Arthralgia refers to joint pain caused by a variety of conditions. These can include autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and infectious diseases such as septic arthritis. Arthralgia also occurs in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and osteoarthritis. Numerous studies indicate that omega-3 fatty acids soothe joint inflammation in general. Speak to your doctor or health care provider about omega-3 supplementation if you suffer from arthralgia.
Inflammation
The active ingredients in omega-3 fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, most often abbreviated as EPA and DHA, respectively. Because the body cannot produce EPA and DHA on its own, they must come from the diet or from supplementation. EPA and DHA impede the expression of the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid in the body. They also produce resolvins, compounds with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe inflammation in the joints, according to an article by researchers from the University of Southampton School of Medicine in the U.K and published in the "Proceedings of the Nutrition Society."
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Arthralgia due to rheumatoid arthritis leads to inflamed, swollen and stiff joints. The condition is chronic and over time damages the joint as it wears away bone; this results in limited range of motion, impaired movement and persistent pain. According to a 2009 review review article published in the journal “Current Pharmaceutical Design,” EPA and DHA supplementation decreases these symptoms. The authors, researchers from the University of Perugia in Italy, found solid clinical evidence that omega-3 fatty acids diminished pain, reduced the number of painful joints and minimized the stiffness in the morning associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Arthralgia that stems from osteoarthritis is also degenerative. Over time the constant inflammation associated with osteoarthritis erodes the protective cartilaginous structure of the joints, resulting in chronic pain and loss of movement. However, omega-3 fatty acids can slow down the destruction of cartilage in osteoarthritis, according to an August 2011 “International Journal of Rheumatology" article by German researcher Jorg Jerosch.
Bursitis
Arthralgia that occurs due to bursitis can be chronic or acute. Bursitis affects the bursa – the small gel-filled sacs that cushion movement between tendons and bones – and bursitis often is related to overuse injuries. According to researchers from the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in London, high levels of inflammatory proteins such as interleukin 1 populate the bursa of patients with chronic bursitis, and preliminary research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help these patients manage their condition. This article appeared in the January 2009 issue of the “Journal of Hand Therapy.”
References
- U.S. National Library of Medicine; Medline Plus; Joint Pain; Mark James Borigini, M.D., et al.; May 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; June 2009
- "The Proceedings of the Nutrition Society"; Session 3: Joint Nutrition Society and Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute Symposium on 'Nutrition and Autoimmune Disease' PUFA, Inflammatory Processes and Rheumatoid Arthritis; P.C. Calder; November 2008
- "Current Pharmaceutical Design"; Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Immune-Mediated Diseases: Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis; C. Ruggiero, et al.; 2009
- "International Journal of Rheumatology"; Effects of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate on Cartilage Metabolism in OA: Outlook on Other Nutrient Partners Especially Omega-3 Fatty Acids; J. Jerosch; August 2011
- "Journal of Hand Therapy"; Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Is There a Role for Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Antioxidants?; J.S. Lewis, et al.; January 2009
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