Swollen joints, including swollen finger joints, occur when fluid accumulates in the soft tissue that surrounds and protects your joints. According to MedlinePlus, there are numerous possible causes of joint swelling, including osteoarthritis, reactive arthritis, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis. One of the most common causes of finger joint swelling, however, is rheumatoid arthritis. Certain dietary approaches may be helpful in treating your finger joint swelling, although it is always wise to check with your doctor before using this treatment method.
About Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid disease is a chronic health problem characterized by swelling and inflammation in your joints and their surrounding soft tissues. The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that there is no known cause of this health problem, and that rheumatoid arthritis affects people of all ages, is significantly more common in women than men and typically affects joints on both sides of your body. Some of the most commonly affected body parts include joints in your fingers, wrists, feet, knees and ankles.
Dietary Approach
A Western dietary approach may be one of the most significant factors associated with your rheumatoid arthritis and finger swelling. In his book "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. states that eliminating the sugary, processed and refined foods commonly consumed in Western diets and incorporating more whole foods, vegetables, fiber and antioxidant nutrients into your diet may be protective against rheumatoid arthritis and swollen finger joints. Eliminating certain food allergens may also be helpful in treating this health problem.
A Helpful Food
Salmon may be one of the most helpful foods in treating your swollen and inflamed finger joints. Biologist and nutritionist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," states that salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are among the most powerful anti-inflammatory agents, and they may help reduce the swelling and inflammation in your finger joints and other joints throughout your body affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Warning
Swollen finger joints are often indicative of an underlying condition that requires the attention and intervention of a licensed health care provider. If you develop this symptom, report to your family physician as soon as possible for an examination and testing. Your doctor can diagnose your condition and offer you treatment recommendations about how best to approach your condition. Although nutritional therapy may be a helpful adjunct therapy in treating your swollen finger joints, not all foods or dietary approaches used in treating this ailment may be backed by rigorous clinical research trials.
References
- MedlinePlus: Joint Swelling
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
