A new study finds that a diet low in carbs can relieve pain for people who have knee osteoarthritis.

Seniors with knee osteoarthritis may benefit from switching to a low-carb diet.

Osteoarthritis is the most widespread form of arthritis among older adults in the United States. Knee osteoarthritis, in particular, affects about 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women ages 60 and above. According to some estimates, the condition affects 40 percent of people over the age of 70.  There is currently no cure for knee osteoarthritis, which can cause joint swelling, stiffness, and even severe pain.  Doctors often prescribe pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, opioids, or nonsteroidal drugs, to help alleviate symptoms. Knee replacement surgery is also an option but is invasive and can cause a range of unwanted side effects. This is why researchers have decided to investigate whether dietary interventions could relieve some symptoms and signs of knee osteoarthritis.

The study

The PAIN Collective in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Psychology, led a study that compared the benefit of two diets: one that is low in carbs and one that is low in fat.  The findings of the study are published in the journal Pain Medicine.

The researcher was conducted with 21 adults aged 65–75 who had knee osteoarthritis.  The study participants followed either of the two diets or continued to eat normally for a period of 12 weeks.

Every 3 weeks, functional pain — which is pain associated with daily tasks — was evaluated as well as self-reported pain, quality of life, and level of depression.  The researchers also examined the patients’ blood levels for oxidative stress, both at the beginning and the end of the study. Oxidative stress is a chemical imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s antioxidant properties.  Scientists generally consider oxidative stress to be a marker of biological aging.

The results

The researchers found that the low-carb diet reduced functional pain levels and levels of self-reported pain. The benefits were particularly noticeable, in comparison with the low-fat and regular diets.  Also, when adhering to the low-carb diet, the participants also showed less oxidative stress.

The major impact of this study is it is further confirmation that food is generally the best medicine.

What is low carb?

Popular low-carb options include “lean meats, such as sirloin, chicken breast, and pork.” Fish and eggs are also low in carbs, as are leafy green vegetables, including kale and spinach.  Cauliflower, broccoli, nuts, seeds, nut butter, coconut oil, olive oil, and dairy products are also good low-carb options. For those who wish to avoid animal products altogether, tofu and tempeh are great low-carb alternatives.