Can Wearing a Copper Bracelet Ease Arthritis Pain?

From verywellhealth.com

Anecdotally, copper bracelets have been touted as a treatment for arthritis symptoms. But does this alternative treatment actually have legs? The limited research on this concept suggests that wearing copper bracelets isn’t an effective treatment for arthritis.

While there are plenty of other unproven remedies for people with arthritis, many therapies are backed by thorough research. 

                 IAN HOOTON/SPL / Getty Images

How Copper Is Thought to Relieve Arthritis

Copper’s use in medical therapies goes way back. It was reportedly first used by ancient Egyptians for sterilization purposes. In the late 1800s, physicians began using copper as a treatment for arthritis.

Proponents of medicinal copper treatments believe that copper may play a part in tissue repair. As with most folk remedies, people who tout this arthritis treatment can’t quite explain the exact bodily mechanisms at work.

Wait, isn’t copper a heavy metal? Why do people think it can impact our health?

Copper is an essential mineral. You can find it in the human body, but only in trace amounts. It’s critical for the formation of red blood cells. It also helps with iron absorption and plays a role in the nerve, blood vessel, bone, and immune system health.

Its role in keeping the immune system healthy might be why people think it’s a potential treatment for arthritis. Some people might think this connection makes sense because arthritis is a disease caused by an overreaction of the body’s defence system.

Dietary Sources of Copper

Our bodies don’t naturally produce copper. We get it from our food. Sources include:

• Shellfish
• Beans 
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Potatoes
• Dark leafy greens
• Organ meats 
• Cocoa
• Dried fruits 
• Yeast

What the Research Shows

While we know that copper plays a role in several vital bodily functions, there’s little research specifically about copper for arthritis treatment. There are even fewer that explore the usefulness of wearing copper in bracelet form for arthritis relief. 

One 2013 study looked at the effects of several wearable devices, including copper bracelets, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The study followed 65 participants who self-reported their results. The study found that none of the devices had a statistically significant effect in reducing arthritis symptoms.

People didn’t experience better physical function or lower medication use when wearing any of the devices. Researchers concluded that copper bracelets don’t have any meaningful effect, except perhaps a limited placebo effect, on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. 

A placebo effect happens when someone is undergoing treatment or taking a drug experiences positive effects that aren’t the result of the medication or therapy. They're instead due to a person’s belief that the treatment is effective. Some older studies also look at the effects of applying topical copper gels, but again there’s no evidence that these provide any benefits. 

Useless But It Won't Hurt You

Although a copper bracelet isn’t likely to provide any benefit aside from a placebo effect, wearing one isn’t harmful. Be wary of magnetic arthritis treatments, though. If you wear a pacemaker, wearing a magnetic bracelet can be dangerous.

Other Alternative Treatments

Living with arthritis can be difficult. The pain and inflammation may come and go. However, when symptoms happen, they can be debilitating and leave people unable to perform daily activities. 

Some research-backed treatments for arthritis that are included in clinical practice guidelines are:

• Hot and cold therapy
• Over-the-counter (OTC) non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids 
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis 
• Surgical treatments, like joint replacement

Note that these therapies won’t cure arthritis or prevent further loss of cartilage. They may help manage symptoms like pain and stiffness. 

The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health notes that some evidence has been found for these therapies:

Acupuncture

Massage therapy 

Tai chi

Qi gong

Glucosamine and chondroitin: While research has produced varying results, chondroitin sulfate is conditionally recommended for hand osteoarthritis in 2019 clinical practice guidelines.

People have anecdotally found the following therapies helpful for arthritis. However, more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits of these therapies: 

• Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)
• Herbal remedies, both oral and topical
• Cupping

Many of the above-listed treatments are considered natural therapies. However, they may still produce side effects. People who want to try supplements to treat arthritis should consult a doctor to avoid interactions. 

Lifestyle Measures

If you have arthritis, you can adopt some lifestyle changes to help ease symptoms. Some of these include:

• Physical exercise, including aerobic and resistance training
• Adopting a healthy diet 
• Quitting smoking
• Improving sleep hygiene

https://www.verywellhealth.com/copper-bracelet-arthritis-pain-5097911#citation-9

Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

From verywellhealth.com

Spinal arthritis is the inflammation of the joints between the bones in your spine or the joints connecting your spine to your pelvis.

It can affect the:

• Discs between vertebrae
• Ligaments and tendons connecting them
• Bones themselves

This can be caused by different autoimmune diseases, wear and tear on the joints, infections, and other conditions. 

Spinal arthritis is a very painful condition that increases stiffness and decreases the range of motion in joints, making it more difficult to do your normal activities.

Types of Spinal Arthritis

There are many different types of arthritis and they are often categorized into inflammatory or non-inflammatory types. Noninflammatory arthritis still causes inflammation in the joints, but it doesn’t begin because of inflammation in the joint.

Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory form of arthritis and is also known as degenerative arthritis. It is one of the most common forms of arthritis especially in older adults because it is caused by the wear and tear of the joints that happens over time. The cartilage between the joints that cushions movement starts to breakdown while aging and this causes friction. When there is increased friction while the joint is moving, it leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis in the spine affects the discs between the vertebrae.2

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where are the immune system breaks down the lining of the joints. Typically, rheumatoid arthritis affects other joints in the body but sometimes it can also affect the joints in the spine and neck. This is an inflammatory type of arthritis because the autoimmune response brings inflammation to the joints and it causes damage by breaking the lining.

Ankylosing spondylitis is part of a group of inflammatory diseases called spondyloarthritis. It is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae and joints connecting the pelvis to the spine. This is a rarer form of arthritis. It affects the joints in the lower back, but it can also affect your upper back or neck.

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis. Typically, people are diagnosed with the skin condition, psoriasis, before they develop any joint pain, but occasionally the symptoms of arthritis can begin first.

Reactive arthritis is a response to an infection or illness in another part of the body that causes inflammation in the joints. Common triggers for reactive arthritis are infections in the genital, urinary, or digestive systems.

Common Symptoms of Spinal Arthritis

Some symptoms of spinal arthritis are common to all of the different types of arthritis. These can include:

Decreased range of motion

Decreased strength

Pain stiffness and swelling

Pain numbness in your arms and legs

Headaches

There are some differences in how the symptoms can feel based on the type of arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis tends to become more painful when the joint is in use because prolonged use of the joint increases the grinding and inflammation in the joint.

For an inflammatory type of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, the pain can become worse even when the joints not in use, and long periods of time in the same position can increase pain.

Symptoms can also vary based on the part of the spine affected. For example:

• Arthritis in the cervical spine can cause pain that radiates to the shoulders, back of the head, and chest. If the nerves leaving the spine are affected, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms and hands can occur.
• Arthritis in the thoracic region can lead to pain radiating through the rib cage or abdomen. Muscle spasms can occur throughout the back and abdomen. The diaphragm—the muscle below the rib cage that affects breathing—can be painful or have muscle spasms affecting breathing. Inflammation around the ribs can also lead to pain and difficulty breathing.  
• Arthritis in the lumbar spine causes pain and stiffness in the lower back. If nerves are affected, it can lead to weakness, pain in the legs, bladder incontinence, and changes in bowel function.

Secondary Symptoms

Secondary symptoms of spinal arthritis can vary depending on the type of arthritis you have.

Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis are affected by physical activity. It’s a balance of moving enough to prevent stiffness without excessive exercise that increases the pain.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis can feel worse in the morning because of prolonged inactivity while sleeping. Also, standing or walking for long periods of time can make the symptoms of osteoarthritis worse.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This usually affects many joints at once causes inflammation, pain, swelling in multiple areas of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause symptoms such as fatigue, anaemia, fever, and loss of appetite. 

Ankylosing Spondylitis

In the early stages of this inflammatory disease, you may also experience mild fever, loss of appetite, and general discomfort. For people with ankylosing spondylitis, the pain is often described as a dull, persistent pain that is felt on both sides of the base of the spine and lower back.

Over time the pain can spread to the upper back and neck. Pain and tenderness sometimes radiate to the ribs, shoulder blades, hips, legs, and feet.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Flares in psoriatic arthritis symptoms can be accompanied by a flare in psoriasis, experiencing both joint pain and rashes at the same time. Psoriatic arthritis most often affects the joints of the finger, toes, feet, and lower back.

Reactive Arthritis

In addition to joint pain, people with reactive arthritis may also have eye inflammation; increased urinary frequency; inflamed tendons and ligaments; or rash on the soles of your feet, palms, or mouth.4

Since reactive arthritis is triggered by an infection or other diseases, it is common for joint pain to develop after experiencing diarrhoea, urinary tract infection, and other symptoms of infection.

When To See a Doctor

If you are experiencing joint pain, contact your doctor. With any of the types of arthritis, it’s important to see a doctor and have a treatment plan for managing the condition. There are no cures for arthritis, but treatment helps to manage the symptoms, reduce inflammation, and can even put the disease into remission where you will experience no symptoms for a period of time.

The longer the disease is uncontrolled the more likely it is for more severe damage to happen to the joints, making it more difficult to live with.

A Word From Verywell

Spinal arthritis is a painful and progressive group of conditions. Without an effective treatment plan, it can lead to disability, difficulty completing activities of daily living, and reduce your overall quality of life. If you are experiencing joint pain, speak to your doctor and develop a treatment plan to help. This will help improve your quality of life.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/symptoms-of-spinal-arthritis-5096385

What's best for arthritis: elliptical or treadmill?

From eu.hdnews.net

DEAR DR. ROACH: If I have the beginnings of arthritis of the knee, is an elliptical machine better to use than a treadmill? -- M.D.

ANSWER: If you had an inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, there are powerful medicines that can dramatically slow or stop progression of the disease. So I'm going to assume you have osteoarthritis, which is by far the most common arthritis of the knee. 

       No treatment is known to stop the progression of osteoarthritis. But exercise is one of the most effective treatments to reduce pain and especially to increase function. This is counterintuitive to many people ---- even many doctors are loath to prescribe exercise because for years osteoarthritis was considered a "wear and tear" injury of the joint. Research shows this not to be the case. Although joint injury can lead to development of osteoarthritis, regular exercise does not. Many studies have shown that a graded exercise program (starting slow and easy, and gradually building up) can lead to better function and endurance.

Unfortunately, many people with severe osteoarthritis have such pain that exercise seems impossible. People write to me that they just can't do any exercise, and indeed, it can get to the point where any movement is so painful that joint replacement becomes the only viable option. But for people with early arthritis, like you, and even moderate arthritis, exercise is a powerful tool. 

Elliptical machines put less impact pressure on the joint and will be better tolerated by people with more-advanced arthritis. Pools provide the most support for your joints. However, you can do whatever exercise feels best to you. Both treadmills and elliptical machines are an investment (so is a gym membership, once the pandemic is under control), but brisk walking is cheap and effective.

https://eu.hdnews.net/story/news/2021/01/23/dr-roach-whats-best-arthritis-elliptical-treadmill/6685798002/

10 Natural Remedies for Arthritis in Hands

From verywellhealth.com

Hand Exercises, Acupuncture, Hot and Cold Therapies, Splinting, and More

If you consistently experience pain in your hands, fingers, or wrists, you might wonder what type of arthritis might be causing you hand problems. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA), also called degenerative arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory type of arthritis.

OA and RA have many symptoms in common, including pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the hands and finger joints. If you are diagnosed with arthritis in your hands, your doctor has probably prescribed medications to help you manage symptoms.

RA and OA pain and inflammation can be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). RA is also treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic drugs to reduce the effects of an overactive immune system.

An overactive immune system can lead to high levels of joint inflammation and joint damage. Corticosteroid injections can both be helpful for managing both OA and RA.

Arthritis in the hands is also managed with at-home therapies to ease symptoms. This can include a number of things, including hand exercises, acupuncture, hot and cold therapies, splinting, capsaicin creams, fish oil, SAM-e supplements, meditation, a plant-based diet, and a variety of herbal supplements.

Hand Exercises

The hands have many little bone connections, which makes them more vulnerable to swelling. And regardless of the pain and swelling, you might experience in your hands, you still need to use your hands more than any other body part to complete a variety of daily tasks. This is where hand exercises can help.

While OA and RA affect your hands differently, hand exercises have been shown to improve joint flexibility and range of motion in the hands. Hand exercises might also reduce joint damage and lessen some of your hand symptoms, especially pain. 

In a study reported in 2013 in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, Norwegian researchers instructed 80 women with hand OA to do hand exercises three times a day for three months. Exercises included rolling fingers into a fist, squeezing a rubber ball, and spreading fingers as wide as possible.

Initially, many of the participants experienced significant hand pain when they started the hand exercises, but as the study progressed, hand and joint pain, grip, and function improved.

In another study reported 2015 in The Lancet, researchers followed 490 people who were treating their hand RA with medication. Half of the study participants continued their regular treatment while the other half were told to add specific hand stretching and strengthening exercises to their treatment plans.

After a year, the group that did the hand exercises had greater improvements in hand flexibility, dexterity, and muscle strength.

While hand exercises can be helpful, before you try them, you should talk to your doctor or a physical therapist. They can help plan an exercise routine that is safe and can best help you. If you experience significant pain while doing hand exercises, stop. Ask your doctor or therapist how much pain is normal and about other exercises that may not hurt as much.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient technique used in traditional Chinese medicine that has long been used to treat chronic pain. Research shows it is effective for providing symptom relief for people with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand because of a squeezed nerve in the wrist.

A study reported in 2017 in the journal Brain found people with carpal tunnel can experience improvements in pain and numbness using acupuncture. In addition, researchers suggested acupuncture—when done correctly—can also offer long-term benefits and continued improvements in hand function.

While acupuncture for RA hand pain and symptoms hasn’t been examined, using acupuncture to manage all over RA pain can curb pain because it boosts endorphins, the body’s natural pain killers.

A 2018 systematic review published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine finds acupuncture alone or with other therapies can be helpful for managing pain and function and improving quality of life in people with RA without side effects.

Hot and Cold Therapy

A cheap, easy, and effective treatment for arthritis hand pain is hot and cold therapy. Heat therapy can relax muscles and lubricate joints. Cold therapy, on the other hand, reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain from arthritis.

Hot Therapy

Some ways to utilize heat therapy for managing hand pain are:

• Taking a warm shower
• Soaking hands in warm water
• Applying warm compresses or heating pads to inflamed, painful hands
• Treating hands with a paraffin wax bath: Paraffin wax baths involve using a paraffin wax machine and paraffin wax, a type of wax used for candles. Treatment involves warming the wax and completely covering the hands with the warmed wax to provide relief from hand pain and soreness.

Cold Therapy

Cold packs can numb sore hands and reduce inflammation and swelling. The Cleveland Clinic recommends applying cold therapy for 20 minutes at a time. You should remove the ice treatment as soon as the skin feels numb to the touch. To protect your skin, wrap the cold pack in a thin towel.

Ways to utilize cold therapy include:

• Using a bag of frozen vegetables
• Freezing a towel and using it on the achy area
• Making your own cold pack by filing rice in a sock and keeping it in the freezer so it is available for use when you need it
• An ice massage of the hands using a frozen bottle of water
• A lunchbox ice pack
• An instant ice pack that can be cracked to release a chemical that causes the pack to become cold quickly

Some people get the most arthritis pain relief by alternating heat and cold therapy. You can experiment with both to see what gives you the best pain and symptom in your hands and fingers.

Splinting

Splints can be worn to reduce the pain of arthritis and can help with managing tasks that require you to use your fingers, hands, and wrists. A study reported in 2014 in the journal Rheumatology found short-term, night-time use of joint splitting of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was a safe and simple way to reduce pain and improve mobility of the joint.

The DIP joint is the first knuckle located at the top of the finger. Experiencing DIP pain is a sign of arthritis, including OA or RA.

Splinting has also been helpful for managing hand and wrist function in people with RA. A study reported in 2018 in the journal Reumatologia found hand function in women with RA could cause problems with grip and manual dexterity. The researchers concluded that wrist stabilization could improve hand function. 

Compression gloves might be an alternative to splinting. People typically wear compression gloves at night. Researchers think these tight-fitting and flexible gloves might improve pain and stiffness in the hands and potentially, improve hand function. While these gloves are safe and commonly used, there is little research on how helpful they might be.

Capsaicin Creams

Capsaicin is the ingredient in chili peppers that gives them their heat. When used in creams, gels, and patches, capsaicin blocks pain signals. According to Harvard Medical School, capsaicin creams cause few systemic side effects.

In a 2011 review in the journal Rheumatology, researchers reviewed the literature on capsaicin gel for hand and knee OA. In five of the trials reviewed, the report’s authors found capsaicin gel was significantly effective for pain relief. In one study reviewed where capsaicin gel was used over 12 weeks, there was a 50% pain reduction.

Before using products containing capsaicin on your hands, try a small amount in one skin area to make sure you are not allergic.

Fish Oil

RA can cause hand and finger pain, swelling, and stiffness. When hands and fingers become inflamed, joints will be warm and tender. Because RA is a symmetric condition, both hands are often affected.  

Research on fish oil, as a complementary supplement for RA, finds the two active ingredients in fish, EPA and DHA, can both help with reducing inflammation.

One study reported in 2016 in the Global Journal of Health Science of people who took daily omega-3 supplements found using fish oil supplements helped with reducing RA pain. The study’s authors further noted taking fish oil supplements may reduce the need for analgesic pain relievers.  

The 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation guidelines do not recommend treating OA with fish oil. This is because most studies have not found fish oil to be effective for treating OA.

SAM-e

When OA affects the hands, it causes symptoms at the base of the thumb, where the thumb and wrist join (the trapeziometacarpal [TMC] or carpometacarpal [CMC] joint), the fingertips (DIP joints), and middle knuckles of the fingers (the proximal interphalangeal [PIP] joints.

OA will cause the cartilage between these joints to wear down so that the bones rub together without a cushion. The rubbing eventually leads to mild inflammation, stiffness, and pain.

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a natural compound generally found in the body and provides anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects. It has also been found to protect cartilage and reduce cartilage damage. 

But clinical studies on treating OA with SAM-e supplements are mixed, according to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Most studies have compared SAMe to NSAIDs for improving pain and joint function, with fewer side effects.

Other studies have compared SAM-e to a placebo and found SAM-e was helping for managing pain as well as preserving cartilage in people using it. SAM-e has not been studied for managing RA.

Meditation for Pain Management

Meditation is an ancient mind and body practice that goes back to Buddhism and other Eastern religions. It puts your focus and attention on the current moment and not letting life’s distractions get in your way.

According to the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, meditation can promote “calmness and physical relaxation, improving psychological balance, coping with illness, and enhancing overall health and well-being.” And research shows meditation can be helpful for managing chronic pain associated with conditions like OA and RA.

A 2011 article in the medical journal Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America looked at the possible benefits of meditation on people with rheumatological diseases like RA and OA, which the author cites as the most significant causes of chronic pain.

The report’s author further argues that while mind-body therapies can be effective for managing pain, only about 20% of people with chronic pain use them. This 2011 piece also discusses an older study that found only eight weeks of mediation therapy improved pain in people with RA.

Plant-Based Diet

A plant-based diet is one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and other plant-based foods. Some people might also eat meat and dairy along with plant-based foods. This type of diet can provide nutrients that ease inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with arthritis and pain.

One study reported in 2015 in the journal Arthritis found eating a plant-based diet could significantly improve function in people with OA. The research on a plant-based diet for RA is mixed.

Some studies find a plant-based diet might help reduce RA symptoms. However, not all studies show significant connections between this type of diet and improved pain and function. Regardless, it is worth trying as part of your treatment plan to manage RA and to reduce symptoms you may experience in your hands.

Herbal Supplements

A number of herbal supplements have been found to be helpful in managing OA and RA pain. This includes curcumin, ginger, and Boswellia.

Curcumin

Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a spice that has been around in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Curcumin is considered an anti-inflammatory, and it has been touted for reducing pain and swelling in people with RA.

According to a 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of eight studies, just 500 milligrams of turmeric twice a day could reduce joint pain and stiffness in both OA and RA. The easiest way to get curcumin in your diet is to take it as a supplement.

Ginger

Ginger is believed to reduce inflammation in people with RA and OA. One 2014 review finds the ingredients in ginger can manage RA pain and also reduce the potential for joint damage.

To increase ginger in your diet, you can make it as a tea or by adding ginger to baked goods or prepared meals. Ginger supplements are also an option, but you should check with your doctor about correct dosing and safety.

Boswellia

Boswellia, also known as frankincense, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. A review of studies from 2011 finds that Boswellia can help reduce inflammation in people with RA and OA. Boswellia is safe in small doses and available as a tablet or a topical cream.

Supplement Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t currently approve herbal supplements, which means their effectiveness and safety profiles have not been studied or confirmed by the FDA. You should always talk to your doctor about whether an herbal supplement is helpful and safe for you to use with your current arthritis treatment plan.

Make sure you purchase herbal supplements from reputable sources. Your doctor or pharmacist can offer recommendations about high-quality supplements.

A Word From Verywell

Hand pain, wrist pain, and problems with your finger joints are symptoms you shouldn’t ignore, especially if they get progressively worse. Talk to your doctor as early as possible to determine the cause of hand pain so that treating it can be addressed as soon as possible.

And hand arthritis—regardless of the arthritic cause—is best managed with a combination of therapies. This includes prescription and OTC medications, natural remedies, and lifestyle approaches to best manage pain, support your mobility, and promote your overall well-being.

It is important to speak to your health care provider before you try any new natural remedies for managing arthritis in your hands. You should also contact your doctor any time swelling, pain, and other arthritis symptoms become worse.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/natural-remedies-for-arthritis-in-hands-5095949

Causes of Knee Pain When Sitting

From verywellhealth.com

Why Your Knees Hurt and How to Find Relief

Knee pain can impact people of various lifestyles and ages: couch potatoes, active athletes, office workers, the young, and the elderly. Twenty-five percent of the U.S. population struggles with recurring knee pain, especially when sitting or bending down.

Because knee pain is so widespread, it can be difficult to find a single cause for why your knees might hurt. However, anatomy can provide some insight into some of the potential causes of your discomfort.

The knees are one of the body’s major joints. To support your body weight, your knees have soft tissues that help cushion the bones in the joint. When your knees are strong and these soft tissues are healthy, your knee can bend easily and can absorb the impact of your body weight as you move.

However, a couple of conditions may prevent these soft tissues from protecting your knee. If you have arthritis or runner’s knee, you may feel like you cannot bend your knee, or you may have pain when you put weight onto your knee or move in a certain direction.

Fortunately, your doctor can help you find some knee pain relief from your arthritis or runner’s knee so you can sit, stand, and bend with more confidence.

Possible Causes

Arthritis

Of the numerous injuries and chronic illnesses that cause knee pain, arthritis is among the most common. Two types of arthritis, in particular, can lead to knee pain: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Both of these kinds of arthritis can result in similar symptoms: burning, twisting, aching, or pins-and-needles pains. Both of these conditions are chronic; however, osteoarthritis and RA impact your knees in different ways. 

Osteoarthritis is typical of older people, especially those who have worn down their knee joints over time. In osteoarthritis, the soft tissues and cartilage that cushion your joints erode.

Over years of use, these tissues in your knee joints break down, which makes your movement more difficult and more painful. Without the soft tissues to protect the bones in your knees, your knees may lock in place or may be more prone to injury.

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t break down the soft tissues between your joints. Rather, RA solidifies these tissues. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack your soft tissues. Over time, the soft tissues between your joints become hard and inflexible.

With RA, your knees may feel stiff, and it may be difficult for you to rotate your legs or to bend over. When you sit down, it may be difficult to extend your legs so you can stand back up.

Runner’s Knee

Runner’s knee is also known as patellofemoral syndrome or chondromalacia. It’s an umbrella term that refers to the pain near your knee cap, especially if you’ve damaged the soft tissues in your knee.

Runner’s knee can be caused by a wide variety of issues: overexertion during exercise, a hamstring injury that puts more strain on your knees, or being born with a knee cap that doesn’t completely cover your knee joint. Track and field and contact sports athletes are especially prone to knee injuries.

Common symptoms of runner’s knee include pain after you sit down for too long, knee weakness, or a rubbing or clicking sensation as you try to move your knee. Any of these symptoms can cause discomfort and make exercise difficult.

Unlike arthritis, for which there is currently no cure, many variations of runner’s knee are temporary. While many patients find that their runner’s knee improves with rest, physical therapy, and knee support, your doctor can help you come up with an individual care plan that works for your specific condition.

When to Visit a Doctor

Any source of pain that disrupts your life is a potential reason to seek medical attention.

You may want to visit a doctor if you notice that your knee pain when sitting prevents you from moving around your home or office as you’d like. Your knee pain may discourage you from doing activities that are important to you. However, there are many different kinds of knee pain, so it may be difficult to decide when to seek help.

These are just a few of the many reasons why you may talk with a doctor about your knee pain:

• You have new pains.
• Your normal knee pains have changed or worsened.
• Your pain has persisted for several days.
• You have an injury.
• You are uncertain of the cause of your knee pain.

If your pain is more severe, chronic, or might result from arthritis or another serious musculoskeletal condition, your primary care provider may refer you to a specialist.

An orthopaedist is a medical professional who specializes in joint and bone conditions, such as osteoarthritis. A rheumatologist focuses on autoimmune conditions like RA. If you have arthritis, these specialists can provide specific insights and treatments to help you mitigate your knee pain. 

Diagnosis

A general practitioner or another medical specialist may use several different methods to diagnose the cause of your knee pain.

Physical Exam

A physical exam can help your doctor understand where and why exactly you are hurting. The doctor may feel your knee to pinpoint swelling, irritation, or potential injuries. They may ask you to walk, stretch, or bend over to observe your range of motion.

Lab Tests

After a physical exam, a doctor may request lab tests. While blood tests are not the most common tool that doctors use to identify knee pain, they can help identify RA or another autoimmune condition, an infection, cancer, or other illnesses that may be contributing to your knee pain.

Imaging

An X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show your doctor the condition of your skeletal system, so these imaging tests are especially helpful when analysing if a skeletal issue may be causing your knee pain, such as advanced osteoarthritis or a bone fracture.

Treatment

Depending on the severity and cause of your knee pain, your doctor may recommend several different treatment options. These plans vary from basic lifestyle changes to surgery. Always ask your doctor before trying any new medications or major lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes

An active lifestyle and a healthy diet can help prevent future knee pain. In fact, a 2013 medical study found that exercise is the first and most common form of therapy that doctors recommend to patients with knee pain from osteoarthritis. Exercises like swimming and yoga can keep your knees flexible without much of the strain of high-intensity sports.

If your doctor approves of more strenuous activity, moderate strength-building exercises can also help you avoid knee injuries by strengthening your thighs and your legs. Strong leg muscles can reduce the stress on your knees.

Regular walking and other easy-to-moderate aerobic exercises are recommended. People may consider investing in supportive shoes or orthopaedic shoe inserts to reduce the strain on their knees.

While some foods have been touted as miracle cures to inflammatory disorders such as arthritis, no food has been proven as a sure treatment for knee pain. Nonetheless, a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet can supplement your doctor’s medical routine. Foods with turmeric, lemon water, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce the inflammation in your knee joints.

Some patients find that complementary or alternative treatments like acupuncture provide temporary pain relief to their painful or swollen knees. 

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) are common medications that patients use to relieve their knee pains. Holding a cold or hot compress to your hip may help reduce swelling. 

If you have chronic, moderate-to-severe pains, you may need a more powerful medication to help you cope. For patients with advanced forms of arthritis or serious knee injuries, for example, a doctor may recommend an opioid drug such as oxycodone or hydrocodone. Use opioids only as prescribed to avoid addiction.

Surgery

In some situations, your doctor may recommend that you consider knee replacement surgery. This surgery can be helpful to people who have shattered their knee cap, people who have extensive tissue or bone damage from arthritis, or people with other serious structural issues in their skeletal system. 

As with many other surgeries and invasive procedures, a knee replacement is a last resort for many patients. Nonetheless, a medical study from 2013 found promising results for knee surgery and enhanced mobility for patients with advanced osteoarthritis.

Coping

Your coping strategies will change based on the cause of your knee pain. For example, if an injury or overexertion led to your runner’s knee, you may need to rest and wear a knee brace for extra support. If you have arthritis, though, your doctor may encourage you to adopt more exercise to keep your joints loose and flexible.

While no one coping method will work for every patient, many patients find that the following work strategies work to provide some relief: gentle exercise, stretches, heat or ice packs, and over-the-counter pain medications. Consult with your doctor to determine a medical plan for your needs.

https://www.verywellhealth.com/knee-pain-when-sitting-5095805

Joint Pain Predicting The Weather? Perhaps!

From spectrumlocalnews.com

By Meteorologist Jack Durkin                                                                                                                       

For years, my dad would ask me if it was supposed to rain soon.

He was asking because he'd start to feel increased discomfort in his knees and joints not long before rain or a change to our weather arrived.

Doctors do indeed believe that there can be more joint pain on the human body on cold, rainy days. There are several variables, doctors say, that may cause this sudden discomfort.

The change in barometric pressure ahead of an approaching weather system plays a large role. There are also other factors, such as humidity levels, precipitation, and temperature swings that can all happen with an impending change in our weather.

Since there are several variables, doctors have not been able to pinpoint what it is about the weather that causes this pain other than grouping these variables collectively.

What We (Don't) Know

According to WebMD, there are several studies on this very topic, but none have come away with a clear connection. Or rather, there isn't anything clear enough that it's something that you could definitively call the culprit.

There's even been a worldwide study that took millions of people's medical records regarding joint pain and tried to date match them to certain weather phenomena. Unfortunately, it didn't work out.

Despite no clear or proven connection, joint and muscle aches for people with changing weather are very real. There are a few theories that have been thrown out there.

One is that people with arthritis suffer more than others. When the cartilage next to the bone wears away, exposed nerves may pick up on sudden changes in pressure more easily.

Another theory looks at how changing pressure can also cause your muscles and scar tissue to expand and contrast, causing more discomfort than usual.

A drop in temperature may even disrupt your body's fluid motion, making somebody feel a bit different.

And in general, poor weather can prevent us from moving around as much as we normally would, causing a stiffening of our muscles and joints.

What You Can Do

There are ways to prevent this increase in bodily discomfort due to changing weather conditions.

Doctors recommend doing your best to keep your body warm during the cooler months while also working on living a healthier and more active lifestyle. If all else fails, doctors can recommend specific medications to fit your pain need.

All in all, a human's body can tell when something around it is changing with regard to the weather. Just don't go asking them how much snow we'll be getting.  

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/hudson-valley/weather/2021/01/15/joint-pain-predicting-the-weather--perhaps-

Which supplements are best for treating arthritis pain?

From express.co.uk

BEST supplements for arthritis: Are stiff joints in the morning putting a downer on your day? You don't need to grin and bear the side effects of the disease. Here's a physiotherapist's top recommendation.

Physiotherapist Sammy Margo – who has over 30 years' experience treating patients with chronic joint conditions – stated "early intervention is key," suggesting people who are starting to feel stiff should consider a supplement. "Joint stiffness or pain, especially in the knees or lower back, could be a warning sign for the start of something more serious," said Margo. Alluding to arthritis, Margo continued: "It can affect anyone at any age."

"By adding a supplement to your daily routine, alongside maintaining a well-balanced and varied diet, optimal joint health can be achieved," she added.

Which supplement is best for arthritis?

The charity Versus Arthritis stated rose hip (available in supplement form) has anti-inflammatory priorities.

Evidence suggests rose hip supplementation can relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rose hip extract contains polyphenols and anthocyanin believed to ease joint inflammation and prevent joint damage.

In addition, the plant extract is also rich in vitamin C - another antioxidant. Antioxidants can "override harmful molecules" - known as free radicals – that otherwise cause tissue damage and disease.

Research suggests the rose hip can also reduce the production of specific enzymes that break down cartilage. Mild side effects of rose hip may include: an allergic reaction, constipation, diarrhoea or heartburn.

One trial involved 89 participants with rheumatoid arthritis who were randomly assigned 5g of rose hip powder or placebo, every day, for six months. Those who received the rose hip reported greater improvements in quality of life and physical function than the placebo group.

Another ingredient in the supplement is ginger - another extract Versus Arthritis stated helps to reduce pain. Laboratory and animal studies have documented that ginger extract can reduce the production of chemical substances that promote joint inflammation.

Ginger contains salicylates, which the body transforms into salicylic acid - known to prevent the nerves from making certain prostaglandins. As a result, this eases pain and discomfort, adding to the reason why ginger extract is a good remedy for arthritis.

Well tolerated by many, if any side effects were going to come about from ingesting ginger it would be an upset stomach and mouth irritation.

The GOPO® Joint Health Plus Ginger – recommended by physiotherapist Margo –contains extracts from the rosa-canina plant (rose hip) and ginger. "The double anti-inflammatory effects of GOPO® and ginger combined provide targeted relief to safeguard your joints and maintain an active lifestyle," Margo explained. Various trials demonstrate the benefits of consuming ginger and rose hip in regards to treating arthritis pain.

However, arthritis isn't the only way a person can experience joint pain. "Young adults are just as at risk of developing joint conditions from repetitive injuries or over usage," said Margo.

Thus, a rose hip and ginger supplement is a good option for many people.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1384854/best-supplements-for-arthritis-rose-hip-ginger

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Two surprising signs of the joint condition

From express.co.uk

RHEUMATOID arthritis is an auto-immune condition whereby the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Inflammation results, which can lead to two surprising symptoms - what are they?

Affecting around 400,000 adults in the UK, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can progressively become worse - and quickly. However, two early indicators of the disease could lead to an early diagnosis and effective treatment. The disease causes inflammation when the immune system attacks the lining of the joints - otherwise known as the synovium. The Arthritis Foundation explained that the inflamed synovium becomes thicker.

The charity added that the disease notoriously affects the hands, knees and ankles.

For yet-to-discovered reasons, the condition tends to develop in middle age, and more commonly affects women.

Another charity, Versus Arthritis pointed out two surprising symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: dry eyes and chest pain. Both symptoms are due to inflammation, which can be treated the sooner you book a doctor's appointment.

An early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can result in earlier treatment that is "more likely" to work.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can show up in your eyes (Image: Getty)

The three main methods to treat the disease are: drugs, physical therapies and surgery.

Rheumatoid arthritis can be an extremely uncomfortable and painful disease, causing swollen joints and stiffness. Stiffness tends to be more noticeable first thing in the morning or after sitting for an extended period of time.

Other symptoms of the disease include:

• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Sweating

Prevention

If you're fortunate enough to not have rheumatoid arthritis, and you'd like to decrease your chance of getting it, you must minimise risk factors.

Modifiable risk factors include being overweight, smoking, and eating lots of red meat. This means if you maintain a healthy weight, don't smoke and eat less red meat your chance of developing the disease decreases.

However, if you do have rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options are available.

Treatment

There are four groups of drugs utilised to treat rheumatoid arthritis:

• Painkillers
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Steroids (also known as corticosteroids).

"Many people with rheumatoid arthritis need to take more than one drug," certified Versus Arthritis.

When symptoms intensify (also known as a flare-up), it's helpful to know how to manage the disease. Periods of intensification tends to follow stressful periods in a person's life or an illness.

As well as taking any prescribed medication, gentle exercises are encouraged by the charity.

Moreover, heat therapy can help relieve painful symptoms; this involves placing a hot water bottle, for example, on the affected joint. Other heated options include heat pads, deep heat cream, a heat lamp or a wheat bag.

Alternatively, cold therapy could work. For instance, a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel can be applied to the painful area.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1384585/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-joints-dry-eyes-chest-pain

What Shoes Work Best With Arthritic Knees?

From consumer.healthday.com

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- Lots of Americans suffer from painful arthritic knees, but a new study finds that wearing the right type of shoe may help ease discomfort.

Patients with knee arthritis will achieve greater pain relief by opting for sturdy and supportive shoes rather than flat flexible footwear, researchers in Australia found.

"A 'sturdy supportive shoe' is a shoe that gives stability to the foot, via motion control features such as arch support," explained study author Rana Hinman, a professor of physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne. "It also has a thick, cushioned heel and a rigid sole that does not bend easily."

In contrast, Hinman noted, "a 'flat flexible shoe' is more lightweight, contains no arch support or motion control features, has a low heel (i.e., flat) with minimal/no cushioning and has a flexible sole that bends easily."

Roughly 1 in 4 adults over the age of 45 has arthritic knees, Hinman noted.

One U.S. expert unconnected to the study agreed that "bum knees" will probably feel better with special footwear.

"I think it's pretty intuitive that a structured shoe will be more stable and better for arthritis patients," said Dr. Jeffrey Schildhorn, an orthopaedic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "I've found that to be true in my practice and in my life. But this study is the first to really look at this in a rigorous way, and to show with good science that this isn't just anecdotal."

Foot support matters

As the Australian team noted, people with creaky, painful knees are often advised to wear shoes with support. But there's also a school of thought that flat flexible shoes may deliver greater benefit because they provide more of a "barefoot" experience.

The latter theory didn't win out in the new study. After working with 164 knee arthritis patients in the Melbourne area, Hinman's team found that "58% of people who wore sturdy supportive shoes experienced a meaningful reduction in knee pain on walking, compared to only 40% of the people who wore flat flexible shoes."

Study participants were 50 years old and older. Prior to the study's launch, all had experienced near constant knee pain in the prior month (rated at a 4 or greater on a pain scale of 11), and most had worn shoes that featured a mix of sturdy and flat characteristics.

Between 2017 and 2019, half were randomly assigned to wear a flat flexible shoe for at least six hours a day over six months, while the other half was assigned stable supportive footwear. (The team did not compare shoes distributed in the study with the ones patients regularly wore.)

All footwear was commercially available. For the flat variety, the brands included: Merrell Bare Access (for men and women); Vivobarefoot Primus Lite (men and women); Vivobarefoot Mata Canvas (men); Converse Dainty Low (women); and Lacoste Marice.

Stable variety brands included ASICS Kayano (for men and women); Merrell Jungle Moc (men); Nike Air Max 90 Ultra (women); Rockport Edge Hill (men); and New Balance 624 (women).

Each patient was able to switch between two brands throughout the trial. Investigators kept track of reported knee pain levels while walking, functional ability, overall quality of life indicators and overall physical activity levels.

In the end, the team determined that while stable supportive shoes did not restore greater mobility to patients than flat flexible shoes, they did offer a leg up on knee and hip pain reduction and improved quality of life.

'A Rolls-Royce over potholes'

As well, Hinman noted that "sturdy supportive shoes were much less likely to cause adverse effects at the knee and other joints, such as ankle/foot pain [or] knee swelling." Moreover, people who wore flat flexible shoes reported twice as many adverse effects as people who wore sturdy supportive shoes, she said.

The upshot: "Shoes are an easy option that can help people self-manage their knee osteoarthritis pain," Hinman said. "Patients with knee osteoarthritis should think carefully about their footwear and choose shoes that are most likely to reduce their knee pain."

Schildhorn agreed.

"For someone with knee arthritis," he said, "a structured shoe is almost like a Rolls-Royce going over potholes. Because the problem with an arthritic knee is that the joints aren't aligned correctly, and aren't nearly as supple anymore. And it has cartilage with gaps, like cobblestones, which wear away."

A structured shoe can absorb those issues, said Schildhorn. But an unstructured shoe or a bare foot "relies on all of the joints of the body to work just as they were designed. They all have to be aligned correctly, the ligaments have to be functional, and the joints have to be supple in order to absorb loads when walking in uneven areas. Because you need your body to be able to adjust to variances."

The U.S.-based Arthritis Foundation agrees that patients should pay attention to the style and fit of the shoes they wear. But it cites mixed findings as to best practices.

For example, foundation experts acknowledge that stable shoes and boots (without heels) can indeed be helpful for some.

However, they also highlight prior knee research indicating that some flat shoes -- such as flip-flops -- may trigger less knee stress than more stable shoes. Others, however, such as loosely strapped sandals and so-called "foot gloves," may prove problematic.

But the foundation has one piece of overriding advice: Never favour style over function and comfort.

The results were published Jan. 11 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

https://consumer.healthday.com/1-11-what-shoes-work-best-with-arthritic-knees-2649754695.html

Is Walking Good for Arthritis in the Knee?

From verywellhealth.com

Taking a walk may be the last thing on your mind if you are dealing with arthritis in your knees, but it is actually quite beneficial. Staying active each day is one of the keys to managing the soreness in your joints. Read the info below to learn more about the benefits of walking with arthritis and for tips on starting your own exercise program. 

How Walking Helps Knees

The simple act of walking can have a wide range of benefits on your arthritic joints, many of which can help to decrease your pain. On top of that, getting up and moving each day can combat the joint stiffness and soreness that is associated with inactivity. The sections below detail the specific benefits that going for a walk can have on a knee with arthritis. 

Verywell / Gary Ferster

Healthy Cartilage

One of the hallmark causes of arthritis is the wearing down or thinning of your cartilage. This tissue “cushions” the joint and helps to absorb the forces placed on your knee. As this tissue wears away, normal activities like squatting, stair climbing, and standing can become quite painful.

Fortunately, walking can help combat these symptoms and positively impact your cartilage. One study found that individuals who walked for exercise have increased levels of a substance called interleukin (IL)-10, which is a chemical that protects the cartilage tissue.

The same study also found that people with arthritis who walked had lower levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), a protein found in the blood that is thought to be a marker of cartilage breakdown.

In addition, the majority of our knee cartilage is avascular (meaning it gets no blood flow). Instead, this tissue gets its nutrition from a substance called joint fluid that enters and exits the knee as we move. Walking helps increase the nutrients and oxygen in the knee by “squishing” or compressing the cartilage and bringing in new joint fluid to the area.

Weight Control

Another huge benefit of a regular walking program is the effect it can have on your weight. Going for a 30-minute walk at a brisk speed can burn up to 200 calories. Over time, this caloric expenditure (combined with a healthy diet) can translate into meaningful weight loss.

Maintaining a healthy body weight is always a good idea, but it is especially important for people with osteoarthritis. This is because every extra pound of weight translates into extra amounts of stress placed on your knees during your daily activities.

In addition, excessive stores of fat can also trigger an inflammation-causing chemical to be secreted throughout the body. By reducing your weight, you can prevent excess inflammation from developing and reduce the likelihood of an arthritis flare-up.

Strong Muscles

While walking alone will not build up muscle mass in your legs, coupling your aerobic workout with a strength training routine can have positive effects on your arthritis symptoms. In fact, a recent review showed that individuals with osteoarthritis who performed both cardio exercise and regular strength training saw improved pain levels and better daily function than people who were not active.

These benefits occur because stronger muscles can better support your arthritic joints and decrease the stresses placed on the area. To properly address your arthritis symptoms with strength training, try focusing on exercises that target the quadriceps and hamstring muscles in the front and back of the knee joint.

Before You Start

Prior to starting a new walking program, it is a good idea to discuss your exercise regimen and any symptoms you are experiencing with your doctor. Keeping your physician informed is important to ensure you are not performing an activity that is ill-advised in your particular situation.

It is also a good idea to begin your walking routine during a time when your symptoms are relatively mild. Patients with osteoarthritis are generally stiffest in the morning and feel better after they have “warmed up” their joint by moving around. In this case, you may want to wait to walk until later in the day when your joints are feeling looser and less achy. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Walking

Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a systemic form of the disease in which symptoms wax and wane intermittently, should also be mindful of when they walk. If you are experiencing a flare-up, it is important to allow your joints to rest and recover. Because of this, starting a walking program during a flare-up is not recommended. Once the inflammation and soreness have subsided, however, it is usually safe to start exercising.

Pre-Walk Prep

Just before starting your walk, change into comfortable, loose-fitting clothes that do not restrict your movement. Be sure to wear a pair of shoes that are comfortable and designed to give you some support while you are exercising. It is also a good idea to carry a bottle of water with you as you walk to keep well-hydrated.

To properly prepare your knees for movement, you may want to apply a hot pack to your arthritic joints for up to 20 minutes prior to the walk. Heat can bring blood flow to the area and help loosen up any stiffness you are experiencing. This is true for people with both osteoarthritis and RA, though caution should be taken during an RA flare-up as heat may actually increase the inflammation in the joint. 

Just before going for a walk, you can also try pedalling for 5 to 10 minutes on a stationary bike (with little to no resistance added) if one is available. This style of warm-up can also help increase blood flow to the knee and loosen up any pre-walk stiffness in the joint.

Tips for Walking               

The tips listed below can help both novice exercisers and experienced walkers get the most out of their cardio regimen.

Attempt to walk at least three to five times each week, though if this is going well you can perform the activity daily.

Start off walking at a lower intensity. As you become more comfortable, try to increase your speed so that you feel flush, your heart rate increases, but you could still have a conversation.

Walk for as long as you can initially, but gradually strive to exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time.

Begin by walking courses that are relatively straight and flat. As this gets easier, vary your route by incorporating hills and curves.

How Often Should You Walk?

To start, schedule your walking sessions for at least three times per week with the goal of eventually walking every day.

Post-Walk

Following your walk, it is a good idea to spend 5 to 10 minutes cooling down by walking at a slower, relaxed pace. This can help decrease your heart rate to its normal levels as you finish exercising. Stretching the leg muscles (specifically the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves) can also prevent any post-walking soreness from developing.

Once this is finished, be sure to keep drinking water afterward to ensure you do not get dehydrated. If you have knee arthritis, you may feel some post-walk soreness once you sit down and rest. To combat this, try placing ice packs over your knees for up to 20 minutes. This can help stave off any inflammation that develops after exercise and make the entire workout process more comfortable.

A Word From Verywell

As noted above, walking is one of the more beneficial things that you can do if you are experiencing knee arthritis. However, getting started can be challenging if you are new to exercising. Pairing up with a friend or exercise partner to walk with can be helpful to keep you motivated as you begin your new regimen.

It can also be useful to track your progress. Try keeping track of the number of minutes you walk or the steps you take each session. Monitoring your improvement from week to week can keep you focused and accountable. If you are still struggling, it is a good idea to speak to your physician. They may be able to pair you up with a physical therapist who can create a more custom plan for your individual needs. 

https://www.verywellhealth.com/is-walking-good-for-arthritis-in-the-knee-5094924

Joints pain in winters: Swelling? Stiffness in morning? No energy, appetite? Add this to your diet and see changes

From zeebiz.com

Winters come with a lot of ailments. Joints pain is a common problem faced by all age groups. As winters cause sensitivity in the nerves causing joint pain which affects the normal way of living life. Joints pain and back pain are most often caused by the gradual deterioration of cartilage that protects joints causing bones to rub against each other resulting in inflammation and pain. While pain may be caused by an injury, very often it is the result of years of wear and tears on the bone and joint.

Curcumin for Joint Pain also exerts benefits in reduction of pain, stiffness and inflammation making you more active throughout the day and increasing your activity level with less discomfort. Curcumin for Joint Pain also promises to be effective in controlling disturbed mental state as observed by depression, anxiety and feeling of hopelessness.

Curcumin for Rheumatoid arthritis (Joint pain) also acts as a superior antioxidant inhibiting free-radical-mediated peroxidation of membrane lipids & oxidative damage of DNA & protein which are believed to be associated with a variety of chronic pathological conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Saurabh Arora, Inventor of SNEC30, Arbro Pharmaceuticals, shares his knowledge:- 

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Prolonged morning stiffness.

Stiffness of joints following periods of inactivity.

Warm and swollen joints that are tender to touch.

Low-grade fever.

No energy.

Loss of appetite.

Weight loss.

Dry eyes and mouth.

Presence of rheumatoid nodules which are solid lumps growing under skin of elbows and hands.

Benefits of Curcumin in Rheumatoid Arthritis:-

Curcumin is An Excellent Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Allergic and Analgesic - An anti-inflammatory, Curcumin helps to reduce pain & inflammation by acting on Cyclooxygenase (COX) and Lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. It suppresses pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins through suppression of Cyclo-oxygenase-1 (COX1) and Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2). Dysregulated NF-kB activity occurs in a number of diseases, particularly in chronic and acute inflammatory diseases. Curcumin prevents NF-kB activation and thus reduces inflammation.

Curcumin protects Your Bones and Joints - SNEC 30 due to its properties of suppression of Osteoclastogenesis and Chondrogenesis protects, strengthens and restores bones and joints which improves range of motion (ROM) leading to increased levels of activity.

Curcumin fights Depression Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Studies reveal that people with RA are about twice as likely to be depressed as compared to people without this inflammatory autoimmune disease. Curcumin influences several biological mechanisms associated with major depression, namely those associated with the monoaminergic activity, immune-inflammatory and oxidative and nitrosative stress pathways, hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and neuro-progression.

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be the most disabling form of arthritis – a long-term disease-causing pain and stiffness of the joints associated with limited range of motion and functionality.  Though it can affect any joint but small joints of hands and feet are likely to be involved. Using curcumin for Rheumatoid arthritis stimulates a process called Chondrogenesis (the process of cartilage development) which strengthen your bones and joints and improves range of motion and functionality.”

Curcumin Possess Anti-Arthritic Properties -Maintenance dose of curcumin reduces the occurrence of arthritis and its complications. By restoring the bone and joint health, Curcumin cuts down the prevalence of pain and inflammation limiting daily activities.

https://www.zeebiz.com/india/news-joints-pain-in-winters-swelling-stiffness-in-morning-no-energy-appetite-add-this-to-your-diet-and-see-changes-145563