We understand that this is not relevant to every patient. Weight-loss will help to reduce the stress on the affected weight–bearing joints e.g. hips, knees, ankles and feet. Excess abdominal weight, also known as central obesity or visceral fat, increases certain inflammatory substances (cytokines) in your blood. This can exacerbate joint inflammatory attacks, as well as put you at risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Losing weight alone can reduce inflammatory chemicals, toxins and blood uric acid levels, and the number of acute attacks suffered. It is important to avoid any type of crash dieting, as going without food for long periods and rapid loss of weight can increase inflammatory chemicals, toxins and uric acid levels and trigger painful inflammatory attacks. A combination of balanced healthy eating and regular physical activity is the best way to lose weight safely and to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise/movement: Try not to avoid using a stiff or sore joint completely for a long period of time, as this can cause the joint and surrounding muscles to degenerate leading to increased pain and decreased strength and mobility. Work to gently strengthen muscles, maintain a healthy weight and move the body at least 30 minutes, four to seven times a week. Start with gentle movement like walking, light weight/resistance exercises, yoga, Pilates, tai chi. Using sauna or steam room. Consider modifying home or work environment to avoid over strain or injury, use joint support or braces during flair ups or severe pain only when necessary or for part of the day or during sleep. (Dr Katy’s Pilates workout videos coming soon!)