7: Fruits and Berries
Apples, cranberries and apricots might help to relieve your joint pains. They are rich in antioxidants that help the body eliminate harmful free radicals and further suppress joint pain and inflammation.
Fresh juices
Orange, pineapple, tomato and carrot juices are all brimming with vitamin C, meaning they contain antioxidant properties to fight free radicals that lead to inflammation. Tart cherry juice has also been shown to help prevent gout flare-ups and reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Consuming healthy fats can increase joint health and lubrication. Foods high in healthy fats include salmon, trout, mackerel, avocados, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods will assist in joint lubrication.
Dairy. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D. These nutrients increase bone strength, which may improve painful symptoms. Dairy also contains proteins that can help to build muscle.
Dairy contains a high level of protein casein. This type of protein triggers inflammation and pain in the joints, and may even contribute to irritation around the joints. Some dairy products, such as butter, contain a high amount of saturated fat. This can also contribute to inflammation and joint pain.
Both vitamin D deficiency and quadriceps muscle weakness are associated with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and pain.
Stretch as often as possible. A simple stretch can help prevent stiffness in your joints and lubricate and nourish the cartilage with synovial fluid. Stretch exercises like yoga and pilates can help alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and also strengthen your muscles to prevent further joint injury.
Tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols – compounds from plants that have strong anti-inflammatory effects. You'll find the highest polyphenol levels in green and white teas.
Food sources of glucosamine are few and far between. The only natural food sources are shellfish shells from shrimp, lobster and crabs. It's these shells that are harvested and used to make the synthetic version of glucosamine that goes into the supplements that are made in labs.
Unlike most fruits, avocados are a good source of vitamin E, a micronutrient with anti-inflammatory effects. Diets high in these compounds are linked to decreased risk of the joint damage seen in early OA.
People with knee osteoarthritis may reduce their risk of knee pain by walking more, according to a study published online June 8, 2022, by Arthritis & Rheumatology. Researchers looked at the walking habits of more than 1,200 people with knee osteoarthritis (average age 63, 45% men).
Several vitamins have been studied for their effects on arthritis, including the antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, and vitamins D and K.
The most common causes of knee pain are related to aging, injury or repeated stress on the knee. Common knee problems include sprained or strained ligaments, cartilage tears, tendonitis and arthritis.
Several herbal remedies are promoted today for treating arthritis, including turmeric, ginger, Boswellia serrata, devil's claw, willow bark extract and feverfew. Not all herbal products are the same. Some are only available as pills. Others come in a variety of forms, including capsules, tinctures and teas.
There is no cure for arthritis of the knee. It's a lifelong condition. But the good news is treatment can relieve some of the symptoms. Treatment might even slow down or stop the disease from getting worse.