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- What is arthritis?
- Symptoms of arthritis
- Causes of arthritis
- Prevention of arthritis
- Risk factors for arthritis
- Complications of arthritis
- When to see a doctor about arthritis
- Diagnosis of arthritis
- Conventional treatment of arthritis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of arthritis
- Living with arthritis
- Caring for someone with arthritis
Management of arthritis should be focused preventing flare-up of symptoms and ensuring the diet is modified to provide all the nutrients required for helping the body deal with this condition and avoiding the foods that cause further inflammation.
Strategies for reducing symptoms and getting a better quality of life:
- Diet - the diet of a person with arthritis is really an important part of managing symptoms. Research shows that certain foods may aggravate or worsen symptoms, but additionally, research also shows that certain foods may help reduce inflammation in the body and help to reduce worsening of symptoms. The foods that need to be included in the diet are: fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, some low fat dairy and fish. The foods that need to be limited in the diet are: red meat, whole fat dairy,
- Exercise - it is recommended to exercise most day for at least 30 minutes, in an exercise program that is gentle and non-abrasive, but if pain starts, then the exercise should be ceased until the pain goes away. The best forms of exercise are: walking, swimming, dancing, cycling, pilates, yoga as they have less of a jarring impact on the bones than other more physical forms of exercise
- Fish - the diet should include at least 2-3 servings of cold water, oily fish each week. Studies show that the omega-3 fatty acids in these fish can help to reduce inflammation, pain and possibly swelling in the joints (and other parts of the body). The best fish to eat are: mackerel, salmon, sardines, trout, tuna
- Hot and cold packs, alternating - using alternating hot and cold packs on the affected joint are a really simple, but very useful way to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling. The hot and cold packs should each be used for about 20 minutes and then alternated
- Know your limits - people with any type of arthritis need to know their limits and rest when they feel tired or lethargic and fatigued. Arthritis often causes fatigue and muscle (and joint) weakness and pushing through it, may cause a worsening of symptoms ad longer recuperation, so rest when necessary
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- Maintain good posture - this reduces the stress and pressure on the joints and ensures a better and balanced weight distribution. Proper posture needs to be maintained throughout life and certain activities can make it easier - walking fast or swimming
- Relax and rest - when pain is at its worst, try to rest the affected joint since moving it will only aggravate the pain even more. For really severe pain and swelling, rest is recommended for at least 12 hours, but 24 hours is better
- Sleep - people with arthritis need to ensure they get enough sleep each night to help their body deal with the condition. Sleep is the time when the body goes into deep relaxation and at the deepest stages of sleep is when the body tries to heal itself. Try to get around 7-8 hours of sleep each night
- Supplements - certain supplements are highly recommended for helping reduce further damage to the joint and to help build up more cartilage, which may reduce pain and inflammation. Many studies show that when glucosamine and chondroitin are used together, they have a very beneficial effect on the joints and reduce the need for using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) significantly
- Support groups - it is often beneficial to connect with organisations which may have access to the latest and most cutting edge information about arthritis, plus they can recommend support groups who can offer quite unique support
- Use assistive devices - there are many types of assistive devices which can greatly reduce the impact on the bones, joints and muscles and help people with arthritis live a relatively normal life. There are specially designed devices which help in the kitchen (ie special bottle and can openers), special pens and others
- Wear appropriate shoes - people with osteoarthritis in the foot or leg may need special orthopaedic instep for their shoes to help cushion their joints when they walk, which may help with pain
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< 10: alternative treatment 12: caregiving > Last reviewed: 3 January 2009 || Last updated: 8 February 2009
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NOTE: Mega doses of any type of vitamin, mineral, amino acid or herbal supplement cannot cure illnesses and in fact can be very dangerous and produce toxic side effects and interfere with medicine you are taking. Always ensure you consult your doctor before taking any type of complementary supplements.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to be used for diagnostic or prescriptive purposes. For any treatment or diagnosis of illness, please see your doctor.
