Knee problems can limit your ability to perform daily tasks and participate in the activities you enjoy the most. Pain can make these activities difficult and less painful. Knee pain should be examined and treated by a medical professional. However, omega-3 fatty acids may be able to help reduce knee pain and inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis.
Knee Pain
MayoClinic.com indicates that knee pain can strike individuals of all ages and of all activity levels. Knee pain can be the result of injury -- including torn cartilage or ligaments. Knee pain can also be the result of a medical condition, such as infection, gout or arthritis. Symptoms of knee pain can include swelling, stiffness, redness, instability, popping noises, the inability to straighten your knee completely and weakness. X-rays, CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds may be used to diagnose a knee condition. A physical examination will also be performed by your doctor. Treatment for knee pain largely depends on the cause of your knee pain. Treatment may include medication, injections, bracing, physical therapy or surgery.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oil as well as in plant and nut oils. According to Caring Medical and Rehabilitation Services, the fatty acids found in fish oils -- including eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid -- can help diminish pain and inflammation caused by a number of conditions, including gout, lupus, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids are often used as a natural means of treating inflammation -- especially inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis
Arthritis occurs because of wear and tear on the joints that can be caused by age or by an injury. According to MayoClinic.com, multiple randomized trials have indicated a reduction in morning stiffness and in joint tenderness when fish oil -- which contains omega-3 fatty acids -- were consumed on a regular basis for two to three months at a time. The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids when it comes to treating rheumatoid arthritis are reported to be similar to that of anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. MayoClinic.com says that the long-term effects of fish oil for knee pain have yet to be studied.
Dosage
MayoClinic.com indicates that adults older than 18 should consume 1.6 g of omega-3 fatty acids daily. This can be achieved through supplementation or by consuming fish. Healthy adults without a history of heart disease should consume fish two to three times per week to reap the overall health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, including inflammation reduction. Recommended fatty fish include carp, salmon, bluefish, tuna, bass and white fish. It is not clear how much fish oil children should consume. Consume omega-3 fatty acids under the direction of a physician.
Member Comments