Arthritis is a difficult disease consisting of over 100 separate symptoms and can strike at any age. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent forms. Their primary causes, risk factors and their effects on the body vary. However, regular joint pain is common to both of them. Hips, knees, hands or wrists are most commonly affected but other areas of the body can also experience pain.

As you age, arthritis pain and inflammation are unavoidable. The joint condition deteriorates as you grow older. But with the right combination of vitamins, medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in rare cases surgery, can control the disease. It is a chronic condition that will remain with you for the rest of your life. Your treatments and medications will change over the period of time. But developing a positive mental outlook and enjoying the support of family and friends will let you live with arthritis and continue your daily routine activities.

It is vital that you talk to your doctor before taking any vitamins and supplements. In rare cases, certain vitamins and supplements can cause negative reactions with your medicines. Ask your doctor before stopping any medication.

Instead of meeting their daily RDA from diet, many people choose to take vitamin supplements. The following vitamins are highly beneficial for arthritis patients:

Vitamin B5 : Important in reducing swelling. But B vitamins are effective if taken together.

 

Vitamin B3 : Reduces swelling of the tissues, dilates small arteries, improves grip strength and joint mobility and increases blood flow. However it is not recommended if you suffer from high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders.

 

Vitamin B6 : Lessens swelling of tissue. Reduces the synovial membranes lining the weight-bearing surfaces of the joints, thus controlling pain and restoring mobility to the joints.

 

Vitamin B12 : Has many roles to play. Assists in formation of new cells, digestion, producing myelin and protecting the nerves.

 

Vitamin C : An anti-inflammatory, pain reliever and helps in removal of free radicals. It is responsible for producing collagen, which is the protein that acts as glue holding the cells together. It plays an important role in connective tissue to form healthy ligaments, cartilage, tendons and the joints.

 

Vitamin E: Powerful antioxidant protecting the joints against damaging effects of free radicals while improving joint flexibility.

 

Vitamin K: Helps mineral deposition in the bone matrix.

Selenium and Zinc: Selenium and zinc prevent damage caused to joint linings by free radicals that result in collection of fluids, swelling and associated pain.

Chondroitin : An important part of the structure of the cartilage and is responsible for proper maintenance of joint cartilage.

Use these guidelines to assist you in evaluating the supplements that you take to get relief from the arthritis symptoms. If you take your doctor’s help, one of these supplements can effectively complement your arthritis therapy. However knowledge of correct supplements is a must to derive any benefits from them and also to distinguish the necessary supplements from the others.

Credit: arthritisinfo4u