This is the question every person with arthritis would like to know, and up to 75 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis believe that yes your diet does either make your joints feel better or worse however when I asked Dr. Hadler, a professor of medicine and microbiology-immunology at the University of North Carolina he said, “There’s no compelling data that generalizes all patients.”
There are over 100 different types of arthritis but all have the show-tell signs of swelling, joint pain, stiffness and or limited movement. In this article I will address Osteoarthritis- due to that fact that it affects so many people, young and old.
When your diet is balanced with good foods your body can be at its peak condition so I’ve found what I would like to call the super foods for arthritis: Salmon is a great way to add omega-3 to your diet it is great for joints and protects your heart and other muscles.
The symptoms for Osteoarthritis are generally stiffness and an achiness that won’t leave your body even after you get up, get moving, and or do stretches. You can’t make this arthritis go away for the reason it occurs is when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones has worn out. The best thing you can do to slow down the progression of this arthritis and improve joint function would be to schedule an appointment with your doctor; He/She will then discuss with you your family’s medical history and what problems you current are facing.
Blood tests, MRI, or x-rays may also be suggested so your physician can determine if in fact your bones are wearing down due to lack or cartilage. If pain in a constant companion you could also be prescribed medications such as acetaminophen- a pain reducing medicine, or non-steroidal drugs which take away swelling, or if the pain is extreme you could be prescribed narcotics.
If prescriptions are the not the way to go for you injections of corticosteroid medications may relieve joint pain or some prefer lubrication injections which are injections of hyaluronic acid derivatives, ask your doctor what the pros. and cons. would be for you if you chose this route.
A good diet with supplements of Vitamin D and omega3 will help prevent further damage to your joints. Maintaining exercise before and after surgery will not only help with recovery but can lessen the pain by increasing joint mobility and strengthening muscles around the joints.
Physical therapy might be a good option for helping you get started with the right exercises and or just going swimming will put you on the right track because swimming allows the strengthening of muscles with little to no impact on the joints. So don’t back down from the pain- fight it, see your doctor and create your plan for a pain free future.
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