Osteoarthritis (OA) is known as “wear & tear arthritis”. It is the most common chronic joint condition. OA involves cartilage degradation and bone remodelling due to active response of chondrocytes in the articular cartilage and the inflammatory cells in the surrounding tissues.
The prevalence of knee OA in Malaysia was estimated to be 10%-20% of the elderly population.
Common Risk Factors
•Previous injury
•Bone deformities/misalignment
•Genetics
•Gender (women more prone than men)
•Older age
•Occupation
•Sports activities
•Obesity
Sign & Symptoms
•Joint pain/tenderness
•Limited mobility
•Cracking sounds at joint areas
•Instability
Complications
•Loose tissue material at joints
•Bone cracks
•Bleeding and infection inside joints
•Pinched nerves
Food to Focus
•Oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, fresh tuna)
•Dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard)
•Garlic and onions
•Nuts (walnuts, almond, pistachios)
•Extra virgin olive oil
Food to Avoid
•Processed sugar (soda, sweet tea, flavored coffees, packet juice drinks)
•Food high in saturated fats (pizza, red meat)
•Refined carbohydrates (white bread, white rice, potato chips)
Lifestyle Modifications
•Physiotherapy sessions
•Heat applications
•Wear insoles
•Wear mechanical supports
•Low-impact exercises to maintain healthy body weight
3. Osteoarthritis diet: 8 foods to eat and 3 to avoid [Internet]. Medical News Today. MediLexicon International; [cited 2022Jan7]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322603
