Not sure what osteoarthritis is? When we talk about osteoarthritis we refer to a degenerative disease that affects the joints and causes pain and even body immobility. This disease usually affects mainly women and is caused by the wear of joint cartilage.
Contrary to what is believed, osteoarthritis is not a disease associated only with old age, as it can also appear in young people due to genetic causes and significant wear of the joints, among other reasons. Although there are no miraculous cures to deal with this disease, there are recommendations, remedies and advice to relieve pain and improve your health.
Eat good foods for osteoarthritis
Taking care of your diet is essential if you want to know how to combat osteoarthritis . The consumption of fish and nuts, for example, will provide you with high levels of Omega-3, while foods rich in vitamin C and vitamin A will help keep your immune system active and collaborate in the regeneration of bones and cartilage.
Other essential foods for osteoarthritis are those rich in collagen , as this substance helps in the recomposition of bones and skin. Collagen is present, above all, in red meat, however, these foods are usually rich in purines and can increase your uric acid levels, which is why they are not recommended. There are foods such as fruits and vegetables rich in lycopene (strawberries, grapefruit, watermelon, blueberries, etc.), cheese or soy milk that are also great allies in the natural production of collagen.
Consuming broths with meat bones can be very beneficial, since through cooking you will be able to dissolve the collagen present in these foods and you will not have to consume meat that is high in purines. If you don't eat animal products, check out this article on The Best Vegetarian Foods for Osteoarthritis .
Do exercises for osteoarthritis
Exercise is important to prevent stiffness from osteoarthritis; however, it should not be abused . Avoid high-impact sports like jogging, running, jumping, etc. On the contrary, walks are the most recommended because they help the joints and stimulate circulation.
To stop osteoarthritis in the knees and hips, it is a good practice to pedal , either stationary or common bicycles. Swimming is also an excellent option to reduce joint pain, play sports without much effort and curb the effects of osteoarthritis.
Manage your training days well and don't skip your rest days. we also explain what are the best exercises for osteoarthritis in the knees and we offer you some exercises for osteoarthritis in the back .
Maintain a suitable weight
Obesity is a trigger for osteoarthritis, so avoiding it is essential if you are wondering how to improve osteoarthritis . Taking care of your body weight helps keep your joints from being injured further and decreases the pain you may feel in your knees and hips.
It is essential that you consult with your doctor about exercises that can help you lose weight without further damaging your joints.
Infusions for osteoarthritis
If you are looking for natural remedies for osteoarthritis, you should know that there are many medicinal plants that can help you better cope with the pain of this disease. Normally, these plants are full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can contribute to the reconstruction of affected cartilage. In this case, the best medicinal plant for osteoarthritis is horsetail , however, the following infusions can also be very beneficial:
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Arnica
- Hypericum
- Nettle
- Rosemary
watch your posture
Osteoarthritis on the rise is deforming the joints and with it, often, the posture. Improper posture increases the chances of stiffness, so when sitting down, place both feet on the ground and keep your back straight. It is also important to use a suitable mattress, preferably orthopedic or flat .
In addition, it is important to avoid carrying a lot of weight and use some support on the days of greatest discomfort (you can use, for example, a cane).
Wear proper footwear
If you want to know how to improve hip or knee osteoarthritis , wearing the right shoes is essential. You'll want to get a soft, supportive shoe that is low-top and fits your foot well. Needless to say, heels and sandals are completely discouraged, not only because they will force you into a more awkward posture, but because they can cause falls and make the situation worse.
Consider acupuncture
Although it is true that the Spanish Society of Rheumatology has decreed that the benefits of acupuncture are uncertain and difficult to argue, recent studies show that this treatment significantly relieves pain caused by arthritis in the short term and can improve physical function long-term.
Before undergoing acupuncture sessions, it is essential to speak with your doctor to consider this option as a complement to your treatment.
Collagen supplements for osteoarthritis
It is no coincidence that many people who suffer from this problem are recommended to take hydrolyzed collagen supplements , that is, broken down into small particles so that the body can absorb it more easily. This molecule, according to several studies, improves metabolism performance and can significantly reduce joint pain.
Hydrolyzed collagen is rich in glycine and proline, essential amino acids for collagen synthesis in cartilage. So, it is not surprising that these supplements can stop tissue deterioration and relieve joint pain.
However, collagen for osteoarthritis works only if it is supplemented with other minerals and vitamins, and, of course, it should be consumed while following the advice and treatment of a specialized doctor.
Fight osteoarthritis with the hot/cold technique
If you want to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis in the hands, knees or any other part of the body, the technique of applying cold or heat is very beneficial for immediate relief . Some people are better off applying temporary cold to the affected area to reduce swelling, while others prefer heat to combat stiffness .
In this case, if you are looking for home remedies for osteoarthritis, you can apply hot or cold compresses, ice packs or take warm baths depending on what your needs are and what you see works best for you.
Visit your doctor regularly
Medication is part of the treatment to stop osteoarthritis . Analgesics for pain, anti-inflammatories for the joints and gels and creams are usually prescribed to relieve discomfort at specific times. Depending on the state of the osteoarthritis, the treatment could be more aggressive and they could recommend local infiltrations or some surgical intervention.
A visit to the doctor is essential to find out which treatment is best suited to your condition, as it is likely that they will recommend you go to rehabilitation or physiotherapy to correct posture errors and relieve the pain of the disease. In this case, it may also help to practice yoga or pilates.
