Alcohol abuse can harm many parts of the body, including the joints. Alcohol causes dehydration, which damages cartilage, which is an important component for smooth joint movement, leading to inflammation and joint pain. Alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients essential for bone and joint health.
Alcohol disrupts the body’s production of new bone cells, or osteoblasts, and inhibits the cells that are already there to repair and maintain bone (their function). As a result, bones become less dense and stronger, reducing their mechanical function and causing osteonecrosis (or bone death). In severe cases of osteonecrosis, the bone degenerates and the surrounding cartilage collapses into the dead bone. At this point, joint replacement surgery is the only way to relieve pain and regain mobility.
You may have heard that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce inflammation (for example, Resveratrol, found in red wine, has some anti-inflammatory effects), but the reality is that drinking alcohol can do more harm than good if you drink too much. Alcohol adds to the inflammation in the joints of people with arthritis.
This is especially true for people with pre-existing joint conditions such as:
- Gout: An inflammatory arthritis called gout occurs along with increased levels of uric acid in the blood. Beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are high in purines, which are compounds that cause gout attacks.
- Osteoarthritis: This degenerative joint disorder results from the breakdown of cartilage in the body. Inflammation from alcohol can make this condition worse.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): While some studies suggest that drinking small amounts of alcohol may help prevent joint problems, people who already have conditions like RA are more likely to experience pain and dangerous complications.
Why Do Your Joints Hurt the Day After Drinking Alcohol?
There are several reasons why alcohol can cause joint pain, including:
- Dehydration: Alcohol removes water from the blood. This causes dehydration, which in turn causes more joint pain and other pain.
- Inflammation: Alcohol inflames body tissues. This is why people with chronic joint disease may experience more pain after drinking alcohol.
- Medication Interference: When prescribing medications to relieve joint pain, there is a reason why doctors often warn against alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt the pain-relieving effects of the medication and even affect how your body functions.
If you experience joint pain after drinking alcohol, it could be a sign of a more serious condition. You should consult your doctor to determine the appropriate amount of alcohol consumption after a proper diagnosis.
Prevention and long-term joint health for arthritis?
Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is essential to adopt healthy habits to prevent joint problems from recurring or getting worse and promote long-term joint health.
Measures can include:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients essential for joint health, such as calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and too much caffeine.
- Exercise regularly. Include an exercise routine in your schedule. Regular physical activity helps strengthen muscles, improve joint flexibility, and maintain a healthy weight. Incorporate a variety of exercises, including aerobic exercises, strength training, and flexibility training.
- Avoid smoking, as it can cause joint pain and inflammation.
