From rsvplive.ie
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint, with osteoarthritis the most common type of arthritis in Ireland which hands, knees, hips and spine
Arthritis, a term that includes conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues, impacts around around 915,000 people in Ireland, with osteoarthritis being the most common type.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary from mild to severe, affecting individuals differently and potentially impacting daily activities.
According to the NHS, for some people, symptoms "can be mild and may come and go", while others may experience more continuous and severe problems which make it difficult to carry out everyday tasks. To manage arthritis and improve your quality of life, even minor lifestyle changes can help.
One such change could be adding tart cherry juice to your diet. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Arthritis and Rheumatism suggests that a sip or two might alleviate joint pain from knee osteoarthritis.
Participants who drank two bottles of tart cherry juice daily for six weeks showed reduced pain scores compared to those who had a placebo, reports the Express. Each bottle contained the equivalent of 45 tart cherries along with a significant amount of sugar – 31 grams.
In another study, researchers found that 20 women with osteoarthritis experienced reduced levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) – a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation – after drinking two bottles of tart cherry juice daily for 21 days. Lower CRP levels are associated with decreased inflammation, reports Surrey Live.
If home remedies don't cut it, your GP might suggest popping a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to ease the pain and dial down inflammation for arthritis sufferers. Some NSAIDs come in cream form (topical NSAIDs) that you slather right onto those achy joints.
The NHS has shared: "They can be particularly effective if you have osteoarthritis in your knees or hands. As well as helping to ease pain, they can also help reduce any swelling in your joints."
Exercise isn't just good for your mood – it's a top-notch treatment for anyone with osteoarthritis, no matter their age or how fit they are. It might sound like the last thing you want to do when you're stiff and sore, but getting muscles moving and strengthening those joints is usually a big win for easing symptoms.
Plus, exercise is ace for shedding pounds, standing taller, and shaking off stress, all of which can take the edge off your discomfort. The NHS suggests: "Your GP, or possibly a physiotherapist, will discuss the benefits you can expect from an exercise programme and can give you an exercise plan to follow at home," Wondering what kind of workout is best for osteoarthritis?
The healthcare giant explains: "Exercise can help to keep your joints working well and reduce your pain."
"It will also help to build up your muscle strength and improve your fitness. Keeping active can help to boost your mood too."
Bupa suggests engaging in these types of activities:.
- Strengthening exercises: you can use light weights, a resistance band, or your own body weight;
- Aerobic exercises to increase your heart rate and make you breathe faster. Examples include swimming, cycling or walking;
- Flexibility and stretching exercises to help improve the range of movement of your joints.
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