Arthritis is a common term used to refer to more than 100 conditions that trigger significant joint inflammation. Caffeine's impact on these conditions appears to vary considerably. For instance, in the case of the autoimmune disorder called rheumatoid arthritis, caffeine consumption appears to cause no harm. However, in the arthritic condition called gout, caffeine consumption can potentially cause short-term harm, while reducing long-term gout-related risks.
Background
The various forms of arthritis feature disintegration or destruction of a tissue called cartilage, which normally cushions your joints and prevents damaging bone-on-bone contact. Potential underlying causes for destructive cartilage changes include age-related joint wear and tear, bacterial or viral infections, broken bones and mistaken attacks by the body's immune system. In addition to rheumatoid arthritis and gout, common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, gonococcal arthritis, nongonococcal bacterial arthritis, reactive arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Effects on Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to a 2002 study reported in "Arthritis & Rheumatism," which compared older women with no caffeine use to older women who consumed significant amounts of caffeine on a daily basis, caffeine does not increase risks for developing rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, women in the study who drank three or more cups of tea daily had decreased risk of developing the disorder. Women who drank coffee daily showed no change in rheumatoid arthritis-related risks.
Varying Effects on Gout
According to a study presented in 2010 at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, short-term consumption of caffeine has a direct link to your risks of developing painful attacks of gout. For example, if you drink three or four servings of a caffeine-containing beverage within 24 hours, you increase your risk of a gout attack by 40 percent to 80 percent. People who drink only caffeine-free sodas, tea, coffee and juice do not have a beverage-related increase in risks. But over time, caffeine consumption reduces gout risks, the study noted.
Considerations
Caffeine consumption lowers the effectiveness of a rheumatoid arthritis medication called methotrexate, according to a 2003 study reported by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society. When compared to people with relatively low caffeine intake who took the medication, heavy caffeine drinkers taking the medication had significantly reduced levels of improvement in symptoms that included joint pain and morning stiffness. The U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus does not list caffeine avoidance as a lifestyle change that can help relieve arthritis symptoms. Consult your doctor for more information on how caffeine consumption can affect arthritis in your particular circumstances.
References
- MedlinePlus: Arthritis
- "Arthritis & Rheumatism": Coffee, Tea and Caffeine Consumption and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis; Mikuls, Cerhan, et al.; January 18, 2002
- American College of Rheumatology: Big Project? Counting on Caffeine to Stay Awake? It Can Also Wake Up Your Gout; 2010
- National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society: Effect of Caffeine Consumption on Efficacy of Methotrexate...; Nesher, Mates, et al.; January 9, 2003
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