Oh my aching joints!
Natural medicine offers relief to sufferers of osteoarthritis
Never had anything like this before. It just sort of crept up on you. At first you noticed maybe you got a little knee pain from walking, then maybe your knee was stiff in the morning, and over time that knee pain becomes a familiar, and increasingly insistent companion. Your knee, maybe both knees, or your hip(s), fingers, toes, shoulder(s), neck, back... If this sounds like you, you may be suffering from osteoarthritis - a qualified health care professional can confirm this diagnosis for you. Fortunately people with osteoarthritis (OA) don't seem to get it in many joints, but that doesn't mean its not a pain in the neck (or back, or hip, or...)
In osteoarthritis the joint cartilage acts as a shock absorber. As the cartilage weakens and thins it puts more stress on the underlying bone. Conventional wisdom has it that osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear to the joints as we age, and a declining ability to repair and rebuild cartilage. This doesn't explain why some of us get it, and why others either postpone it or suffer not at all. And it sure doesn't explain why non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), the best known of which is aspirin, are the front line drug treatment for OA. Could it be that it is caused by a deficiency of NSAIDs? Of course not, although there are nutritional deficiencies linked to OA. Furthermore, NSAIDs are not without serious health risks of their own, such as stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage. There's gotta be a better way, you say? For many people with osteoarthritis, there is.
Glucosamine sulphate is popular natural remedy for OA. Glucosamine sulphate, a cartilage precursor, works to rebuild cartilage. The recommended dose is about 500 mg three to four times daily. Some companies produce a powdered once-a-day dose. Chondroitin sulphate works with glucosamine to rebuild cartilage, and you often see them in combination formulas. Vitamin C, and B vitamins support cartilage repair. Recently, some studies indicate that glucosamine may not be suitable for people with blood sugar disregulation such as diabetes. Be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner if you are considering using it.
With any degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, a good diet, a reasonable exercise program, and stress reduction are very helpful. A good diet includes lots of vegetables (most of us could eat more), fruit, high quality protein sources (nuts, seeds, beans including tofu, high quality seafood), and reasonable amounts of complex carbohydrates (whole grains). Meats and dairy products are high in protein, but should not be an exclusive source of protein as they contain a type of fat which can promote inflammation. You need to be sure you are getting adequate mineral and vitamin levels as well as essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids themselves have anti-inflammatory and healing properties, and can play an important role in healing osteoarthritis.
Many physical treatments, such as stretching, bodywork, massage, ultrasound, interferential and acupuncture can be quite helpful in reducing pain and increasing mobility. Acupuncture in particular can give considerable relief in a short time, especially when combined with nutrition and exercise.
Interestingly, countries with high boron levels in food sources have low levels of osteoarthritis, whereas countries with low boron levels have correspondingly high levels. Boron is not currently available in Canada necessary amounts, but this interesting correlation suggests future treatments when the Health Protection Branch allows its use at therapeutic levels.
Copyright 2000 Dr. Isis van Loon.