Osteoarthritis – the “wear and tear” form of arthritis – affects around half of all people over 60, and plenty of younger ones, too. Medication can help, but here are other steps you can take.
Battle the bulge
If you’re overweight, every extra kilogram you carry is putting stress on your joints.
Stub it out
Smoking can damage small blood vessels and hinder circulation – which, in turn, can lead to pain.
Hot and cold
A heat pad or hot-water bottle on the sore area can help ease pain – just don’t have it too hot. Also, try cold compression (frozen veges wrapped in a tea towel work well). Or alternate between warm and cold packs.
Paddle power
Exercise can help to alleviate pain and improve mobility. Swimming is particularly good, because it doesn’t put any weight on your joints
A green issue
A British study has found that sulforaphane, a compound found in broccoli, slows down cartilage destruction in joints.
Walk barefoot
Taking your shoes off reduces the load on your knee joints by as much as 12%, which can improve mobility. Since going barefoot is generally not practical, an alternative is to choose shoes that mimic the natural arch and heel contour of your foot. Avoid high heels.
Hands-on comfort
Gently rubbing the affected joint may help, because it increases blood flow to the area, easing sore spots. If you’re going to a massage therapist, make sure they know how to treat people with arthritis.
Get on your bike
An exercycle is another good form of exercise. Unlike running, walking or aerobics, it doesn’t put additional strain on parts of your body already stressed.
Something fishy
While your diet can’t cure arthritis, some foods may help. They include fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon. Also, eat walnuts and green leafy vegetables.
Avoid processed foods
Eating a lot of foods like cakes, biscuits, frozen desserts and sugary cereals is a bad idea. They contain carbs, sugar and/or omega-6 fatty acids, all of which can cause inflammation in the body if you overdo it, aggravating arthritis symptoms.
Spice as nice
Turmeric has properties that can protect joints from getting inflamed and becoming painful.
