DEGENERATIVE ARTHRITIS:
Being overweight causes wear and inflammation.
The clear relationship between overweight and osteoarthritis has been
seen. Excess fat is related to cartilage degradation and inflammation. This occurs due to the release of leptin that is related to an inflammatory response of the joints increasing the risk of the
appearance or worsening of osteoarthritis. The obese have a higher incidence of osteoarthritis of the hands than the non-obese. The hands, in comparison to the knees, are joints that do not usually
support weight and yet suffer from osteoarthritis.
Recently, articles have been published that claim that the consumption of one gram of fish oil a day could help reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis since it has been shown that the essential
fatty acids in fish oil reduce inflammation in the joints . It was also found that an increase in foods rich in vitamin K, such as spinach, parsley and kale, helps patients with osteoarthritis to
improve their quality of life.
Weight loss, proper nutrition and regular and moderate exercise can help take care of our joints.