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Alcohol misuse can have a wide range of negative effects on both physical and mental health. Alcohol misuse is, in fact, the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49-year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.
Alcohol is known to be linked to dozens of medical conditions, including liver disease, several types of cancer, high blood pressure and depression. But is there a connection between alcohol and joint pain? We’ll take a look at the evidence…
Understanding Joint Pain
A joint is the part of the body where two or more bones meet to allow movement. They are crucial for everyday life, allowing us to sit, stand and move about, but they can also be weak points that are prone to strain or damage.
Joints can become painful for many different reasons. Intense or repetitive exercise can cause sprains or strains. Infections can lead to joint pain and there are a number of conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and gout that can cause chronic joint pain.
Drinking alcohol may also be linked to joint pain. Some cases, such as accidents and injuries while intoxicated are relatively clear, but other causes are less well understood. Osteoarthritis (OA), for example, is a condition in which the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones breaks down, causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. Its exact cause is not understood.3
One major study found that knee OA was around twice as common in people who drank the equivalent of 30g or around two alcoholic drinks per day, compared to non-drinkers. It is not fully understood why this link exists, but it has been suggested that it could be to do with inflammation caused by drinking alcohol.4
The Impact of Alcohol on the Body
Drinking alcohol has a number of impacts on physical health – and they are overwhelmingly negative. There has been a long-held belief in some quarters that moderate drinking can be beneficial and can even increase your lifespan, but this has been disproved in numerous studies.
It is certainly true that the risks increase the more you drink – but even moderate drinking can be harmful. Alcohol puts strain on internal organs including the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system. It can contribute to long-term illnesses, make you more prone to accidents and contribute to issues like poor diet and sleeping patterns that can also have a knock-on effect on other areas of physical health. It can also prevent the body from absorbing some of the nutrients it needs.
One of the most common impacts of chronic drinking is alcoholic neuropathy, which is damage to the nerves due to the direct toxic effect of alcohol and malnutrition associated with regular heavy drinking. This can cause impaired movement and pain in the hands, feet, limbs and joints.
Alcohol and Inflammation
Inflammation is part of your body’s natural response to injuries and infection. Essentially, your immune system sends white blood cells to surround and protect the area, creating visible redness and swelling. It can also be very painful, particularly in moving areas like joints. Chronic inflammation can also occur in response to unwanted substances like fat and this can be dangerous, potentially leading to blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.7
Alcohol can affect inflammation in a number of different ways. For example, alcohol consumption can cause gut inflammation through a number of mechanisms, including affecting normal immune responses. This can then damage various organs, leading to a vicious circle of increasing harm.
Another study suggested that alcohol consumption can affect the immune system in general and particularly the innate immunity that helps protect against infection.9 Again, this can lead to increased inflammation that could affect different parts of the body, including the joints.
Alcohol can increase uric acid levels, which can contribute to gout. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that causes swollen red skin and sudden, severe joint pain.
Alcohol and Dehydration
Alcohol is also known to be a diuretic – meaning it makes you pee more than the fluids you take in. This can lead to dehydration, which is one of the key factors in classic hangover symptoms including headache and tiredness. Proper hydration is essential for health and can affect a number of parts of the body – including the joints.
When you’re dehydrated, your body may struggle to create synovial fluid, which reduces friction when you move your joints. Water is also an essential ingredient of cartilage, which is a strong yet flexible tissue that helps the bones to move smoothly without rubbing against each other. Damage to any of these elements could result in joint pain.
Alcohol and Joint Pain: The Role of Diet and Lifestyle
Many people suffer from joint pain to some degree, especially as they get older, but there are things you can do to lessen the risks and severity of joint pain.
As we have seen’ alcohol can impact joint pain in a number of ways, so cutting back on drinking or stopping altogether is one of the best things you can do. A healthy balanced diet and sensible exercise can also help to strengthen joints and reduce the risk of joint-impacting conditions. All these steps will be beneficial for other aspects of physical and mental health as well.
Seeking Help and Support for Alcohol and Joint Pain
Whether you are struggling with joint pain, drinking problems or a combination of the two, it is important to get expert help as soon as possible.
Your GP is always a good first point of contact as they can provide confidential advice and signpost you towards more specialist services. There are also charitable groups like PainUK.org and Versus Arthritis that can provide support and information.
If you are struggling with your drinking and particularly if you are addicted to alcohol, you may need specialist help like the bespoke treatment programmes provided through Rehab Clinics Group. Get in touch today to find out how we can help.
