Enjoying a glass of wine or a pint of beer is a common pleasure for many, but the association between alcohol consumption and joint pain is less widely recognized. While the occasional drink is unlikely to cause lasting harm, regular or excessive alcohol intake can lead to uncomfortable symptoms, including aches and pains in various joints
If you find that every time you drink alcohol, your joints hurt more, it’s not your imagination. Alcohol may have an inflammatory effect on you.
The inflammatory effects of alcohol can aggravate both degenerative joint pain from osteoarthritis and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can flare up in response to a particular type of whiskey or beer. Alcohol’s effects on immune function can also inhibit normal joint healing.
The level of inflammation and the severity of pain depend on the type of medication a person takes to control rheumatoid arthritis, the amount of alcohol or alcoholic beverages consumed, how often they drink, and other personal factors.
Not only can alcohol cause further damage to joints or promote side effects of medications, it can also interfere with other ways to relieve arthritis pain. Additionally, because alcohol is high in calories and many cocktails contain added sugar, drinking alcohol can make it harder to achieve other goals that help relieve pain and improve function: increasing muscle mass, reducing body fat, and losing weight.
But can alcohol help people with arthritis?
Alcohol has some benefits for heart health, such as slightly increasing total cholesterol, and moderate drinking may be associated with reduced mortality from heart disease in some populations.
What are the safe drinking rules for arthritis?
If you are not taking medications that are potentially toxic to the liver and your doctor has no other signs that alcohol is affecting your health, there is no reason why you can’t enjoy the relaxation, sociability, and potential health benefits of a little alcohol, but always drink in moderation.
Follow these 4 rules to avoid the negative side effects of alcohol on arthritis:
- If you don’t drink alcohol already, don’t start just because it may be beneficial for your heart health.
- Be honest with your rheumatologist, because dosage is important in assessing potential risks, your rheumatologist needs to know the truth about what you’re drinking and exactly how much.
- Pay attention to liver tests. If you take methotrexate or another drug that is metabolized by the liver, you should have your liver enzymes checked regularly. This is doubly important if you drink alcohol. Monitoring your blood tests is a great way to find out early if you’re having liver problems. If there are changes, the first thing I’d ask is about alcohol and you may need to cut back or stop.
- Listen to your body. There is no blood test that can tell your doctor whether any combination of NSAIDs and alcohol you consume is causing damage to your digestive system. Report any stomach pain or heartburn symptoms, as these may be caused by irritation to the lining of your digestive tract.
While moderate alcohol consumption is a part of many social activities, it’s important to be conscious of its potential to cause joint pain. By understanding how alcohol interacts with your body and taking proactive measures to manage its effects, you can help ensure that your social and drinking habits do not interfere with your joint health or overall well-being. Whether through hydration, moderation, or seeking medical advice, taking care of your joints is vital for maintaining an active and pain-free lifestyle.
