Let’s start with a quick quiz. Which of the following help reduce the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis – the major cause of knee and hip replacements? (Mark ALL that apply)
1. Salmon, broccoli and red peppers
2. Peanut butter
3. Cranberries, spinach
4. Fast food burgers and fries
5. Tuna, avocados
The good choices are 1, 2 and 5. For many reasons, fast food, especially deep-fried foods are bad for your general health and osteoarthritis. Surprisingly, sources say that cranberries and spinach may be food for you for other reasons, but they won’t help reduce the inflammation and pain in your knees and hips. “Today’s Total Joint Replacement surgery offers longer-lasting implants, better pain management and faster rehabilitation,” says McLeod Sports Medicine Certified Athletic Trainer Valencia Oxendine-Rose. “Yet, you can delay surgery by controlling the weight you put on your knees and hips, while eating moderate portions of the right foods.”
Some foods to AVOID include:
Healthy foods aren’t limited to tofu, celery sticks and bran muffins. For instance, lobster and shrimp (not deep fried) are on list of foods that offer vitamin E and antioxidants to help your joints.
Other foods to ADD to your diet include:
EAT HEALTHY, BUT DON’T DELAY IF YOU NEED HELP
You should do everything possible to keep your knee and hip joints healthy. However, when you have to limit your daily activities due to pain, stiffness or inflammation, it’s time to see an Orthopedic Specialist for a full diagnosis and treatment plan. Waiting too long can result in additional damage to the bones in your knee and hip joints.
Find an Orthopedic Specialist near you.
Sources include: McLeod Health, The Arthritis Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Arthritis Research Institute of America, British Nutrition Foundation