Caffeine May Trigger Inflammation In Osteoarthritis, Study Shows

Based on the report by the University of Maryland Medical Center, among other stimulants caffeine may worsen signs of osteoarthritis. Caffeine may intensify the inflammation of already inflamed joints. This may aggravate the pain, stiffness and loss of flexibility linked with this degenerative condition; so crossing out caffeine from the diet may be of benefit in the management of osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage between your bones to weaken over time. These may then rub against each other and the ligaments become strained and damaged. This causes a lot of pain and changes the shape of the joint.   While the root of the condition is not well-understood, researchers conclude it is often the effect of normal wear-and-tear, but obesity, injury and genetics may all upsurge the risk of developing it.

One way of treating severe cases of osteoarthritis is through a hip replacement surgery. Whether the benefits outweigh the risks, it will always be a dilemma. However, cases of metal poisoning, pain, and inflammation have been reported against metal-on-metal hip implants like that of Stryker ABG II hip device recall.

A study in the InFocus Newsletter in March 2002, distributed by the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, showed that caffeine inhibits adenosine receptors. Adenosine receptors are believed to play a role in regulating inflammation. If this is true, being exposed to caffeine might ruin the body's ability to regulate inflammation. Additional research is necessary to absolutely determine caffeine's influence on inflammation in people.

But instead of concentrating with one dietary change, you may modify your whole diet to avoid signs of osteoarthritis. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases recommends losing weight to manage your situation. Being overweight may strain affected joints, such as the hips, knees, and ankles. Losing a few pounds may relieve some of the pressure, and at the same time keeping you in shape.

In addition to abstaining from caffeine and refining your diet, include exercise in your system. Ideally, adults need about 30 minutes of intense cardio on most days. Moreover, try low-impact activities that you can do for longer periods of time, such as biking, swimming, and walking. So step on a treadmill or hit the pool for half an hour a day to keep your joints moving. You may also visit your doctor to discuss the best kind of treatment and management of osteoarthritis for you.