Dogged by knee pain due to arthritis? You’re not alone. This is a common problem among millions of Americans. In fact, knee arthritis is the leading cause of disability among older adults in the United States.
Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed with knee arthritis or have been living with it for years, there are things you can do to keep it from taking over your life. Here are a few self-care strategies you can employ to greatly enhance the results of the treatment your orthopedic specialist prescribed for your condition.
Sticking to a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Research evidence suggests that dietary choices can have a significant impact on people living with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Experts advise against excessive consumption of red meats, ultra-processed foods, and those loaded with saturated fats and sugar, as these all cause or exacerbate inflammation—the characteristic of arthritis.
Here are some of the foods to incorporate in your diet to help manage your condition:
- Broccoli
- Dark leafy greens
- Fatty fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, sardines and trout)
- Garlic
- Lentils and beans
- Olive oil
- Turmeric
- Whole grain
Engaging in Regular Physical Activity
Gardening, cycling swimming, walking, or taking a water aerobics class—doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you stay active.
Exercise strengthens the soft tissues that support your knees. Strengthening these tissues essentially means equipping them to provide better support for your knees and alleviating the pressure on them. In addition, exercise boosts the circulation of synovial fluid (the lubricating fluid in your joints).
Taking Joint-Friendly Nutritional Supplements
Glucosamine is a sugar molecule naturally produced by the body. It is an essential component of glycoproteins, glycosaminoglycans, and proteoglycans, which are the building blocks of the structures that support and facilitate the normal function of your joints: ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and synovial fluid.
Since glucosamine has no natural food sources, you need to take a nutritional supplement to help manage your knee arthritis. Other supplements recommended for arthritis include omega-3, curcumin extract, and vitamins D and K.
However, as with all other supplements, make sure to check with your orthopedic specialist for the right dose and frequency.
Staying Adequately Hydrated
Drinking enough water helps flush toxins out of your body, which helps combat inflammation. Sufficient hydration also helps keep your joints lubricated and limber— one of the essential components of the synovial fluid is water.
Where Can I Find Knee Arthritis Treatment in Plantation, FL?
If you’re searching for effective knee arthritis intervention in Plantation, Florida, visit us at Baylis & Brown Orthopedics for a consultation with one of our board-certified orthopedic specialists, Dr. Robert Baylis. He treats the full spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries using innovative treatment methods and advanced techniques—which is why scores of patients in Plantation and the neighboring areas gravitate toward us!
To arrange an appointment with Dr. Baylis, call us at (954) 476-8800. You can also use our appointment request form. We look forward to helping you effectively manage your knee arthritis, so you can live your best life!
