Arthritis pain: which anti-inflammatory actually works best? Experts reveal the answer

Understanding Osteoarthritis: When Cartilage Wears Thin

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition caused by the gradual wearing down of the cartilage covering the ends of your bones. This loss leads to pain and stiffness in the joints. In theory, any joint can be affected, but most often it’s the hips, knees, or spine that bear the brunt. Depending on how severe it is, osteoarthritis can take a real toll on your quality of life. Fortunately, there are both medicinal and natural anti-inflammatory options to help manage these aches and pains.

Osteoarthritis typically reveals itself through joint pain and stiffness?first thing in the morning, especially. The disease tends to progress in flare-ups, alternating with quieter periods, and over time, causes the cartilage in the joint to break down completely. This can ultimately lead to the destruction of the bone underneath as well, warns the Arthritis Society of Canada. According to a report from Inserm, France’s National Institute of Health and Medical Research, ten million French people are affected by osteoarthritis: that’s 65% of adults over 65, and even 80% of those over 80.

• Risk factors include advancing age, joint injuries (think: heavy lifting, repetitive motions, impacts, fractures), being overweight (which puts extra strain on joints), family history, certain metabolic disorders (like diabetes or high blood pressure), inflammatory joint diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout), and bone diseases such as osteonecrosis.

So far, there is no treatment that cures osteoarthritis. But don’t despair! There are anti-inflammatories that can ease your arthritis pain and help you live better with the condition day to day.

Medicinal Anti-inflammatories: Tried and Tested Relief

In osteoarthritis, your primary care provider or rheumatologist may prescribe a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These medications can be applied directly to the sore joint (as a gel or cream), or taken orally as tablets. While effective for pain relief, they do come with some possible side effects?and sometimes, limits on how long and how often they can be used.

Natural Anti-inflammatories: Spices, Plants, and Pantry Staples

Natural anti-inflammatories aim to ease joint pain and restore some flexibility and movement to your joints. Because the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs aren’t negligible?and because there are restrictions on when and how you can use them?many find it worthwhile to consider natural alternatives, which can sometimes be easier on the body.

Here are some natural anti-inflammatories that can be helpful in fighting osteoarthritis:

• Plants and spices: Ginger, turmeric, cayenne pepper, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary all make the list.
• Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Or, as your nutritionist would say, “the good fats”?like fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring), leafy green vegetables (think spinach and Swiss chard), and nuts.

You can incorporate these natural anti-inflammatories into your diet, brew them as teas, or even use them topically as essential oils (for example, peppermint, eucalyptus, or lavender essential oils).

One of the most powerful?and therefore best?natural anti-inflammatories is turmeric. This golden spice boasts both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, thanks to its high curcumin content.

Spotlight on Sardines, Ginger, and Colourful Fruits: What the Experts Say

Leading the charge are sardines, which are packed with omega-3s.

“They’re valuable for fighting inflammation, but unfortunately still too rare in our diet,”

notes Dr. Kh?mis.

Ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties are also well-documented: researchers have identified around forty antioxidant compounds in ginger. For maximum benefit, it’s best consumed fresh.

Finally, don’t forget the vibrant fruits loaded with anthocyanins?the sworn enemies of free radicals. According to an American study, these berries may lower inflammation markers in women aged 40 to 70.