When it comes to joint pain, it can make day to day activities difficult. While many factors can contribute to joint inflammation, our diet can play a significant role in triggering it.
Before beginning any new diet or exercise routine, you should consult with a qualified healthcare professional.
Read along as we uncover the kinds of food that can worsen inflammation in your joints, which foods may help to reduce inflammation, and how to incorporate them into your diet.
Inflammation can occur when the body is attempting to deal with a problem, an injury, or infection. When injured or sick, white blood cells can travel to the area in question, which may cause a variety of injuries and chronic conditions redness or swelling. Chronic inflammation can grow to become a serious health issue if not addressed and treated in a timely fashion. It can also exacerbate other existing conditions or injuries,like joint pain.
Joint pain or discomfort may be the result of a variety of injuries and chronic conditions like arthritis. Other symptoms of joint pain can look like stiffness or impact joint range of motion. While managing joint pain can be achieved through physical therapy or medical intervention, making a lifestyle change like eating more anti-inflammatory foods can be helpful as well.
There are certain foods that can potentially add to or worsen your inflammation and existing joint pain. Here are some foods to avoid (or monitor consumption) if you struggle with inflammation or joint pain:
Limiting or avoiding these foods can help to not only reduce inflammation but also alleviate existing joint pain. Improving your overall joint health may require you to be more mindful about what you eat on a daily basis. Consistency plays a key role and avoiding inflammatory foods like the ones previously mentioned can assist you in improving your overall joint health. There are known anti-inflammatory diets out there including AIP or the Mediterranean diet.
Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can be an effective tool to reduce inflammation and manage your existing joint pain overall. Here are some foods that may help to reduce inflammation and joint pain:
Including foods like the ones previously mentioned into your diet allows you to take a more proactive approach towards reducing inflammation and improving your health.
Incorporating a new diet into your everyday lifestyle is a powerful tool to use when managing your joint pain. You can reduce that pain and inflammation from foods like fatty fish, leafy vegetables and turmeric. While doing so, we encourage you to monitor or reduce foods that typically increase one’s inflammation and associated joint pain. That can include items like red meat, sugary foods, and dairy products. Once those adjustments are made to your diet, you can see significant improvements to your joint health, overtime.
Physical therapy can help to address and reduce existing joint pain. With the help of a PT, your joint pain can be alleviated through a variety of techniques and exercises, from stretches to more targeted exercises and other manual therapy techniques. Engaging in these practices can help improve mobility and overall function. A physical therapist can provide patients with the tools, resources, and information needed to minimize further strain on the joint, improve your overall joint health, and improve your return to your everyday activities.
Are you struggling with joint pain and are ready to look for new ways to manage and alleviate it? Results Physiotherapy is the place for you. At Results PT, we are comprised of a team of experts who are equipped with the tools and resources needed to support and guide you as you incorporate anti-inflammatory foods into your diet. If you are ready to take the first step, schedule an appointment with us today at a PT clinic near you and take control over your joint health.
