Читать книгу Anti-Inflammatory Diet For Dummies - Artemis Morris - Страница 68

In osteoarthritis, inflammation of the joint compresses the nerves and causes the shock-absorbing system between the joints to degenerate. Osteoarthritis is also known as age-related arthritis, and with good reason: It affects more than 70 percent of adults between the ages of 55 and 78. The majority of those affected are women.

Osteoarthritis may also be caused by obesity or long-term overuse of a joint during work or in sports. Repeated motion and injuries contribute to the inflammatory process in arthritis. For example, a football player who injures himself is more susceptible to arthritis in the affected area. A joint injury at a younger age can mean osteoarthritis later.

Although osteoarthritis isn’t curable, you can manage its pain and other symptoms. Some doctors advise taking acetaminophen for pain, and lifestyle changes may also relieve some of the tenderness. Exercise helps keep the joints moving and can help with weight loss, particularly if that’s relevant to the osteoarthritis. (We cover exercises to mitigate inflammation in Chapter 20.)

Experts also recommend getting plenty of rest, keeping the joints protected, and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Part of that includes drinking enough water to keep the joints and the rest of the body hydrated.