Rheumatoid Arthritis: NHS on common signs and symptoms
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Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. If you have arthritis, your joints will most likely feel stiff and be hard to move, you may also find that the area around your joints may feel warm, look red or puffy. Some foods can actually trigger inflammation, so if you have an arthritis diagnosis it may be worth cutting these down in your diet.
People of all ages can suffer from arthritis, including children, though there are some modifiable risk factors that may help stave off the condition.
Some foods can actually trigger inflammation, so if you have an arthritis diagnosis it may be worth cutting these down in your diet.
Veritas Health states: “Corn, peanut, sunflower, safflower, and soy oils, as well as most meats, are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which are only healthy in small doses. Excessive omega-6 consumption can trigger inflammatory chemicals.”
University Health explains “there are certain foods you may want to avoid”. These also include processed foods, food with added sugars and red meats may cause inflammation.
orn, peanut, sunflower, safflower, and soy oils, as well as most meats, are high in omega-6. (Image: GETTY)
It suggests avoiding ice cream, fast food, cakes, bread and biscuits, as well as beef and pork.
Versus Arthritis says: “Eating a balanced diet and having a healthy lifestyle such as regular physical activity, not smoking, not drinking excessive amounts of alcohol can have a huge impact on arthritis and our health in general.”
The health body adds: “Although there are no diets or supplements that will cure your arthritis, some people do find that their condition is affected by what they eat, how much they weigh and their physical activity levels.”
Nonetheless, the charity says changing your diet probably won’t have as great an impact on your arthritis as medical treatments, and it’s not recommended that you stop any of your treatments.
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The charity warns that eating too much salt can increase your blood pressure, which is linked to cardiovascular disease.
University Health says that incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fibre into your diet, may help reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Currently, the NHS notes that there is no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down.
The Cleveland Clinic says: “Food is medicine. If you’re struggling with pain from arthritis, eating foods that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties — along with any drugs or other treatments your doctor recommends — may help.”
If you notice symptoms or are concerned about arthritis it is important to speak to your GP. (Image: GETTY)
The NHS encourages those living with arthritis to eat a healthy and balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight.
The health body explains diets should consist of a variety of foods from all five food groups. These are fruit and vegetables, starchy foods, and meat, fish, eggs and beans.
If you notice symptoms or are concerned about arthritis it is important to speak to your GP.
The NHS says that there are lots of different types of arthritis, though the symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type you have.
It says it is important to have an “accurate diagnosis” and there are a number of general symptoms to look out for.
The NHS says that symptoms include:
- Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
- Inflammation in and around the joints
- Restricted movement of the joints
- Warm red skin over the affected joint
- Weakness and muscle wasting.
Unfortunately arthritis can be very painful for some people with the condition, and may impact people of all ages.
The NHS explains that living with arthritis can sometimes mean carrying out everyday tasks that can often be painful and difficult.
