Arthritis is common in cerebral palsy. Arthritis is usually brought about through wear and tear on cartilage over time, resulting in pain and stiffness in the joints. Although cerebral palsy is not a degenerative condition, it does cause secondary conditions such as Arthritis.

The pain experienced with arthritis can sometimes also be triggered by the food that we eat. To identify and avoid allergens, we must first test for allergies. The most effective test is called an ‘IgG ELISA’ test that takes a finger-prick blood sample.

Then there is the usual elimination diet challenge, which allows us to look for likely culprit foods by process of elimination for a two-week period minimum, whilst noting any changes in either our physical or mental health.

Foods are then reintroduced one at a time, leaving 24 hours in between each introduction, with any reaction to newly introduced foods closely monitored. Finding out what the culprit foods are, may lead to less pain and inflammation.

Both tests should be done under the supervision of a nutritional therapist or someone who deals with allergies, so that the necessary support is given. They would also supervise a diet, that would compensate for the foods taken out because of allergens.

There are foods that may help reduce inflammation and pain. The best ones include:

• Green vegetables: eating more alkaline foods such as green vegetables will prevent the build-up of acid in the joints;
• Blueberries: contain anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce arthritic pain;
• Ginger is also used as an anti-inflammatory that helps reduce arthritic pain;
• Pineapple contains a substance called Bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in vitamins and minerals. Bromelain also comes in supplement form.

Cutting down on, or taking meat and citrus fruits out of our diets, will also go some way to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Eating oily fish three times a week is also known to help.