Arthritis is a disorder that causes inflammation in the joints between bones. Although there are over 100 types of arthritis, the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis suffers work hard to reduce the painful symptoms of this condition. Typical treatments include pain medication and anti-inflammatory drugs. Medical studies have also demonstrated that fish oil benefits arthritis suffers. Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce inflammation and can even improve the effectiveness of other anti-inflammatory drugs. According to the Mayo Clinic (), consistent use of fish oil supplements resulted in a decrease in both joint pain and stiffness that affect so many rheumatoid arthritis suffers.
The most prevalent form of arthritis, osteoarthritis involves the gradual wear of cartilage and resulting friction between bones, which leads to pain and swelling. Another common form of arthritis is the chronic autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when an overactive immune system begins to attack the body and causes the lining in the joints to swell. This inflammation can spread, causing damage to cartilage and bone. In most cases of arthritis, sufferers can experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. There are a variety of treatments that can work together in an attempt to reduce the painful symptoms of arthritis while improving joint functioning. Pain medications can range from mild acetaminophen to harsh narcotics like Vicodin. Anti-inflammatory drugs can also attempt to reduce the swelling. With the addition of fish oil supplements, sufferers can reduce the stiffness and painful joint inflammation.
Fish oil appeared to increase the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. Fish oil supplements are not a new discovery in the world of medicine, however. A 1990 study, “Effects of fish oil supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis” from the medical journal Annals of Rheumatoid Diseases, demonstrated that dietary fish oil supplements suppressed symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, research that appeared in a 2001 article, “Antioxidants and fatty acids in the amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders,” from the British Journal of Nutrition showed that ingesting fish oil supplements resulted in a significant reduction in morning stiffness and join pain for participants suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This study also states that fish oil supplements can be helpful in the management of Lupus, another form of arthritis. Monitoring one’s weight, so joints are not bearing extra stress, keeping joints flexible through exercise and using assistive devices to prevent further damage to joints are some of the ways people manage a life with arthritis. As part of a treatment plan, fish oil supplements can prove beneficial to people suffering from the painful effects of arthritis.
Sources:
Darlington, L. Gail and Stone, Trevor W. “Antioxidants and fatty acids in the amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis and related disorders.” British Journal of Nutrition, Vol. 85, March 2001, pp. 251-69.
“Evidence: Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil, alpha-linolenic acid.” MayoClinic.com. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research , 1 Mar. 2008. Web. 30 July 2009. .
H van der Tempel, J. E. Tulleken, P. C. Limburg, F. A. Muskiet, and M. H. van Rijswijk “Effects of fish oil supplementation in rheumatoid arthritis.” Annals of Rheumatoid Diseases. 1990 February; 49(2): 76–80.
