Frequently Asked Questions About Osteoarthritis
Non-Drug Treatments to Ease Osteoarthritis Pain
Are there any “natural” supplements that can treat OA?
If you have pain that isn’t relieved by the medications your doctor prescribes, or if you prefer to a natural approach to pain relief, understandably you may want to try natural supplements for your OA. While a number of supplements are claimed to relieve OA pain – and a couple have scientific evidence to support those claims – it’s important to understand that natural doesn’t necessarily mean safe. Any product with the potential to help could also be strong enough to hurt.
The following supplements may have benefits for OA. Before you try any supplement, first speak with your doctor, and never trade a prescribed treatment for a “natural” one without your doctor’s OK.
Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – The most notable dietary supplements for osteoarthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that appears to play a role in the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a protein that gives cartilage its elasticity.
For years, the two dietary supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs and horses. More recently they have become popular OA treatments for people. Studies done in Europe have found that people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who took either supplement reported pain-relief levels similar to those achieved with NSAIDs, although the supplements may take longer to begin working.
The 2005 results from the NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), the first large-scale, multi-center clinical trail testing the short-term (six months) effectiveness of the supplements in reducing knee osteoarthritis pain suggested this: the combined supplements reduced pain in those with moderate to severe pain but did little for those with mild pain. The upshot: ask your doctor if glucosamine and chondroitin can play a part in your treatment.
Avocado/soybean oil – Also called ASU, this mixture of oils could ease osteoarthritis pain. Four randomized, double-bind European trials done between 1997 and 2002 tested ASU. In three, ASU combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieved pain better than placebo plus NSAIDs. The fourth trial found no difference. In general, the oil reduced the need for NSAIDs and was more effective for knees than for hips.
Boron – This trace mineral found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and dried beans, helps the body use nutrients like calcium and magnesium. Very few studies have been done on this mineral and arthritis; however, in one study it eased osteoarthritis symptoms more than placebo. In other studies of large populations that get only 1 milligram of boron a day, the incidence of arthritis is 20 to 70 percent. In populations that consume 3 to 10 mg a day, the incidence of arthritis is zero to 10 percent.
Boswellia – Some studies have shown that boswellia, also known as frankincense, may improve blood flow to the joints and decrease pain and increase function in those with osteoarthritis.
Ginger – Several recent studies have shown that ginger – which is often taken in the form of tea, extract or capsules to relieve pain and inflammation – relieves some pain and improves function in those with osteoarthritis.
SAM-e – Also called S-adenosylmethoinine, SAM-e is a naturally occurring substance that relieves pain and inflammation in those with osteoarthritis. In fact, research shows that it may relieve pain as well as NSAIDs do without the side effects.
Do glucosamine and chondroitin work?
The most notable dietary supplements for osteoarthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, both found naturally in the body. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that appears to play a role in the formation and repair of cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is part of a protein that gives cartilage its elasticity.
For years, the two dietary supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis in dogs and horses. More recently they have become popular OA treatments for people. Studies done in Europe have found that people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who took either supplement reported pain-relief levels similar to those achieved with NSAIDs, although the supplements may take longer to begin working.
The 2005 results from the NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), the first large-scale, multi-center clinical trail testing the short-term (six months) effectiveness of the supplements in reducing knee osteoarthritis pain suggested this: the combined supplements reduced pain in those with moderate to severe pain but did little for those with mild pain. The upshot: ask your doctor if glucosamine and chondroitin can play a part in your treatment.
What other treatments can ease OA pain?
In addition to taking medications, there are many things you can do to help ease OA pain and stiffness, including the following:
Heat and cold treatments. Heat treatments, such as hot pads or warm baths, tend to work best for soothing stiff joints and tired muscles. Heat is especially good for getting your body limber and ready for exercise and physical activity. Cold is best for acute pain, numbing the painful area and decreasing inflammation and swelling.
Positive attitude and thoughts. Consciously switching to positive thoughts can distract your brain from feeling pain.
Exercise. Keeping your joints and muscles moving helps improve fitness and may decrease pain.
Relaxation techniques. You can train your muscles to relax and your thoughts to slow down by using these techniques, which include deep breathing, guide imagery and visualization.
Massage. When done properly, this method can relax your muscles and help you let go of tension.
Electrical stimulation. In this therapy called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), electrodes stimulate large nerve fibers or cause the release of endorphins, pain-blocking chemicals produced by the body. TENS is usually prescribed by a doctor or physical therapist.
Acupuncture. A complementary or nontraditional therapy, acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles into the body along special points called meridians to relieve pain.
Sense of humor. Many studies have demonstrated that humor can increase the ability to handle pain.
Taking Control of Osteoarthritis
Should I exercise with osteoarthritis?
Does stress affect osteoarthritis?
If osteoarthritis runs in my family, is there anything I can do to keep from getting it, too?
About Osteoarthritis
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Getting Diagnosed
How is osteoarthritis diagnosed?
Treating Osteoarthritis
What medications are used to treat osteoarthritis?
Back to Focus on OA
