Osteoarthritis and Proven Natural MedicineOsteoarthritis is a form of arthritis that usually affects people over the age of 45 and it is the slow destruction of cartilage in the joints. Symptoms may include the following: - local tenderness - early morning muscle stiffness - loss of joint function - soft tissue swelling - restricted mobility - 'creaking' of joints on movement This form of arthritis is the most common and the areas that are affected the most are the weight bearing joints and hands. So, you will see OA in the knees, hips, spine and hands. Although there is degredation of the cartilage, there is minimal inflammation. Inflammation is more common in rheumatoid arthritis. Cartilage acts like a rubber insert in our joints that is like a shock absorber. When this is degraded, it is much harder and painful to use our joints and surrounding muscles that are affected.
Causes of OsteoarthritisIf researchers could pinpoint the exact cause of OA, then I'm sure it would be easier to find a cure. At the moment there are likely causes and theories and they include:- genetic predisposition - mechanical damage and fractures etc - altered biochemistry - excessive use and joint instability
Latest Clinical Trials for Osteoarthritis
Glucosamine SulfateAfter much research, I have come to the conclusion that Glucosamine sulfate is still regarded as being clinically proven to help in the management of pain and mobility in OA patients. Despite the current research published in Choice magazine that states it is no better than placebo, Glucosamine sulfate still holds high regard amongst other researchers when it comes to OA in the knee. For two tablets a day see VitaMedica Glucosamine SulfateSo, if you have OA in the knee, then you can be rest assured that glucosamine is helping.
Glucosamine hydrochlorideRecent research release of the GAIT study (Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) showed that glucosamine hydrochloride on it's own or with chondroitin had no better results for treating pain of OA in the knee or improving the structure of the cartilage. These results were taken after two years of the placebo controlled study and involved 572 patients.Please note that this study used the hydrochloride based glucosamine. This is different to the above mentioned glucosamine sulfate.
Sawitzke AD, Shi H, Finco MF, et al. The Effect of Glucosamine and/or Chondroitin Sulfate on the Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Report from the Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 2008; 58(10):3183–3191.
SAMeWhen treating pain and mobility, SAMe also gets high points in research for treating osteoarthritis. Along with easing pain, SAMe is also used as an anti-depressant in other disorders. OA sufferers are not immune to mild depression because pain may contribute to depression. For double strength SAMe see SAMe - 400mg
Magnet TherapyPain has been improved in studies where patients have worn a magnetic bracelet. More research is needed but for the moment it is regarded as being 'possibly effective.' For magnetic wrist support information see Magnetic Thumb and Wrist Support
Other Remedies That May Be EffectiveI have included a list of a number of remedies that are currently undergoing research for osteoarthrits and havent been ruled out as ineffective but need more research.These include: Bovine cartilage, Cat's Claw, Chondroitin, Devil's Claw, MSM, Rutin, Vitamin C.
In SummaryOut of all of the chronic disorders that I have discussed, arthritis, including osteo and rheumatoid, have the most current studies being performed. There are numerous natural medicines that people have used and swear by the effectiveness but a lot of the studies come back unclear.As I always say, do what works for you and listen to your body.
Find out a Naturopath's suggestions for osteoarthritis
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