Arthritis is an umbrella name for a group of diseases affecting the joints according to Tammy Roberts, nutrition and health education specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
“There are more than 100 individual diseases that the term arthritis refers to, with three of the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia,” said Roberts.
Osteoarthritis is referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It is caused by the breakdown of cartilage as a person ages.
“When cartilage breaks down the bones rub against each other causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement,” said Roberts.
The pain of rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joints. The exact cause is unknown but in a person with rheumatoid arthritis, their immune system attacks their own body.
Fibromyalgia causes muscle pain and fatigue. People with fibromyalgia have specific places on their body such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms or legs that are tender to the touch. They may also experience insomnia, morning stiffness, headaches, numbness in hands or feet and problems with thinking and memory.
Nearly one in three adults are estimated to have arthritis (the second leading cause of disability). Any person at any age can be diagnosed with arthritis but more women than men are affected.
“Two common recommendations for people with arthritis are to eat healthfully and to get plenty of exercise,” said Roberts.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there isn’t enough research to warrant recommendations for specific amounts of certain foods to combat the disease. They do, however, recommend that people with arthritis aim for a healthy weight and make healthy food choices.
“This means choosing a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy products,” said Roberts.
Exercise has many benefits for a person with arthritis. It can help with mental outlook and with weight management. Physical activity can also strengthen muscles around joints minimizing the friction between bones.
“Reducing the friction helps to decrease joint swelling and pain. People who exercise also experience increased energy and stamina,” said Roberts.
It is estimated that 23 million people in the U.S. have arthritis but have not been diagnosed. For that reason, it is important to see a physician and be properly diagnosed with arthritis because different forms of arthritis require different treatment.
“Proper treatment can help keep joints in the best possible condition and that means less pain for the patient,” said Roberts.
For more information on nutrition issues, contact any of the University of Missouri Extension offices in southwest Missouri, go online to http://extension.missouri.edu or contact one of the two nutrition and health education specialists working in the Ozarks: Tammy Roberts, (417) 682-3579 or Terry Egan, (417) 866-3039.