Expert’s advice for keeping arthritis at bay
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE – Lucknow
For those suffering from arthritis or joint pain even a simple walk is a Herculean task, every kilometer seems to be endless and what aggravates their problem is winter. But by following some easy steps one can feel better even in winters.
According to the experts, winter is one of the main causes that trigger hip and knee pain in about 42 percent of the patients. Studies find a strong relationship between short, cold, damp days and arthritis flare-ups. Also changes in barometric pressure worsen knee pain in people with arthritis while colder temperatures can cause painful changes in joint fluid thickness.
According to Dr. Pankaj Bharti, these problems can be overcome by eating a healthy diet. One should consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon and nuts to curb inflammation, food rich in vitamin K such as spinach and cabbage for their pain relieving properties, vitamin C with juicy oranges, sweet red peppers and tomatoes and other vitamin C-rich foods to check cartilage loss and consequent pain that comes with arthritis.
Patients should also avoid foods high in omega-6 fatty acids such as corn oil, which may trigger painful inflammation. They should also swap refined grains for whole grains. Early research suggets refined grains have an inflammatory effect-where as high-fiber and whole grains may help reduce inflammation.
She suggested that one should also take supplements like glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin may help by nourishing cartilage and increasing lubrication in you joints. A daily combo of glucosamine and chondroitin might help ease symptoms in people with moderate to severe joint pain. Also make sure you are getting plenty of vitamin D to help keep your bones strong and prevent joint pain. Look for a good vitamin-D supplement with vitamin D supplement with vitamin D3. She advised that one should always check with his or her doctor first because supplements could interact with the prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Another reason why cold weather worsens joint pain is because people are less likely to work out when its chilly and damp. Being a couch potato is bad news for your joints because exercise helps in lubricating them and prevents pain.
She asserted that since it was too cold outside one should bring workout indoors but one should never overdo it. Choose low-impact aerobic moves that are easy on joints such as walking and yoga or taichi,which enhances your range of motion. Lifting weights can also help because it builds joint-supporting muscles
Duration of treatment.Time for each sitting. Treatment expenses. Minor pain in knees.Difficult to sit on floor.
I have read contents available on site, which seem to be quite encouraging. I will be in touch soon.