Joint pain is a common complaint among adults, but it has many causes. Among the most common ones are arthrosis and arthritis, two separate conditions that impact the joints in different ways.

Arthrosis primarily affects older adults and is characterized by the progressive deterioration of the joint cartilage, causing stiffness, pain, and loss of mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, can occur at any age and happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing persistent inflammation and joint damage if not controlled in time.

These two conditions also require different treatments. Arthrosis is usually treated with analgesics, nonsteroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), physical therapy, and, in advanced cases, surgery. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis requires medications that regulate the immune system, such as disease‑modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and, in many cases, biologic therapies.

Alongside medications, diet can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Its effects are especially noticeable in arthritis, where systemic inflammation is responsive to dietary changes.

But in arthrosis, diet primarily plays a supportive role in pain management, weight control, and joint protection. It does not have as immediate an impact on the mechanisms of the disease.

A diet that follows anti‑inflammatory principles can reduce joint pain intensity and improve functionality. People with rheumatoid arthritis who follow an anti‑inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and oily fish show improvement in symptoms compared to those who follow a conventional diet.

Current evidence tells us that certain foods can help reduce inflammation and improve joint pain:

In contrast, a diet high in sugars, trans fats, refined grains, and processed meat has been associated with higher levels of inflammation and worse clinical outcomes in joint diseases.

Although arthrosis does not start as an inflammatory disease, it does cause local inflammation in advanced stages. There is evidence that an anti‑inflammatory diet can reduce pain and improve physical function in people with arthrosis, especially of the knee.

What’s more, some nutrients can help protect cartilage:

Another key factor is body weight management: losing 5‑10% of body weight can significantly lessen the load on joints and improve symptoms.

Diet alone cannot cure or prevent arthrosis or arthritis, but it is an important part of managing these conditions. When combined with medical treatment, exercise, and weight management, a healthy diet can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and keep your joints healthy for years to come.

This article was produced by Tomás Vicente, a journalist specializing in Health.