Arthritis: Ginger may have ‘anti-inflammatory properties’ – reported side effects

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a number of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in a joint. The two common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both cause pain and stiffness in the affected joints but are distinguishable by their causes. Joint pain is a very common problem with many possible causes, but it’s usually a result of injury or arthritis, according to the NHS.

The Arthritis Foundation says: “Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors.

“In one study, a specialised ginger extract reduced inflammatory reactions in RA as effectively as steroids did.

“Earlier studies showed that taking a certain extract four times daily reduced osteoarthritis pain in the knee after three months of treatment, and another taken twice daily worked about as well as ibuprofen taken three times daily for hip and knee OA pain.”

Versus Arthritis notes: “Ginger extracts are available over the counter in pharmacies in the form of capsules and oil. In theory, ginger can reduce the activity of several chemical substances that promote joint inflammation.”

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There are some lifestyle habits and changes that might help manage symptoms.

These include eating a healthy diet and managing your weight. If you are overweight it can increase complications of arthritis and contribute to joint pain.

“It’s very important to eat a healthy, balanced diet if you have arthritis. Eating healthily will give you all the nutrients you need and help you maintain a healthy weight,” says the NHS.

You should also try to quit smoking. “Smoking causes stress on connective tissues, which can increase arthritis pain,” says the Mayo Clinic.