Arthritis is one of the most common diseases affecting the skeletal system, especially in the elderly. Pain, swelling and reduced mobility are symptoms that not only make patients uncomfortable but also seriously affect their quality of life.
Many people mistakenly believe that taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can control arthritis. However, the truth is that drugs are only a temporary solution, helping to relieve symptoms without addressing the root cause of the disease. Arthritis is the result of many factors: natural degeneration due to age, trauma, being overweight, inflammation, immune disorders or even genetic factors. Therefore, effective treatment requires a comprehensive strategy, combining many methods, not just relying on drugs.
While many people are still struggling between drugs, functional foods and folk methods, others have found the secret to effectively controlling and treating arthritis.
Five secrets to help control and treat arthritis effectively:
1. Maintain a healthy weight
You can’t talk about effective arthritis treatment without ignoring the weight factor. Excess body weight will put heavy pressure on the joints, especially the knees, hips and spine. According to medical research, each kilogram of excess weight will create 4 times more pressure on the knees when walking. Therefore, losing weight is one of the simplest and most effective ways to relieve arthritis symptoms and prevent disease progression.
Following a reasonable diet, rich in green vegetables, fruits, healthy fats (omega-3), reducing sugar and refined starch is essential. Not only does it help control weight, this diet also has natural anti-inflammatory properties, supporting healthy bones and joints.
2. Exercise properly
It may sound counterintuitive, but exercise is one of the most important medicines for people with arthritis. It is important to choose the right form of exercise. Gentle walking, yoga, swimming, cycling are great activities that help strengthen the muscles around the joints, support flexible movement and reduce inflammation.
Many people are afraid that exercise will further damage the joints, but not exercising is the cause of faster joint degeneration. When not used, the joints will weaken, stiffen, causing more pain, so exercising properly, regularly and at the right level is an indispensable secret.
3. Control stress and sleep quality
Prolonged stress not only affects the spirit but also aggravates inflammation in the body, including arthritis. Cortisol (stress hormone), if maintained at high levels, will promote the inflammatory process, making the patient feel more pain and fatigue.
In addition, quality sleep also plays an important role in the recovery and repair of damaged joint tissue. Getting enough sleep helps reduce pain, reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Therefore, controlling stress by meditating, deep breathing, listening to relaxing music and creating a habit of sleeping on time are secret factors that few people pay attention to.
4. Natural foods and nutrients that support treatment
Many studies have shown that some foods have strong anti-inflammatory properties such as:
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines): Contain a lot of omega-3 to help reduce inflammation effectively.
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin – a golden active ingredient that has anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to drugs but has few side effects.
- Green tea: Rich in antioxidants, helps prevent damage to joint tissue.
- Ginger, garlic: Help fight inflammation and relieve pain naturally.
Supplementing nutrients such as glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin D, calcium and collagen is also essential to regenerate cartilage and improve joint function. However, patients should consult a doctor before using any supplements.
5. Be persistent and proactive in health care
Arthritis is a chronic disease that cannot be cured overnight. Therefore, treatment requires persistence, initiative and positivity from the patient. Do not rely too much on drugs or just rely on doctors, but need to change from daily lifestyle: eat healthy, maintain exercise, avoid stress, get enough sleep, and have regular check-ups.
Consider bone and joint care an essential part of life, just like the way we brush our teeth every day to maintain oral health. When initiative is put first, treatment results will be much more positive.
The secret to effective arthritis treatment does not lie in expensive drugs or complicated methods, but in the smart combination of a scientific lifestyle, reasonable exercise, anti-inflammatory diet, stress control and adequate sleep. As patients move from awareness to action, they will feel a clear difference in pain levels, mobility and quality of life, and most importantly, they will not give up.
