Arthritis is very common but is not well understood. Arthritis means joint inflammation, but the term is used to describe around 200 conditions that affect joints, the tissues that surround the joint, and other connective tissue. It is a rheumatic condition. Arthritis is a joint disorder featuring inflammation. A joint is an area of the body where two different bones meet. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones. Arthritis literally means inflammation of one or more joints.
Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are common types of arthritis. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and limited function of joints.
Factors in the development of arthritis include injury, abnormal metabolism, genetic makeup, infections, and immune system dysfunction.
A healthful, balanced diet with appropriate exercise, avoiding smoking, and not drinking excess alcohol can help people with arthritis maintain their overall health.
Symptoms of arthritis
Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Joint inflammation from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, pain, and warmth.
- Stiffness of the joint can lead to poor function.
- Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present with or without pain.
- When large joints are involved, such as the knee, there can be loss of cartilage with limitation of motion from the joint damage.
- When arthritis affects the small joints in fingers, there can be bone growth and loss of hand grip and grip strength of the hand associated with stiffness.
- Arthritis of weight-bearing joints can lead to difficulty walking from poor joint function and arthritis pain.
Many of the forms of arthritis, because they are rheumatic diseases, can cause symptoms affecting various organs of the body that do not directly involve the joints. Therefore, symptoms in some patients with certain forms of arthritis can also include
- fever,
- gland swelling (swollen lymph nodes),
- weight loss,
- fatigue,
- feeling unwell, and
- even symptoms from abnormalities of organs such as the lungs, heart, or kidneys.
How to cure and prevent arthritis?
Diet
There is no specific diet that treats arthritis, but some types of food may help reduce inflammation.
The following foods, found in a Mediterranean diet, can provide many nutrients that are good for joint health:
- fish
- nuts and seeds
- fruits and vegetables
- beans
- olive oil
- whole grains
Foods to avoid
There are some foods that people with arthritis may want to avoid.
Nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, contain a chemical called solanine that some studies have linked with arthritis pain. Research findings are mixed when it comes to these vegetables, but some people have reported a reduction in arthritis symptoms when avoiding nightshade vegetables.
Self-management
Self-management of arthritis symptoms is also important.
Key strategies include:
- staying physically active
- achieving and maintaining a healthy weight
- getting regular check-ups with the doctor
- protecting joints from unnecessary stress
Seven habits that can help a person with arthritis to manage their condition are:
- Being organized: keep track of symptoms, pain levels, medications, and possible side effects for consultations with your doctor.
- Managing pain and fatigue: a medication regimen can be combined with non-medical pain management. Learning to manage fatigue is key to living comfortably with arthritis.
- Staying active: exercise is beneficial for managing arthritis and overall health.
- Balancing activity with rest: in addition to remaining active, rest is equally important when your disease is active.
- Eating a healthful diet: a balanced diet can help you achieve a healthy weight and control inflammation. Avoid refined, processed foods and pro-inflammatory animal-derived foods and choose whole plant foods that are high in antioxidants and that have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improving sleep: poor sleep can aggravate arthritis pain and fatigue. Take steps to improve sleep hygiene so you find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Avoid caffeine and strenuous exercise in the evenings and restrict screen-time just before sleeping.
- Caring for joints: tips for protecting joints include using the stronger, larger joints as levers when opening doors, using several joints to spread the weight of an object such as using a backpack and gripping as loosely as possible by using padded handles.
Physical therapies
Doctors will often recommend a course of physical therapy to help patients with arthritis overcome some of the challenges and to reduce limitations on mobility.
Forms of physical therapy that may be recommended include:
- Warm water therapy: exercises in a warm-water pool. The water supports weight and puts less pressure on the muscles and joints
- Physical therapy: specific exercises tailored to the condition and individual needs, sometimes combined with pain-relieving treatments such as ice or hot packs and massage
- Occupational therapy: practical advice on managing everyday tasks, choosing specialized aids and equipment, protecting the joints from further damage and managing fatigue
Physical activity
Research suggests that although individuals with arthritis may experience short-term increases in pain when first beginning exercise, continued physical activity can be an effective way to reduce symptoms long-term.
People with arthritis can participate in joint-friendly physical activity on their own or with friends. As many people with arthritis have another condition, such as heart disease, it is important to choose appropriate activities.
Joint-friendly physical activities that are appropriate for adults with arthritis and heart disease include:
- walking
- swimming
- cycling
A health care professional can help you find ways to live a healthful lifestyle and have a better quality of life.
Natural therapies
A number of natural remedies have been suggested for different types of arthritis.
According to the organization Versus Arthritis, based in the United Kingdom (U.K.), some research has supported the use of devil’s claw, rosehip, and Boswellia, from the frankincense tree. Devil’s claw and Boswellia supplements can be purchased online.
There is some evidence that turmeric may help, but more studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Various other herbs and spices have been recommended for RA, but again, more research is needed. They include turmeric, garlic, ginger, black pepper, and green tea.
Many of these herbs and spices are available to purchase online in supplement form, including turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Anyone who is considering using natural remedies for any type of arthritis should speak to a doctor first.