How to Reduce Inflammation from Arthritis

How to Reduce Inflammation from Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and reduced mobility, affecting millions of Americans every year. While it comes in many forms, the one thing most types of arthritis share in common is inflammation—a natural immune response that, when left unchecked, can lead to progressive joint damage, stiffness, and pain.

Inflammation is your body’s attempt to protect and heal—but in arthritis, this defense system becomes overactive, breaking down cartilage, irritating surrounding tissues, and impairing joint function over time.

Two of the most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Often called “wear-and-tear” arthritis, OA is a degenerative condition where cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. Inflammation occurs in response to this damage, worsening symptoms.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, causing chronic inflammation, swelling, and eventual joint deformity.

No matter the type, one fact is clear: reducing inflammation is key to long-term relief, mobility, and protecting joint health. Without proper management, inflammation can escalate, leading to irreversible joint changes and increasing pain.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we take a non-invasive, drug-minimizing, and whole-person approach to arthritis care. Our goal isn’t just to dull the pain—it’s to help you regain real, lasting function by addressing the root of your inflammation. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been battling arthritis for years, we’re here to guide your healing—without rushing into surgery or overmedicating.

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition for Arthritis Relief

Foods That Fight Inflammation

Including the right foods in your diet can help reduce systemic inflammation, support cartilage repair, and improve how your joints feel and move.

Some of the top inflammation-fighting foods include:

• Omega-3-rich foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseed—known to reduce joint stiffness and inflammatory cytokines
• Antioxidant-rich produce, especially:
  
  • Berries (blueberries, strawberries) to fight oxidative stress
  • Leafy greens like spinach and kale to neutralize free radicals
  • Turmeric and ginger for their powerful natural anti-inflammatory effects
• Whole grains and beans for fiber and sustained energy without spiking blood sugar
• Olive oil, a healthy fat loaded with inflammation-fighting polyphenols

These foods not only help ease joint pain but also support heart health, metabolism, and energy—creating a stronger foundation for whole-body wellness.

Foods to Avoid

Just as some foods reduce inflammation, others can make it worse—especially when eaten regularly.

Avoid or limit:

• Processed sugars and sweetened beverages, which increase insulin and inflammatory compounds
• Fried foods and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta
• Red and processed meats, which can trigger inflammatory responses in joint tissues
• Dairy and gluten, which may contribute to inflammation in individuals with sensitivities or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis

A good rule of thumb: if it comes in a box or bag and has a long ingredient list, it’s probably not helping your joints.

Hydration and Joint Health

Don’t underestimate the power of proper hydration. Water helps:

• Lubricate joints, keeping cartilage soft and cushioning impact
• Flush out toxins that may build up in tissues
• Support nutrient transport, muscle function, and tissue repair

Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 oz) of water per day—or more if you're active, sweating, or on a diuretic. Add in hydrating foods like cucumbers, celery, or watermelon to support your intake.

Movement & Joint-Friendly Exercise

Low-Impact Activities

Certain forms of low-impact exercise have been proven to decrease inflammation, improve circulation, and increase flexibility—all of which are essential for managing arthritis long-term.

Recommended activities include:

• Walking – Improves joint lubrication and cardiovascular health
• Cycling (stationary or outdoor) – Builds lower body strength with minimal impact
• Swimming or water aerobics – Provides full-body exercise without joint strain
• Tai Chi – Gentle flowing movements that improve balance, coordination, and calm the nervous system
• Yoga – Increases flexibility, reduces joint stress, and supports mind-body awareness

Even 15–30 minutes a day of movement can make a dramatic difference in how your joints feel and function. Regular motion helps prevent stiffness from settling in and gives your body the chance to repair rather than break down.

Physical Therapy at Medici

When pain limits your ability to move safely or effectively, a customized physical therapy plan can make all the difference.

Our therapists at Medici develop personalized programs to:

• Improve muscle strength around affected joints
• Enhance posture and joint alignment to reduce mechanical strain
• Restore range of motion and flexibility
• Support weight-bearing joints (like knees, hips, and spine) with targeted movement

Every patient receives hands-on guidance and clear progression, so you can feel confident and supported as you regain strength, reduce inflammation, and move better over time.

Natural & Supplement-Based Inflammation Control

Key Supplements

Certain vitamins and nutrients have been shown to decrease inflammation, support cartilage health, and improve joint mobility. Under the guidance of our specialists, we may recommend:

• Turmeric/Curcumin – A natural anti-inflammatory compound that blocks inflammatory enzymes
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil, they help reduce morning stiffness and joint swelling
• Glucosamine & Chondroitin – Support cartilage regeneration and improve joint lubrication
• Vitamin D – Essential for bone and immune health, especially for patients with autoimmune-related arthritis

These supplements are not one-size-fits-all, which is why Medici clinicians help determine the best type, dosage, and combination based on your condition and overall health.

Myofascial Release & Massage Therapy

Chronic inflammation often leads to tight, painful muscle and fascia restrictions—especially around affected joints. Therapeutic bodywork, such as myofascial release or medical massage, can help:

• Increase circulation to inflamed tissues
• Reduce muscle guarding around painful joints
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Relieve stress, which can intensify inflammatory responses

Our licensed therapists tailor treatment to your condition and comfort level—ensuring each session supports both relaxation and recovery.

Acupuncture & Alternative Therapies

For thousands of years, acupuncture has been used to treat pain and inflammation—and today, it’s recognized in modern pain medicine as an effective complementary therapy.

Acupuncture helps by:

• Modulating the nervous system to reduce pain perception
• Improving circulation and immune regulation
• Stimulating the body’s natural anti-inflammatory chemicals

It’s especially beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis flare-ups, and is often paired with other Medici modalities for a comprehensive care plan.

Medical & Interventional Treatment Options

Injections for Arthritis Relief

Injections can deliver anti-inflammatory agents or healing stimulants directly into the affected joint, offering relief and enhancing mobility with minimal downtime.

Common options include:

• Corticosteroids – Provide short-term relief for acute inflammation or flare-ups in the knees, hips, shoulders, or spine
• Hyaluronic Acid – A gel-like substance injected into osteoarthritic joints to improve lubrication and shock absorption
• Biologic Injections (PRP or Prolotherapy) – Use your body’s own healing factors to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation over time

Injections are performed in-office using advanced imaging guidance for precision and safety.

Medication Management

For some patients, especially those with autoimmune forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, medications may play a critical role in reducing systemic inflammation and preventing joint damage.

We focus on non-opioid options such as:

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) – For inflammation and general joint pain
• Topical agents – Creams, gels, or patches for targeted relief
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – For slowing RA progression, under specialist supervision

At Medici, every prescription is carefully monitored and often paired with physical therapy, nutrition, or regenerative therapy to reduce reliance over time.

Regenerative Medicine at Medici

Our most exciting breakthroughs in arthritis care come from the field of regenerative medicine—which focuses on helping the body repair itself rather than masking symptoms.

We offer:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Concentrated platelets from your own blood to boost tissue healing and reduce inflammation
• Prolotherapy – Mild irritant injections that stimulate natural repair processes in damaged ligaments and tendons
• Stem-cell-based therapies – For early-stage osteoarthritis or joint degeneration, guided by board-certified experts

These options are ideal for patients looking to avoid surgery, reduce chronic inflammation, and support joint longevity—especially when used alongside movement therapy and nutrition.

Don’t Let Inflammation Control Your Life

Arthritis doesn’t have to mean living with constant pain, stiffness, and limitations. Inflammation may be at the root of your discomfort, but it doesn’t have to define your future.

With the right blend of anti-inflammatory nutrition, gentle movement, natural therapies, and advanced medical care, it’s possible to calm inflammation, restore mobility, and reclaim your quality of life—without relying on endless prescriptions or invasive surgeries.

At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we believe in treating the whole person—not just the symptoms. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been battling arthritis for years, our compassionate team will walk with you through a personalized, minimally invasive treatment plan built around your needs and goals.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

Let us help you move better, feel better, and live better—starting today.

📞 Call us now: +1-844-328-4624
📍 Visit us at: Marietta, Snellville, Kennesaw, or Buckhead
🌐 Learn more: https://medicimedicalarts.com