What are the best supplements for joint pain? How can they help alleviate knee pain and improve joint function? Explore the science-backed benefits of popular joint supplements.

Glucosamine: Supporting Cartilage Health

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring compound that is a building block of cartilage in your joints. Supplementing with glucosamine may help slow down cartilage loss, as well as ease stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, liquids, and powders. Your doctor may recommend taking glucosamine in combination with another supplement, chondroitin, for enhanced joint support.

Chondroitin: Protecting Connective Tissue

Chondroitin is a natural component of the connective tissue in bones and cartilage. When taken as a supplement, it can help boost the collagen in your joints, improving shock absorption and water retention in the cartilage. This can lead to smoother joint function and potentially protect against further cartilage loss. The supplement form of chondroitin is typically derived from animal cartilage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fighting Inflammation

Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, can block proteins and fatty acids that contribute to inflammation. Your body converts these supplements into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins, which can help alleviate joint stiffness and tenderness.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): Promoting Connective Tissue

MSM is a sulfur-containing compound that is naturally present in many fruits, vegetables, grains, animals, and even humans. Supplementing with 1,000 to 3,000 mg or more of MSM per day may help alleviate symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, such as pain and swelling, as it supports the production of connective tissue.

Vitamin D: Enhancing Arthritis Treatment

Research has shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis often have low levels of vitamin D, an essential nutrient. Taking vitamin D supplements may help your arthritis treatment work more effectively and potentially reduce chronic pain.

Curcumin: The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Turmeric

Curcumin, a compound found in the spice turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It can block certain proteins that contribute to inflammation, potentially leading to reduced joint ache and improved mobility over time.

Borage Oil: Targeting Rheumatoid Arthritis

Borage oil, extracted from the seeds of the borago plant, is high in gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that fights inflammation. Daily borage oil supplements may help manage the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, including pain and swelling, and may even reduce the need for prescription medications.

SAMe: A Natural Anti-Inflammatory Alternative

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is a naturally occurring chemical compound produced by the liver. Studies have shown that SAMe supplements can be as effective as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing inflammation and relieving joint pain, and may also help repair cartilage damage.

Boswellia: Slowing Down Cartilage Loss

Also known as Indian frankincense, the active ingredient in Boswellia has been used in African and Asian traditional medicine for centuries. Research indicates that Boswellia can help with joint pain and mobility, and may even slow down the loss of cartilage.

Cat’s Claw: Soothing Inflammation

This woody vine from Central and South America contains compounds called tannins and sterols that may have anti-inflammatory effects. Studies suggest that cat’s claw could help alleviate knee pain in osteoarthritis, without the risk of significant side effects. It may also be beneficial for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, helping to ease pain and swelling.

ASU: Protecting Synovial Cells

ASU, or avocado and soybean unsaponifiables, helps protect the special cells called synovial cells that line the joints. By supporting the growth of healthy connective tissue, ASU supplements may eventually lead to a reduced need for pain medication in people with osteoarthritis.

Safety Considerations

It’s important to note that while many joint supplements can be beneficial, they do come with potential risks. Some supplements, such as thunder god vine, have unpleasant side effects that may outweigh the potential benefits. Others, like chaparral, arnica, and homemade kombucha tea, can be toxic to the liver. Always consult with your doctor before trying any supplements, even if they are marketed as being good for joint pain.

In conclusion, the wide range of joint supplements available offers a variety of options for individuals seeking relief from knee pain and improved joint function. By understanding the specific benefits and potential risks of each supplement, you can work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses your unique needs and concerns.

Supplements for Joint Pain

Medically Reviewed by Michael W. Smith, MD on November 25, 2022

This amino sugar is a natural part of the cartilage in your joints. Taking it as a supplement may help slow down cartilage loss, as well as ease stiffness, swelling, and pain. You can find it in capsules, tablets, liquid, or powder form. Your doctor may recommend you take it in combination with another supplement, chondroitin.

This substance is a natural part of the connective tissue in your bones and cartilage. When you take it as a supplement, it can help boost the collagen in your joints to help you absorb shock better. It may help hold water in your cartilage too. That can make the tissue operate more smoothly. A little extra chondroitin could also help protect you from cartilage loss. The supplement form comes from animal cartilage.

These amber-colored oily supplements block proteins and fatty acids that can turn on inflammation. Your body turns them into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins that can help take away joint stiffness and tenderness.

This sulfuric compound is naturally present in fruits, vegetables, grains, animals, and humans. Sulfur helps your body make connective tissue. Taking 1,000 to 3,000 mg or more of this natural chemical every day may help with symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, such as pain and swelling.

Scientists who study rheumatoid arthritis have found that people who have the condition often lack vitamin D. Low levels of this essential nutrient may lead to chronic pain. When you take it as a supplement, it could help your arthritis treatment work better.

This spice gives curry its yellow color. It may give you some pain relief too. A chemical in turmeric called curcumin blocks certain proteins that can cause inflammation. Over time, it can help joints ache less and help you move better.

This extract from seeds of the borago plant is high in gamma linolenic acid, a fatty acid that fights inflammation in the body. Daily borage oil supplements may help treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and even reduce the dose you need of your prescription treatments for joint pain and swelling.

Your liver produces this chemical compound. When you take it as a supplement, studies show SAMe can work as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It may also help repair cartilage damage that causes arthritis symptoms.

Also called Indian frankincense, this plant extract has been a part of African and Asian folk medicine for centuries. The active ingredient in Boswellia can help with pain and improve movement in your joints. Research also shows it can slow down cartilage loss.

This woody vine from Central and South America contains chemicals called tannins and sterols that may soothe inflammation. Studies show it might help with knee pain in osteoarthritis without side effects. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, cat’s claw could help ease pain and swelling in your joints.

Your joints are lined with special cells called synovial cells. ASU helps protect them so they can promote the growth of healthy connective tissue. Studies show that over time, people with osteoarthritis who take ASU supplements may need less pain medication than they did before.

Supplements, like any medicine, come with risks. Thunder god vine, for example, has unpleasant side effects that may outweigh any potential benefit to your joints. Chaparral, arnica, and homemade kombucha tea can be toxic to your liver. Talk to your doctor before trying supplements of any kind — even if you’ve heard they’re good for joint pain.

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

1.      Farion_O / Getty Images

2.      BIOPHOTO ASSOCIATES / Science Source

3.      Zbynek Pospisil  / Getty Images

4.      (Clockwise from top left)  fcafotodigital / Getty Images, fcafotodigital / Getty Images. PamWalker68  / Getty Images, Aldo Murillo / Getty Images

5.      Suze777 / Getty Images

6.      SilviaJansen / Getty Images

7.       Madeleine_Steinbach / Getty Images

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10.  Luis Echeverri Urrea / Getty Images

11.  (Left to right)  FotografiaBasica / Getty Images, ithinksky /Getty Images

12.  SDI Productions / Getty Images

SOURCES: 

Arthritis Foundation: “Supplement and Herb Guide for Arthritis Symptoms,” “10 Supplements for Arthritis.”

Keck Medicine of USC: “Can Vitamin D Help Relieve Your Rheumatoid Arthritis?”

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: “Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Marine and Botanical Oils: An 18-Month, Randomized, and Double-Blind Trial.”

Mayo Clinic: “SAMe.”

Mount Sinai: “Cat’s Claw.”

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: “Thunder God Vine.”

Dietary Supplements: A Framework for Evaluating Safety: “Prototype Focused Monograph: Review of Liver-Related Risks for Chaparral. ”

Medline Plus: “Arnica.”

Journal of General Internal Medicine: “Probably Gastrointestinal Toxicity of Kombucha Tea.”

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9 of The Best Options for Joint Pain

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Overview

Many people deal with chronic joint pain in their knees, hands, elbows, shoulders, and elsewhere. In most cases, this is caused by the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis. This form of arthritis affects almost one-quarter of people in the United States.

Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil), are usually the first choice for joint pain relief.

There are also dozens of supplements that claim to treat joint pain, but which ones actually work? Here’s a look at 9 of the best options and what the existing research says about them.

Turmeric is one of the most popular supplements for treating pain, including joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Its pain-relieving effects are attributed to a chemical compound in turmeric called curcumin. Curcumin seems to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Although research on turmeric for joint pain is limited, an analysis of studies found that it improves symptoms of joint pain more than a placebo and may be comparable to ibuprofen.

Try it: Turmeric is usually taken in a dose of 500 mg two to four times daily. You can find turmeric supplements at Care/of.

Learn more about the benefits of turmeric and curcumin.

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Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects.

An analysis of clinical research shows that taking fish oil supplements reduces symptoms such as joint pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis. But it doesn’t seem to reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.

Try it: Typical fish oil doses range from 300 to 1,000 mg per day. You can find fish oil supplements at Care/of.

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Glucosamine is natural component of cartilage, a substance that prevents bones from rubbing against each other and causing pain and inflammation. It might also help prevent the cartilage breakdown that can happen with arthritis.

Many supplements aimed at treating joint pain contain glucosamine, which is one of the most well-studied supplements for osteoarthritis. But despite this research, there are still some questions about how well it works.

There are two types of glucosamine found in supplements: glucosamine hydrochloride and glucosamine sulfate.

One meta-analysis found that products containing glucosamine hydrochloride don’t do much to improve joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. Another study shows that glucosamine sulfate does improve these symptoms, so it may be a better option that glucosamine hydrochloride.

When taken over a long period of time, glucosamine sulfate may also help to slow down the progression of osteoarthritis. Studies suggest that it slows down narrowing of the joint space, a marker of the condition getting worse, when taken for up to three years.

Try it: Glucosamine sulfate is typically taken once daily in a dose of 1,500 milligrams (mg). If this upsets your stomach, try spreading it out over three doses of 500 mg each. You can find glucosamine sulfate supplements on Amazon.

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Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of cartilage. It may also help prevent cartilage breakdown from osteoarthritis.

Many clinical studies have found that chondroitin can reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. About 53 percent of people who take chondroitin have a 20 percent or greater improvement in knee pain.

Chondroitin sulfate may also slow down the progression of osteoarthritis when taken long-term. Studies show that it slows down narrowing of the joint space when taken for up to 2 years.

Joint supplements often combine chondroitin with glucosamine. But it’s still unclear if taking a combination supplement is any better than taking one or the other on their own.

Try it: Chondroitin is typically taken in a dose of 400 to 800 mg two or three times per day. You can find chondroitin supplements on Amazon.

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S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a supplement commonly used to help with symptoms of depression and osteoarthritis. Your liver naturally produces SAMe from an amino acid called methionine. It has several functions, including helping the production and repair of cartilage.

When taken as a supplement, SAMe can help with symptoms of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. It may be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex). In one study from 2004, celecoxib improved symptoms more than SAMe after a month of treatment. But by the second month, the treatments were comparable.

Try it: SAMe is usually taken in doses of 200 to 400 mg three times per day. Keep in mind that it may take some time to notice results. You can find SAMe supplements on Amazon.

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Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is commonly used for pain caused by arthritis. Chemicals in this extract called boswellia acids have anti-inflammatory effects.

Clinical studies have shown that boswellia extracts improve pain symptoms more than a placebo in people with osteoarthritis.

Try it: Studies looking at the use of boswellia for joint pain have used doses ranging from 100 mg once per day to 333 mg three times per day. You can find boswellia supplements on Amazon.

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Avocado-soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs) refer to a type of extract from avocado and soybean oils that might help prevent the breakdown of cartilage. It may also help to repair cartilage.

Clinical studies show that ASUs improve pain symptoms more than placebo in people with osteoarthritis.

Try it: The typical dose of ASU is 300 mg per day. You can find ASU supplements on Amazon.

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Devil’s claw, also called harpagophytum, contains a chemical called harpogoside that has anti-inflammatory effects.

Taking devil’s claw may help with joint pain from osteoarthritis. In one study, devil’s claw worked about as well as an anti-inflammatory drug called diacerein. However, since there isn’t much research on this supplement for osteoarthritis, more high-quality studies are necessary.

Try it: Most studies involving devil’s claw have used doses of 600 to 800 mg three times per day. You can find devil’s claw supplements on Amazon.

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Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is another common ingredient in supplements said to help with joint pain.

In one study, MSM improved pain and functioning compared to a placebo in people with osteoarthritis.

Try it: Typical MSM doses range from 1,500 to 6,000 mg per day, sometimes divided into two doses. You can find MSM supplements on Amazon.

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Choosing a supplement for joint pain can be overwhelming with the number of products available. Many of these products contain multiple ingredients. Keep in mind that a long ingredient list doesn’t always make for a better product. Also, these products are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so read labels carefully.

In some cases, added ingredients don’t have any proven benefits for joint health. Others might contain multiple beneficial ingredients, such glucosamine and chondroitin. But there’s not much proof that taking supplements containing multiple ingredients is more effective than taking a single ingredient. Plus, some of these products have too little of one or more ingredients for them to be beneficial.

Before choosing a supplement, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about other medications you’re taking so they can check for potential interactions. Some joint health supplements can interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners.

Healthy products for joints | Roskachestvo

What products contain collagen for joints and other useful vitamins and minerals? Roskachestvo experts help you learn how to eat so that your joints are healthy.

Every time we squeeze our fingers into a cup of coffee, hug a loved one, or walk up the stairs, our joints work. Over time, from constant use, they wear out, it becomes more difficult to move, jump, bend. That is why it is very important to know which foods are good for joints and cartilage in order to prevent, delay or alleviate their diseases.

Maria Chvertok

traumatologist-orthopedist, head of the traumatology department of the Institute of Health LLC

The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis (inflammation of the joints). The most common arthritis

It affects the hands, hips, knees and spine, which limits mobility and greatly affects a person’s quality of life. Of course, diet cannot cure arthritis, but regular consumption of certain foods and nutrients can keep joints healthy and reduce inflammation.

In addition, a balanced diet helps to control normal body weight. After all, the more weight, the greater the load on the joints, especially the knees, the risk of injury and wear increases. Accordingly, it is necessary to include in your diet products that are useful for knee joints with arthrosis.

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What joints need

For prevention, as well as to reduce already existing inflammation and improve the condition of the joints, the body should receive the following beneficial substances.

Omega-3 fatty acids

According to a 2020 study, omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and have a beneficial effect on swollen and painful joints in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Calcium

Calcium is essential for maintaining healthy and strong bones. Our body does not naturally produce this macronutrient, so it must be obtained from food. If calcium is not supplied enough, it is excreted from the bones. This weakens them and leads to osteoporosis.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of calcium from food. Vitamin D is synthesized under the influence of sunlight, and we also get it from food.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C reduces the risk of inflammatory arthritis and supports joint health. Thanks to it, collagen is produced in the body.

Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are antioxidants found in red and purple fruits. They lower levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols are antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the joints and slow down the destruction of cartilage.

Sulforaphane

Studies have shown that sulforaphane blocks enzymes that break down joint cartilage and reduces inflammation.

Diallyl disulfide

Diallyl disulfide counteracts enzymes that damage cartilage. According to studies, people who regularly consume foods containing this substance have fewer signs of early osteoarthritis.

Best Foods for Joints

Since inflammation is often the cause of joint pain, you need to include foods that reduce inflammation in your diet.

Berries

Cherries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries are valued for their antioxidant properties that reduce oxidative stress, a potential cause of inflammation.

Astringent cherry juice relieves inflammation especially well. A study of patients with mild knee arthritis found that those who drank two 8-ounce bottles of cherry juice every day for six weeks improved compared to those who took a placebo. But you should not eat more than 300 g of cherries a day. And for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, it is generally not recommended.

Red pepper (chili)

Red peppers are very rich in vitamin C, which helps the body produce collagen. Collagen is found in cartilage, tendons and ligaments.

Red pepper is contraindicated for children under 12 years old, and adults can eat no more than 15 g in the form of a spice.

Also, vitamin C is found in large quantities in citrus fruits.

Seeds and nuts

Walnuts are a particularly potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, as they are high in alpha-linolenic acids (ALA, plant-based omega-3s), as well as fiber and antioxidants. But they are very high in calories, so you should not eat more than a handful a day.

Almonds, pine nuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation in connective tissue and joints.

Salmon

Salmon is high in joint-healthy nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and especially omega-3 fatty acids.

Salmon is a source of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids – omega-3 fats. The American Heart Association recommends eating a 3-ounce (85 g) serving of salmon at least twice a week.

Also add to the diet: trout, halibut, tuna, sardines, mackerel and herring.

Pineapple

Contains bromelain, a substance that relieves joint pain that occurs with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Pineapples are also high in vitamin C. The recommended portion of pineapple is 165–200 g per day.

Tomatoes

In addition to a large amount of vitamin C, tomatoes contain a lot of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has a positive effect on the state of the whole organism, including the joints.

Tomatoes are recommended to eat no more than 150-200 g per day.

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage. These foods block enzymes that lead to joint swelling.

They contain sulforaphane, a sulfur-rich compound with antioxidant activity. According to a 2021 study, sulforaphane has anti-arthritic effects. All these types of cabbage can be eaten no more than 200 g per day, and if there are gastrointestinal diseases, such as gastritis, then it is better to limit yourself to 100 g.

Legumes

Beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and lentils contain anthocyanins, flavonoids that reduce inflammation in the body. They also contain magnesium, and it regulates calcium metabolism.

The combination of antioxidants, minerals, protein and fiber makes these legumes the perfect replacement for red meat in your daily diet. Legumes are best eaten 2-3 times a week, in small portions as a side dish.

Olive oil

Olive oil is rich in beneficial omega-3 fats that fight inflammation. 10–20 g of olive oil per day is enough.

Whole grains

While the proteins found in refined grains can trigger an inflammatory response in the body, whole grains counteract it.

The optimal amount of whole grains per day is 90 g.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an integral part of Indian cuisine. Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties are due to its rich content of curcumin, the chemical compound that gives the plant its bright yellow color.

The benefits of turmeric for joints are comparable to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). According to a 2021 study, turmeric therapy reduces pain in people with knee osteoarthritis and improves their condition. Add cinnamon and ginger to your diet – they also have anti-inflammatory properties. WHO recommends consuming no more than 3 mg of turmeric per kilogram of body weight daily.

Onion and garlic

These root vegetables contain diallyl disulfide and can treat joint pain and symptoms of arthritis.

The daily norm for onions is 100 g, and for garlic – 5-6 cloves (most importantly, not on an empty stomach).

Dark chocolate

Cocoa contains antioxidants that fight inflammation. The main thing is to choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa.

The optimal dose of dark chocolate is 20–25 g per day.

Tea

In tea (green, black, oolong and white), especially in mate (mate), a high concentration of polyphenols. They increase bone strength and help the body fight infections.

It is advisable to drink no more than 3-4 cups of black tea and 4-5 green tea during the day.

What foods have collagen for joints?

Collagen supplements have become very popular as there has been a lot of information about their anti-aging effects (wrinkle reduction, crow’s feet, etc.). Collagen also contributes to recovery after physical exertion and joint stiffness.

But regular collagen supplements aren’t for everyone, and they’re quite expensive. And even if your joints do not hurt, collagen is still needed by the body. Collagen levels begin to decline at the age of 20, after the age of 40 the body loses 1% of this substance every year.

Products that replenish collagen

Bone broth

Bone broth is one of the main sources of collagen. It is rich in calcium, glucosamine and chondroitin. When the bones are boiled in the broth, a gelatin-like substance is formed that mimics the collagen that the body needs for joint health.

The broth can be made from chicken or beef bones. There are no restrictions for this dish. Focus on how you feel and eat when you feel like it instead of soup.

Kholodets

Aspic contains a special type of collagen – gelatin, which is obtained as a result of long-term cooking of bones, cartilage and skin of animals. Gelatin has a positive effect on the joints, improves their mobility.

You should not eat jelly more than once a week, so as not to put an extra burden on the liver and not harm the blood vessels.

Sardines

Unlike other animal sources of collagen, fish collagen is concentrated in bones, skin and scales. If you want to get the most out of this substance, choose fish that you can eat almost whole, such as sardines. Salmon should also be eaten with the skin for collagen.

Freshly cooked sardine can be included in the diet as often as possible, but with canned food you should be careful – do not eat them more than 1-2 times a week. Excessive consumption of canned food can disrupt metabolism and cause salt deposits in the joints.

Meat offal

Collagen type I (alpha-1), found in our skin, bones and ligaments, is naturally present in animal by-products: the liver, heart, kidneys.

Meat offal is recommended to eat 1-2 times a week.

Marmalade

Many gummies are made with gelatin, which is made from partially hydrolyzed collagen. But not all gelling agents come from animal sources, some are made from agar, carrageenan, or pectin, and they don’t contain collagen.

If you want to treat yourself to dessert, remember that gelatin marmalade contains about 300 calories per 100 g.

Gelatin based jelly

Natural jelly contains fruits or berries and gelatin. The calorie content of the dessert depends on the ingredients, but in any case, the jelly has a positive effect on the cartilage system due to the large amount of collagen.

For joint problems, gelatin can be consumed at 10 g per day, but it must be remembered that its excessive consumption increases the risk of blood clots and the formation of kidney stones.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe stimulates collagen synthesis and has a rejuvenating effect. This is evidenced by a study of Japanese women, which showed that in participants over 40 who took aloe vera supplements for eight weeks, facial wrinkles became less pronounced.

Foods that harm the joints

Of course, it is important to know what are the most beneficial foods for joints, but it is equally important to exclude food that provokes inflammation from your diet. Avoid fried foods, oils high in omega-6 fatty acids, or saturated fats, sugar, and refined carbohydrates.

Foods that cause and exacerbate joint problems

Sweets

Eating too much sugar increases inflammation in the body. Avoiding sugary soft drinks, candy, and baked goods can help relieve arthritis pain.

Dairy products

It may seem odd that dairy products are on this list, as they contain many beneficial nutrients such as calcium and protein. But dairy also has casein, which promotes inflammation.

Fatty food

Trans fats, found in processed foods, fried foods, junk food, and donuts, cause inflammation.

Products containing refined carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are important as they are converted into energy. But the refined carbohydrates in high-glycemic foods like bread, crackers, white rice and potatoes stay in the body, causing inflammation and weight gain.

Tobacco and alcohol

Tobacco and alcohol trigger inflammation in the body and contribute to certain types of arthritis. Smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and alcohol increases the risk of gout (another form of inflammatory arthritis).

advanced glycation end products (AGEs)

When you fry food or eat foods cooked at high temperatures, including pasteurized foods, your body produces AGE toxins. These toxins damage proteins in the body, which causes the immune system to destroy them with the help of cytokines. And cytokines cause inflammation. In addition, the glycation process destroys collagen and elastin.

Gluten

Try eliminating or reducing your intake of gluten, as it can also lead to joint inflammation.

Food additives

Fast foods are convenient and ease a busy lifestyle, but they can aggravate arthritis. Manufacturers add monosodium glutamate (MSG), aspartame and salt to such products to increase shelf life and make them tastier. These chemicals increase inflammation.

Important

In order for the joints to remain healthy, you do not need to look for some expensive means or products. A balanced diet, exercise, and self-care are all keys to free movement.

PRP therapy for joint pain

PRP therapy is a new service for the treatment of joints in Medicinas centrs ARS . This is growth factor therapy or platelet-rich plasma.

Traumatologist-orthopedist Medicīnas centrs ARS Dr. Janis DOBELNIEKS introduces new opportunities.

How can joint pain be relieved?

Unfortunately, over time, our musculoskeletal system ages, wears out and deforms in the knee, hip joints, which very often ends with joint replacement or disability. Changes in the joints limit our range of motion, limit our activity and reduce our quality of life. Therefore, it is very important that the joints move well – freely and without pain.

Most joint problems begin with changes in the articular cartilage. Visually, they no longer look like a hard-boiled egg and beautifully peeled. They have become soft, uneven, rough, so they no longer slip. Joint tendons also begin to weaken and a whole range of problems arise.

Solutions

Several solutions are available to reduce knee pain and discomfort:

• Chondroprotectors such as glucosamine and other drugs that improve cartilage metabolism. Some help very well, some don’t help at all. These are natural food additives that are harmless to the body.
• For severe pain, you can block the joint, administer corticosteroids or hormonal drugs. They quickly relieve pain and swelling, but do not treat the cause. For one course, it is not recommended to do more than 3-4 injections.
• Hyaluronic acid injections . Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and at the same time causes positive changes in the joints. It covers the surface of the cartilage, thus reducing friction and facilitating movement. For a sustainable effect, the injection must be repeated once a year. However, this only temporarily improves the condition, but does not cure.
• Growth factor injections or platelet-rich plasma – PRP- therapy . This unique method gives great hope that the growth factor will positively affect the restoration of cartilage and tendon tissue. Unlike other injections, PRP treats the source of pain, so often this method can eliminate prolonged pain and inflammation.

What is

PRP Therapy ?

PRP – therapy ( Patelet Rich Plasma ) is the use of plasma isolated from a patient’s blood for injection into a diseased joint. Plasma contains an increased number of platelets that secrete growth factor, thus acting locally on the tissues of the body and promoting the process of healing, regeneration and recovery.

Clinical studies of recent years have confirmed the practical effectiveness of this method, so it is increasingly used in various branches of medicine – in microsurgery, orthopedics, traumatology, gynecology, urology, aesthetic medicine, etc.

Harmless alternative

Plasma injections do not cause harm to the body and do not cause allergic reactions, since the patient’s own blood is used. This method allows you to naturally stimulate the body’s ability to heal itself, reduce or completely eliminate pain without surgery, without the use of hormonal, chemical preparations or strong drugs. Local injections of growth factor are able to find exactly the place where inflammation or tissue damage has formed. They activate the formation of new cells and stimulate regenerative processes in tissues.

For information:

PRP contains about 5-10 times more growth factor than plain blood.

Performing the procedure

The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. This is a very simple procedure – 20 ml of blood is taken from the patient’s vein and placed in a special centrifuge. Within eight minutes, centrifugal forces separate plasma – a yellowish liquid, which contains a large number of platelets that secrete various growth factors. Plasma is drawn into the syringe and immediately injected into the joint. All this is done in one appointment and does not require the patient to wait a long time for blood preparation.

Is pre-training required?

No special preparation required. The procedure should not be performed during an exacerbation of the disease, if there are any inflammatory processes, poor health or temperature. It is worth knowing that PRP injection will not replace pain medications – it is performed only when acute pain is eliminated.

Before the procedure, it is advisable to properly plan your time. It is undesirable to inject if an intense load is foreseen immediately after this, for example, a long transition, a bicycle ride, etc.

The day after the procedure, it is undesirable to warm up or perform other manipulations that may affect the result of the injection.

One week after the injection, a careful lifestyle should be observed, refraining from sports activities that stress the diseased joint.

When are the results available?

It can’t get worse after the procedure, it only helps! Many patients felt relief and positive changes after a few days, as inflammation and pain decreased. But basically it depends on the degree and volume of damage to the joint. In any case, the sensations are different, since the deformation can be either in the initial stage, or in the middle or very pronounced. Usually the condition improves in about a month.

Is one injection enough?

Usually yes. However, some patients are advised to re-inject after 2-3 weeks. For a sustainable effect, it can be done once a year.

This procedure can also be done as a preventive measure. For example, a patient is undergoing joint surgery to correct some other problem and the doctor sees that the articular cartilage is damaged, so he may recommend a PRP injection. Cartilage damage is also detected during X-ray and magnetic resonance studies, when advanced joint diagnostics are performed due to pain.

Info:

PRP can be injected into the shoulder, knee, ankle, hip or finger joints. It helps to reduce pain in inflammation of the Achilles tendon, tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, etc. Growth factor injection is sometimes a good solution in the fight against chronic pain when all medicines have been tried and nothing helps.

Is the procedure painful?

No, as local anesthesia is used at the injection site. In the joint cavity, anesthesia is not required, but to get there, the needle must pass through the skin, the fat layer and the joint capsule. So that the procedure does not cause pain or discomfort, painkillers are first injected into the skin and then, after changing the syringe, the prepared plasma is injected into the joint through the same needle. Thus, it is not necessary to make several injections – the desired goal can be achieved with one injection.