By Colin Lloyd October 15, 2022
A Very Common Question
Twenty years ago, glucosamine was going to be the miracle supplement that would fix sore joints. Subsequent research showed its effect was primarily placebo. People still regularly ask whether there is something they can take to make an arthritic joint healthier and less painful.
The short, honest answer is: not really.
There is very little robust research evidence that any dietary supplement makes a meaningful long-term difference to arthritic joints.
What About Diet?
Diet can make a difference in a couple of ways.
Weight management: If your diet is leading to excess weight, that is not helpful for your joints. Keeping your weight in a healthy range matters.
Inflammation: Some people find that their pain has a strong inflammatory component and notice that certain foods seem to make it worse. For these individuals, eliminating specific foods can reduce pain noticeably. This is very individual, however – it does not work for everyone, and there is no universal “anti-arthritis diet” that applies across the board.
The Bottom Line
Focus on the things we know help: good muscle strength, staying active, and managing your weight. These have solid evidence behind them.
If you are unsure what is driving your joint pain, or you want advice tailored to your situation, come and talk to us.