Drinking alcohol can cause many health problems, especially if it is consumed in large quantities. Joint pain is one of the risks of binge drinking (classified as 5 or more drinks in one session of drinking). In some cases, the pain may be related to an underlying condition, such as gout or other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
Drinking can also contribute to weight gain, as alcohol is high in empty calories. This can cause joint pain because of the added strain on muscles, bones and connective tissues. This article will discuss how alcohol can contribute to joint pain because of its effect on several conditions.
How Alcohol Can Cause Gout or Make the Condition Worse
Gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood. Alcohol must be metabolized by the liver and kidneys, the same organs that help the body regulate its levels of uric acid. Drinking alcohol can cause some people to develop gout and can cause flareups in individuals who already struggle with the condition. Gout is an extremely painful condition, and sufferers are advised to avoid alcohol completely in addition certain foods.
Alcohol Can Interfere with Medications
Narcotic pain relievers prescribed for joint pain should not be mixed with alcohol, as the combination can be dangerous and even result in death. Alcohol consumption can also interfere with the effectiveness with over-the-counter medications. Some, such as acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) should never be taken with alcohol because this can be very toxic to the liver.
Alcohol Can Lead to Weight Gain
It's no secret that alcohol is high in calories and that excess drinking can cause weight gain. Extra weight can put a strain on joints, especially during work or exercise. Excess weight is one of the primary health factors associated with joint pain. Dieting is practically useless if a person still consumes alcohol. Cutting out alcohol is a good first step to take for anyone who drinks frequently and wants to lose weight.
Alcohol Can Affect Sleep Quality
Many people have a few drinks to help them go to sleep at night, but they may be sacrificing sleep quality. Those who drink alcohol are less likely to experience deep sleep in which REM (rapid eye movement) occurs. REM sleep is necessary for experiencing dreams, and this type of deep sleep is also important for many body and brain functions. Lack of quality sleep can cause joint pain when the body is unable to repair itself.
Binge drinking can also cause some people to fall asleep in an awkward position, leading to joint problems. "Saturday night palsy" is a condition that is even named after its association with drinking. It is caused by the radial nerve damage that happens when a person falls asleep with one arm hanging over a chair.
For those who experience joint pain after a night of drinking, it's a good idea to start cutting back on alcohol consumption. Excessive drinking has many other potentially serious health consequences. For a person who has an underlying medical condition such as gout, even moderate drinking can cause flareups of the condition, so alcohol should be avoided entirely.
Luis Fandos M.D. is a certified anesthesiologist from Babylon, NY.
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