Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common, degenerative joint disease that causes pain and swelling of joints in the hand, hips, or knee.
The condition is the most common form of arthritis.
In OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change.
The condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the rubbery material that eases the friction in the joints.
It can happen in any joint but usually affects the fingers, thumbs, spine, hips, knees, or big toes.
Certain foods and drinks are said to either help or hinder the condition - with milk being a surprising treatment option.
Osteoarthritis affects both men and women.
“Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in men than in women,” explains the National Institute of Ageing.
“After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women. The knees are among the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis.”
Can milk help treat osteoarthritis?
Certain foods and drinks are said to either help or hinder the condition, with milk being a one that helps, according to research.
Dairy and milk products have had some conflicting reports pertaining to their benefits when it comes to arthritis.
Despite conflicting information, overall research paints a positive picture for milk-based products.
Most are aware that milk helps with strong bones, but what about its benefits for arthritis?
One study published in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) journal, Arthritis Care & Research, looked at how milk may delay knee osteoarthritis among women.
In the study, 2,148 participants with knee OA were involved in the research.
Subjects included 888 men and 1,260 women and were followed up at 12, 24, 36 and 48 months.
The study results provided the first evidence that increasing fat-free or low-fat milk in your diet may slow the progression of OA among women who are particularly burdened by OA of the knee, which can lead to functional disability.
"Milk consumption plays an important role in bone health," said Dr Bing Lu from Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass and lead researcher.
He added: "Our study is the largest study to investigate the impact of dairy intake in the progression of knee OA.
"Our findings indicate that women who frequently drink milk may reduce the progression of OA.
"Further study of milk intake and delay in OA progression are needed."
Signs of osteoarthritis
According to the Mayo Clinic, early symptoms warning you may be developing the condition include:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Loss of flexibility
- Grating sensation
- Bone spurs
- Swelling
