An orthopaedic surgeon explains the hidden link between sugar and knee pain for osteoarthritis sufferers

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(via google)

 Sugar intake is reported as bad for health in general but it is much worse if you suffer from osteoarthritis. Dr Mayank Daral explains the hidden link.


While sugar is well known to have negative effects on overall health - including weight gain and increased risk of chronic diseases - it's potentially much worse for those with osteoarthritis. On top of adding to systemic inflammation, excess sugar also increases joint pain and stiffness, contributing to difficulty with normal everyday movement for the patient.

Dr Mayank Daral, an orthopaedic surgeon and sports injury specialist, working as an assistant professor at Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, is starting a conversation about the dangers of sugar consumption for patients of osteoarthritis and why cutting it down is essential.


In a conversation with Revant Himatsingka, popularly known as Food Pharmer on social media, in Episode 17 of Rethink India Podcast, the surgeon explains why sugar is extremely harmful, its role in aggravating pain and discomfort for individuals with osteoarthritis, and suggests healthier alternatives that can aid in joint formation.

Sugar aggravates joint pain

For individuals living with osteoarthritis, diet plays a vital role in managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Dr Mayank compares sugar consumption to pouring ghee in a fire - “sugar acts like ghee in a fire” - for osteoarthritis patients and significantly worsens the condition. He explains, “Sugar increases inflammation of the knees. And if someone eats sugar, it causes an insulin spike. So, no doubt, sugar should be avoided.” Knees are one of the most affected areas for osteoarthritis patients, and more inflammation due to sugar consumption, along with insulin spikes, further increases discomfort.

Alternatives for sugar

Instead of consuming sugary foods, Dr Mayank recommends switching to dry fruits. He emphasises the importance of adding dry fruits to your diet due to the presence of certain micronutrients that aid in joint formation.

He explains, “One should focus on dry fruits…because they contain many such micronutrients that help in joint formation - such as chondroitin, glucosamine, rosehip.”

These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties and provide relief from degenerative damage, and hence are used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, according to a study published on Mediators of Inflammation. The orthopaedist adds, “All these (nutrients) will really help a lot in joint health.”

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