Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is epidemic in almost every population. It can affect any joint in the body, but usually affects the large joints, particularly the knees and hips. It may also affect smaller joints, particularly those of fingers and wrists. Osteoarthritis, which may be relatively painless or totally incapacitating, occurs as a result of the body’s inability to repair damage to cartilage tissue. This damage may have a diverse range of causes from acute injury to long-term overuse or joint immobilisation. Cartilage is unique among body tissues as it contains no blood vessels, nerve fibres or lymph vessels. As a result, the supply of vital nutrients to cartilage is likely to be barely adequate to maintain healthy functioning of cartilage cells.

Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease) develops as a result of joint damage caused by trauma (injury or overuse), dietary imbalance, or deformity (developmental or genetic). In a healthy joint, cartilage which forms the end of bones, exists as a strong, lubricated and compressible matrix in a fluid-filled capsule. The primary function of cartilage is to bear and distribute weight evenly within the joint, providing a cushioning effect and enabling freedom of movement. Cartilage is under constant stress and is continually being worn away—even by normal use. Fortunately, given adequate raw materials (nutrients), the cartilage matrix has the ability to repair and replenish itself.

Cartilage breakdown occurs over time if the nutrients required for replenishment remain unavailable. In these situations, the matrix is unable to rebuild fast enough. If this continues, the smooth, low-friction surface erodes, bone ends become exposed, bone spurs form on the edge of the bones and inflammation begins to restrict movement. Eventually cartilage maintenance and repair wanes and the joint cartilage is eroded. Lifestyle considerations and your ‘green prescription’ for maintaining optimal joint function. Regular, moderate exercise (when reduction in pain allows) (i.e. walking or swimming for 30 to 60 minutes) and regular weight bearing exercise with small hand-weights for approximately 10 minutes each morning is recommended.

Dietary Recommendations. Minimise non-preferred fats in the diet. Preferred fats include fish oils and seafood oils, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, eggs, and small amounts of butter. Non-preferred fats include homogenised milk fats, processed oils (including safflower oil which becomes unstable in heat), margarine and excess animal fat. The use of trans-fatty acids (bad fats) potentially results in deterioration of cell membranes and a degradation of the immune system. Identify any food allergies. Grains and milk products may be a factor in inflammation. Eliminate or carefully control the intake of alcohol, caffeine and sugar. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day.