Osteoarthritis is caused by inflammation and degeneration of the cartilage, the synovial membrane and the adjacent bone, and comes on gradually, most often affecting the weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spinal joints) and joints of the hands. This can lead to loss of shock absorption in the joints or bone spur formation due to the increased stress on the joint.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis begin with morning stiffness, aching and crackling joints, and pain. The pain can ease as the day progresses and worsen after strenuous exercise. As it progresses, increased pain and disability can occur with reduced range of motion.
Natural remedies can reduce pain and even help reverse deterioration of joints
Following are some natural remedies to relieve the pain and possibly even reduce the effects of osteoarthritis:
- Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin help to repair damaged cartilage and thus, increase shock-absorbing ability. A typical dose is 1500 mg per day.
- Omega-3 fatty acids (flish and flax oils) and evening primrose oil decrease inflammation for pain relief.
- Ginger, with its active ingredient gingerol, is an important anti-inflammatory and when used for joint pain experiences great success.
- Turmeric, an Indian spice with a great many health benefits, works for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects and is a safe and effective alternative to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which can have significant side effects. In 2009, a group of researchers studied the effects of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) against a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ibuprofen for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This randomized controlled study examined the safety and efficacy of turmeric extracts for pain reduction and functional improvement. Subjects were given either ibuprofen or turmeric extracts for six weeks. The end results were a reduction in pain upon walking and climbing stairs. Results of the study showed that there was no difference in pain and functional outcomes for both the NSAID and turmeric groups. Turmeric can be taken with black pepper and glucosamine sulfate for enhanced absorption and increased benefit.
- Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, acts as an anti-inflammatory for painful joints.
- Stinging nettle is high in boron and daily capsules or nettle tea can help with pain.
- Licorice herb can be as effective against inflammation as the drug hydrocortisone but without the side effects. However, those with high blood pressure should take advice from their health care practitioner as it can increase water retention and raise blood pressure.
- Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium can protect the cartilage from deterioration.
- Vitamin D lowers the risk of developing arthritis by preventing the breakdown of cartilage of the joints.
Aromatherapy can be helpful for joint pain relief
Essential oils, massaged into the joints, can provide quick relief of pain. A mixture of six drops of chamomile essential oil and six drops of rosemary essential oil with four ounces of almond oil can be massaged in or soak in a warm bath with 10 drops each of rosemary and chamomile essential oils.
A natural, organic, low acidity diet is invaluable in the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis
A healthy eating plan with low fat and high fiber foods with the elimination of processed, highly refined foods will provide a more alkaline environment for healing of joint problems. It may also be advisable to eliminate nightshade foods ( tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, cayenne and bell peppers) to determine whether or not these foods aggravate the condition.
Regular, low impact exercise is recommended for arthritis sufferers to strengthen muscles and reduce pain and swelling.
Related article: Natural Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Sources:
Duke James and Castleman Michael The Green Pharmacy, Anti-Aging Prescriptions, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, Rodale Press, 2001
Kuptniratsaikul Vila Efficacy and Safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis, Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine,Vol15/8 2009, 891-897
Anne Dubois - Anne is a mother of one son, living in Auckland, New Zealand. She has worked in the natural health industry for nearly 10 years and has ...
