Sores or Purple Spots
- Unusual Bruising
- Red or Purple Lines Under the Skin
- A Wound That Doesn’t Heal.
Some forms of arthritis specifically affect the skin, such as psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some patients with psoriasis.
According to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR), affected fingers and toes can resemble swollen sausages, a condition often referred to as dactylitis.
“Recent research suggests that persistent inflammation from psoriatic arthritis causes joint damage later, so early accurate diagnosis is essential,” says the ACR.
How to treat arthritis
Living with arthritis can greatly diminish quality of life by making it hard to perform even basic tasks.
Unfortunately, arthritis cannot be cured but it can be treated by making healthy lifestyle decisions.
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While there’s no miracle diet for arthritis, many foods can help fight inflammation and improve joint symptoms.
“For starters, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts and beans but low processed foods and saturated fat, is not only great for overall health, but can also help manage disease activity,” explains the AF.
Many of these items can be found in the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to a host of health benefits.
In fact, a Mediterranean diet can reduce markers of inflammation in people with osteoarthritis, according to a study led by researchers at the University of Kent and published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.
In addition to eating healthily, you should also engage in regular exercise to alleviate arthritis.
“It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue,” explains the Mayo Clinic
According to the NHS, as long as you do the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse.
“Combined with a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise will help you lose weight and place less strain on your joints,” explains the health body.
It adds: “Your GP can recommend the type and level of exercise that’s right for you.”
Exercise does not have to be very vigorous to produce benefits.
Health body Arthritis Action explains: “Even gentle stretching or Tai Chi can improve balance and help keep the joints moving, and simple walking can dramatically improve fitness and reduce joint pain.”
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