Reported by ScienceDaily
A simple daily fiber supplement may offer a surprising new way to relieve knee arthritis pain while improving muscle strength. In a clinical trial led by researchers at the University of Nottingham, people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who took a prebiotic fiber called inulin experienced significant reductions in pain, improved grip strength, and decreased sensitivity to pain.
The supplement also appeared to be considerably easier for participants to stick with than a digital physical therapy program. Only 3.6% of those assigned to inulin alone dropped out of the study, compared with 21% of those assigned to physical therapy alone.
Published in the journal Nutrients , the findings suggest that improving gut health could become an additional strategy for managing arthritis. They also reveal an intriguing connection between the bacteria living in our digestive system, the way our bodies process pain, and muscle function.
More from the original report
Knee osteoarthritis affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is a major cause of chronic pain and disability, especially among older adults. The condition develops as the tissues within the knee joint, including the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, gradually deteriorate. This can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty with everyday activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
Treatment typically focuses on reducing symptoms and maintaining mobility. Pain medications can provide relief but may cause unwanted side effects, while physical therapy and regular exercise can help improve joint function. However, keeping up with an exercise program can be difficult, particularly for people already struggling with persistent pain.
The new research raises the possibility that a simple dietary supplement could provide another way to manage symptoms.
"This study raises the exciting possibility that a simple dietary change -- adding a fiber supplement to your breakfast or yogurt -- could meaningfully reduce pain and improve physical function," said Dr. Afroditi Kouraki, lead author of the study from the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham.
The supplement tested in the study was inulin, a naturally occurring fiber found in foods such as chicory root, Jerusalem artichokes, and certain other vegetables. Unlike many nutrients, inulin…