Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the joints, and unfortunately, it can be very painful for some, affecting people of all ages. The symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type the patient is suffering from (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis). In addition to causing pain and stiffness, inflammation can cause permanent damage to the joints, which requires early treatment to help reduce the damage.
There are some lifestyle habits that changing may help manage symptoms, which include following a healthy diet and controlling your weight. If you are overweight, this may increase complications from arthritis and contribute to joint pain. The National Health Service emphasizes that it is very important to eat a healthy and balanced diet if you have arthritis. Eating healthy will provide you with all the nutrients you need and help you maintain a healthy weight.
According to the Arthritis Foundation in the UK, patients should eat beans "twice a week" or more to fend off the troublesome symptoms of arthritis. The foundation explained: "Beans are full of fiber and phytonutrients, which help reduce C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation present in the blood." They added that beans are also an "excellent and affordable source of protein" and a food that contains antioxidants.
The charity points out that while there is no diet that can cure arthritis, some foods have been shown to strengthen bones, support the immune system, and fight inflammation. They suggest that adding these foods to a balanced diet may help alleviate pain and other symptoms of arthritis.
The health service states: "If you are overweight, losing weight can really help you manage arthritis. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the hips, knees, ankles, and feet, leading to increased pain and mobility issues." The National Health Service also indicates that several factors can alleviate pain, allowing patients to live with arthritis, which can also help slow the progression of the condition and reduce inflammation, such as quitting smoking, as the Mayo Clinic explains: "Smoking puts stress on connective tissues, which may increase the pain of arthritis."
Arthritis symptoms can vary from week to week, so joint pain may come and go. The Arthritis Foundation states: "Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour is a good reason to suspect arthritis. The other two main signs of the disease are swelling and difficulty moving the joint." If you have arthritis, you are likely to feel stiffness in your joints, making them hard to move, and you may also find that the area around the joints may feel warm or appear red or swollen. Symptoms can also include weight loss, dry eyes due to inflammation, and chest pain.
