Staying hydrated is important for people with osteoarthritis because water helps maintain healthy joints in several ways:
• Reduces joint pain
Dehydration can lead to a decrease in synovial fluid, the fluid that cushions and lubricates joints. Without enough synovial fluid, joints can become stiff and painful.
• Fights inflammation
Hydration helps flush toxins from the body, which can help reduce inflammation.
• Promotes cartilage regeneration
Cartilage is 65–80% water, so drinking enough water helps keep it healthy and lubricated.
Water helps create synovial fluid, a thin layer of fluid that cushions and delivers nutrition to your joints. Synovial fluid also reduces friction when you move your joints. Synovial fluid is the thick lubrication located between the joints, giving you a cushion so the bones don’t come in contact. This fluid is located in the joints throughout your body: hips, knees, feet, shoulders, and hands. When you’re dehydrated, your body may struggle to create synovial fluid, which may result in more friction and pain.
Water is also crucial for your cartilage, as about 65 to 80 percent of cartilage is made of water.
When we drink water, we not only help stimulate the production of synovial fluid, but also help with cartilage regeneration and lubrication of the cartilage to reduce joint inflammation.