Arthritis – Hello Doctor

The 10 best foods for arthritis

October 8th, 2018 by The Hello Doctor Team

Arthritis is a group of diseases that cause swelling, stiffness and pain in your joints. Arthritis can affect anyone, of any age. There are many types of arthritis. These include osteoarthritis, which develops if your joints are overused, and rheumatoid arthritis which develops if your immune system attacks your joints.

No matter which type you have, living with arthritis can be tough as there’s no cure. But there are ways to manage the condition.

Certain foods can help ease the symptoms by fighting inflammation (a condition where different parts of your body become reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful), and strengthen your bones. Here are a few you can try.

Feed on fish

Packed with Omega-3, fatty fish is famous for its many health benefits. You’ll be happy to know that it also has anti-inflammatory effects, which helps with arthritis symptoms. In a study by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 33 people were fed either fatty fish, lean fish or meat four times a week. After eight weeks the group given fatty fish had lower levels of inflammation than the others. Choose fish like salmon, sardines, trout and mackerel.

Go garlic

Garlic is a good cold and flu fighter, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains diallyl disulphide which limits inflammation and may also play a role in repairing damaged cartilage. Choose fresh garlic as bottled garlic may have preservatives. Add it to your favourite meals for an extra kick of flavour.

Oil it up

Olive oil has loads of health perks, including easing arthritis symptoms. It contains oleocanthal, which gives a similar effect to drugs that lower inflammation and works by blocking the pathways that cause inflammation. Increase the olive oil to your diet by pouring it over salads as a healthy swap for dressing and use it as your oil choice for cooking.

Sip on tea

Green tea is packed with polyphenols and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and help slow down the destruction of cartilage. Studies have also shown that another ingredient in green tea called EGCG, blocks the production of molecules that cause joint damage in people with arthritis. This is particularly useful for rheumatoid arthritis.

Cook with turmeric

For centuries, this yellow spice has been used by Asian cultures to help treat inflammatory diseases. It contains curcumin, a compound which may help with inflammation. Spice up your curries, rice and vegetables with this dash of magic.

Sink into soy

If you don’t enjoy fish but would still like the anti-inflammatory benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, try soy. Soybeans (tofu or edamame) are low in fat and high in fibre and protein.

Cherry on top

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes a sudden flare up of inflammation in a single joint. Studies have shown that cherries may help with gout symptoms, thanks to a compound they have called “anthocyanins”. These are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and are also found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries.

Sprinkle cinnamon

Cinnamon may not be a very strong anti-inflammatory on its own, but when added to another one, becomes a solid player. Sprinkle some cinnamon in your green tea.

Get juicing

Citrus fruit like oranges, limes and grapefruit are packed with Vitamin C. Getting your fair share of vitamins is important to prevent inflammatory arthritis and keep your joints healthy.

Turn up the heat

Chilli peppers like cayenne don’t just add fire to your dishes, they also keep inflammation at bay. Chilli peppers contain capsaicinoids which are packed with anti-inflammatory properties. Use chilli to give your dishes a kick or as a dry rub for chicken or beef. Be careful though… start with a dash or two if you’re not used to spicy food!

References:

Make arthritis better with these simple steps

December 8th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’ve been diagnosed with arthritis – what does this mean? Arthritis is felt by pain in your joints. You may find these joints swelling, getting stiff and find it difficult to move. With arthritis, the pain can be worse on some days and mild on others. In severe cases, some people can’t walk or climb stairs.

There is hope though. Surgery (like joint replacement) is a possibility that can help down the line.

In the meantime, exercise can go a long way in easing your symptoms.

Having arthritis is not a death sentence

There’s a lot you can do to manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis. For starters, you can lose excess weight to help lessen the pressure on your joints. A healthy diet, moderate exercise, experimenting with heat and cold compresses, protecting your joints and continually checking in with your doctor are all important steps. Your doctor is in the best position to discuss pain-relief treatment or surgery suited to your specific situation.

Exercise can:

Give you the strength and energy you need to make it through the day.
Help strengthen the muscles around your joints.
Help you to get a good night’s sleep.
Assist you in maintaining bone strength.
Control your weight (less weight means less pressure on joints).
Improve your sense of wellbeing.

Get moving!

Fitness experts and physical therapists agree that when it comes to arthritis, stretching, strength training and low-impact aerobics can give you amazing results in terms of pain management.

These exercises are gentle enough to work well for arthritis sufferers:

Walking

With our dependence on cars and other modes of transport, we don’t walk enough. Yet walking is really good for everyone (unless it’s too painful). Even just maintaining a moderate pace for about 40 minutes around the block or through the park can do wonders for your heart rate and bone strength. The further you walk, the greater your endurance. But even 10 minutes at a time is a good start.

Water aerobics

This form of aquatic fitness can give you a full-body workout and be done at the public pool at a fraction of the cost of a gym membership. For starters, you can use the shallow end of the pool and walk at a brisk pace from side to side. Gyms also offer this form of exercise and some even have bicycles in the water for training.

Standing up from the chair (Chair stands)

Chair stands are good for building stronger arm and leg muscles and can be done in the comfort of your home or even at the office. While sitting at a normal height, stand up and then sit down (without flopping down) by just using your legs for support. To target the arm muscles, use only your arms to raise and lower yourself into your chair. Aim for 10 to 15 reps.

Pilates

This is a great way to stabilise joints and strengthen the muscles that support the joints. It’s not as complicated as yoga but has really good benefits for arthritis sufferers who need to build stronger muscles. Most gyms offer Pilates, but if yours doesn’t, you can always find an instructor online.

Exercise should be enjoyable, even with arthritis, so take your time and pace yourself carefully. Listen to your body and never try to exercise through the pain.

References:

http://www.health24.com/Medical/Arthritis

Take control of arthritis

December 4th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

The word “arthritis” describes joint inflammation or swelling, and it’s the name for a large group of more than 100 different conditions. The general symptoms are stiffness, pain and inflammation in the joints and softer structures around them. There is often swelling, redness, and reduced mobility, and these symptoms may worsen with age. Fortunately, there are arthritis treatments to help you cope. The earlier treatment is started, the more effective they will be.

Continue reading “Take control of arthritis”

Work away the pain of arthritis

October 16th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when a flare up of arthritis hits, but a workout may do you the world of good. Staying active is one of the best ways to ease arthritis and joint pain. This doesn’t mean you need to run a marathon – even moderate bouts of exercise can help you manage and improve your condition.

Continue reading “Work away the pain of arthritis”

Is that pain arthritis or just something I ate?

October 3rd, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

Sore joints may seem like a natural part of ageing, but they don’t have to be.

Continue reading “Is that pain arthritis or just something I ate?”

Arthritis isn’t just an old man’s disease!

October 12th, 2014 by The Hello Doctor Team

There is a common misconception that arthritis only begins to affect people over the age of 40 – not true! Arthritis can affect children as well. Continue reading “Arthritis isn’t just an old man’s disease!”

Working with arthritis

December 21st, 2013 by The Hello Doctor Team

Did you know? There are more than 100 diseases which fall under the heading of arthritis, and all of them are characterised by joint stiffness and debilitating pain. Arthritis is a chronic condition, and accounts for more than 1 in every 10 visits to the GP. Joint pain may be caused by injury or an infection but, as we age, the most common cause is osteoarthritis. The joints most generally affected are the hips, knees, shoulders and finger joints.

Continue reading “Working with arthritis”