Included in this program will be certain medications and exercises designed to reduce joint inflammation and joint stress. The evaluation may also include an assessment of an individual's nutritional status. Certain nutritional facts are known about rheumatic illnesses. Patients with chronic arthritis can develop a protein deficiency and may need supplemental foods. When the arthritis involves weight-bearing joints such as the hips or knees, a gradual weight reduction program may be indicated.
Arthritis is due to joint inflammation.
Medications used to treat arthritis attempt to control the body's inflammatory response, thereby reducing inflammation. Exciting new studies in animals have shown that diets rich in certain fish oils have been able to modify this inflammatory response, and retard the progression of some forms of arthritis. One of the questions most commonly asked by my patients is whether exercise is helpful in the treatment of arthritis. My answer is usually affirmative. However, the type of exercise depends on the type of arthritis and the joints involved.