It can. Excessive sugar consumption is linked to increased inflammation in the joints, causing more pain. Avoid eating foods with added sugars.  This includes obvious items like baked goods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and candy. Less obvious sources of added sugar include breakfast cereals, pasta sauce, and canned fruits and vegetables.  Read the ingredients list on the label to make sure it doesn’t include any added sugar, such as high-fructose corn syrup.