Small lifestyle adjustments can help manage arthritis, and one such change could be incorporating tart cherry juice into your diet. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal Arthritis and Rheumatism suggests that a glass or two might ease joint pain caused by knee osteoarthritis.
Cherry Juice and Arthritis Pain
Participants who consumed two bottles of tart cherry juice daily for six weeks showed reduced pain scores compared to those given a placebo. Each bottle contained the equivalent of 45 tart cherries alongside a considerable amount of sugar – 31 grams.
In a separate study, researchers discovered that 20 women with osteoarthritis experienced lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) – a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation – after drinking two bottles of tart cherry juice daily for 21 days. Reduced CRP levels are linked to decreased inflammation.
Other Natural Approaches and Medical Options
If home remedies aren't doing the trick, your GP may recommend taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. Some NSAIDs are available in cream form (topical NSAIDs) that you apply directly onto painful joints. The NHS explains: "They can be particularly effective if you have osteoarthritis in your knees or hands. As well as helping to ease pain, they can also help reduce any swelling in your joints."
Exercise is also an excellent treatment for anyone with osteoarthritis, regardless of age or fitness level. It may seem like the last thing you want to do when stiff and uncomfortable, but getting muscles active and strengthening joints typically delivers significant relief from symptoms. Additionally, exercise helps with weight loss, improving posture, and relieving stress, all of which can reduce discomfort.
The NHS advises: "Your GP, or possibly a physiotherapist, will discuss the benefits you can expect from an exercise programme and can give you an exercise plan to follow at home."
Types of Exercise for Osteoarthritis
There's no need for expensive equipment or gym memberships – straightforward exercises are often the answer, according to Bupa. The healthcare provider states: "Exercise can help to keep your joints working well and reduce your pain. It will also help to build up your muscle strength and improve your fitness. Keeping active can help to boost your mood too."
Bupa recommends the following activities:
- Strengthening exercises: using light weights, a resistance band, or your own body weight
- Aerobic exercises to increase heart rate and breathing, such as swimming, cycling, or walking
- Flexibility and stretching exercises to help improve the range of movement of your joints
