Especially as we age, it is normal to feel the first pain in the bones. The causes can be different and of varying severity. They range from osteoporosis to rheumatic pains, up to rather widespread degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. About 4 million people, in Italy alone, suffer from osteoarthritis, a chronic disease that affects the cartilage and nearby tissues.
This pathology causes pain, even very severe, usually localized in the area of the hands, feet, hips and knees. It can be a rather debilitating disease if it is not treated with due care. Recent research, carried out by scholars at the University of Oslo, has discovered a new factor linked to osteoarthritis, which would increase its pain. Let’s see below what it is.
Pain in the hands, feet, hips and knees caused by osteoarthritis would increase in those who do not pay attention to the diet
A team of Norwegian researchers looked at the possible correlations between body mass index and the severity level of osteoarthritis. To do this, the researchers took as a reference a sample of 281 patients suffering from osteoarthritis, with pain in the hands, feet, hips and knees. First, they tried to objectively calculate the extent of pain, using 3 ad hoc indices. Specifically, we are talking about the Australian / Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN), the Western Ontario / McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS).
At the same time, the researchers calculated the body mass index of each member of the sample. The aim was to understand if there was a direct link between increased body mass and increased pain. From the results obtained, the answer would seem to be yes.
Body weight could have a major impact on bone health
As anticipated, the research revealed a clear correlation between body weight and bone pain. Specifically, the increase of 5 points in the scale of the body mass index would always increase the pain in the hands, feet, hips and knees. In detail, the severity of the pain in the hands would increase by 0.64, the pain in the feet would increase by 0.65 and the pain in the hips and knees by 1.31. Ultimately, the researchers say, generalized pain would also increase.
Experts comment on the research focusing on the importance of diet to preserve bone health and the dual risk of obesity. This, they say, would not damage the bones solely from an increase in weight supported by the joints. At the same time, it would cause systemic problems that could increase the pain caused by osteoarthritis.
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