What foods are eaten for osteoarthritis?

Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

Updated on September 23, 2024

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First, it should be clear that food does not play a significant role in the treatment of osteoarthritis. It neither has particularly good effects nor particularly bad effects, so the goal should be to maintain a balanced diet. For some elderly men, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet and avoid being overweight. For elderly women, osteoarthritis patients often also suffer from osteoporosis; in such cases, it is necessary to pay attention to calcium supplementation in the diet to prevent osteoporosis. These measures are feasible, but relying on any specific food to treat osteoarthritis is not very realistic.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua

Orthopedic Surgery

1min 3sec

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How to supplement the diet for osteoarthritis?

For osteoarthritis, it is best to eat more foods rich in protein, such as milk, egg whites, and fish, which have abundant protein and can help alleviate the condition. Furthermore, consume foods high in calcium and take calcium supplements. Osteoarthritis is mostly a chronic bone and joint disease, primarily affecting joint cartilage and leading to degenerative changes. It generally occurs more often in middle-aged and elderly people, and is more common in women than in men. In the early stages, the main lesions occur in the bone cartilage, with the joint cartilage being commonly affected. The cartilage surface may undergo erosion, exposing the underlying bone, and eating foods high in protein can help relieve symptoms. Moreover, collagen fibers can be supplemented by consuming broth made from large bones or pig's feet, which, combined with the use of calcium supplements, can better aid recovery. Regularly drinking milk is also very beneficial.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao

Orthopedics

1min 20sec

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How to treat effusion in osteoarthritis?

General treatment methods are mainly divided into two categories. First, conservative treatment, which is non-surgical and includes rest, immobilization, localized physical therapy such as heat application, acupuncture, etc. Physical therapy includes techniques like spectrum therapy, infrared, and diathermy. For some patients with mild osteoarthritis and minor effusions, these can gradually be absorbed over one to two weeks, and symptoms of pain and swelling can be alleviated. This can be combined with oral intake of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as celecoxib or ibuprofen. For patients with recurrent episodes, or those who are middle-aged and above with severe osteoarthritis and degeneration, and have substantial effusion, conservative treatments are generally not very effective. Therefore, we can try aspirating the effusion in the knee joint and appropriately administer intra-articular sodium hyaluronate injections to promote the recovery of osteoarthritis and delay the degeneration of bone proliferation. If conservative treatment still does not bring significant relief, then arthroscopic debridement and corresponding surgical treatments for the knee joint may be considered.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

53sec

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Osteoarthritis physical therapy methods

In clinical practice, there are various physical therapy methods for osteoarthritis patients, such as actively engaging in acupuncture, massage, moxibustion, cupping, and other therapies, which can effectively promote local blood circulation, facilitate the absorption of inflammatory exudates, and effectively alleviate the clinical symptoms of osteoarthritis in patients, with very good results. In addition, for osteoarthritis patients, besides physical therapy, it is necessary to reduce physical activity, strictly observe rest and protection, avoid cold exposure and apply heat locally, or wash with hot water. Intra-articular injections of sodium hyaluronate, oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and nutritional cartilage medications can be completely adequate. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

53sec

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Osteoarthritis contraindications

Patients with osteoarthritis should reduce joint load and excessive movements, and obese patients should pay attention to weight loss to avoid aggravating cartilage damage. When symptoms are severe, a cane can be used to alleviate the burden on the joints. In terms of diet, one can eat more foods rich in vitamins, mainly various vegetables and fruits, and also consume foods high in calcium appropriately. Patients with arthritis should also pay attention to protecting the joint areas, and guard against cold and dampness to avoid exacerbating symptoms. When symptoms are severe, medication can also be used for treatment, such as anti-inflammatory analgesics and drugs that nourish cartilage, which can play a role in improving symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease. When mobility is impaired, surgical treatment might be necessary.

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Written by Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

45sec

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Is osteoarthritis serious?

Regarding the severity of osteoarthritis, it is mainly determined by the clinical symptoms of the patient's osteoarthritis. If the osteoarthritis is only manifested by localized pain, and there is no obvious impact on walking, going up stairs, or going downhill, this means that the osteoarthritis is not very severe. However, if the local swelling and pain of the osteoarthritis are very severe, with considerable pain when going up or down stairs, and if there is popping of the joint or symptoms of entrapment, and the joint has already shown obvious deformation affecting the patient's normal functions, then it indicates that the condition is quite severe. In such cases, it is necessary to proactively consider arthroscopic surgery or artificial joint replacement therapy.