Arthritis: How Osteopathy And Healthy Eating Can Aid Your Pain
In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other similar conditions that affect their joints. Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling, tenderness and inflammation in the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body. This is what causes inflammation in your joints. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease. It’s commonly referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. The pain you feel is caused when the cartilage within your joints begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
- Chronic joint pain
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling around joints
- Joint redness
- Decreased range of motion.
Not only can these symptoms worsen with age, but if you leave them untreated, you can be causing your joints long-term damage. Fibrous tissue may form around your joints which could lead to your bones fusing together. This can cause deformity and a loss of mobility.
How could your diet be impacting your arthritis?
Though there isn’t a ‘miracle diet’ that can cure your arthritis, everyone can benefit from eating a healthy, well-balanced diet to maintain general good health and mental wellbeing. Studies have shown that by eliminating some of the foods and beverages below may reduce the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
What food and beverages should you avoid if you have rheumatoid arthritis?
- Foods that include added sugars
- Processed and red meats
- Gluten-containing foods
- Highly processed foods
- Alcohol
- Certain vegetable oils
- Foods high in salt
What should you increase your intake of?
Salmon, mackerel and tuna have high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D
- Spinach, kale, and broccoli are great sources for vitamins E and C
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Berries
- Garlic and onions
- Green tea.
A well-balanced diet, along with the use of prescribed medications, can lessen the inflammatory responses from the body that are causing you pain. Eating the right foods will also help you to maintain a healthy weight, which is incredibly important since your hips and knees support most of your body weight.
How can osteopathy aid your arthritis?
Through gentle massage, stretching and articulation of your affected joints, we can improve your range of movement and encourage better joint health by promoting blood and lymph flow to and from the area. This will reduce your pain and inflammation whilst also increasing your flexibility.
When you visit us at The Enfield Osteopathic Clinic, your assigned osteopath will want to know how your symptoms began and the factors which are affecting them. We will take a complete medical history from you so we can fully understand any previous illnesses or injuries you may have incurred. We will also note down any other treatments you are currently receiving. We are qualified to carry out a conventional examination, and to reach a diagnosis.
If you would like to explore osteopathic care as an alternative or additional treatment for your arthritis, please get in touch to book in your complimentary consultation at the Enfield Osteopathic Clinic.
We will be able to assess your body and provide you with exercises you can incorporate into your everyday life. We will work together to ensure 2022 is a happy and pain-free year for you.
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