Complementary Remedies for Arthritis Symptoms

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Complementary Remedies for Arthritis Symptoms

Question:

What is the best natural way to combat the aches and pains of arthritis?

Answer:

That's a tricky question, for a number of reasons.

First, there are more than 100 types of arthritis. The best remedy — natural or otherwise — often depends on the type of arthritis a person has. In addition, many people with aches and pains have no arthritis; conditions such as tendonitis or bursitis can cause joint pains that mimic arthritis.

Second, what should be considered "natural"? Some people don't consider prescription medications natural even if they contain substances found in nature. Certain thyroid hormone supplements and digitalis are examples of prescription medicines that contain naturally occurring components.

Finally, there is frequently no best "natural way" to treat symptoms of arthritis. Unfortunately, we have no convincing evidence that natural remedies will reliably and effectively treat symptoms of the most common types of arthritis.

That said, here's what I consider some of the best complementary remedies for symptoms of arthritis:

• Weight Loss. For most forms of arthritis, taking the load off a weight-bearing joint (such as the knee) by losing excess weight can be helpful.

• Exercise. Physical activity may provide significant benefits for many types of arthritis. Exercise can include land or water-based physical activities or other low-impact exercises that strengthen muscles around arthritic joints, improve balance, and enhance physical fitness.

• Vitamin D. Low blood levels of vitamin D are common, may cause achiness, and have been linked with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. While increasing your vitamin D intake (through foods or supplements) is unlikely to produce a prompt reduction in arthritis symptoms, it may prevent future arthritis and reduce bone pain in the long term.

• Glucosamine. Multiple studies suggest that glucosamine may reduce knee pain due to osteoarthritis. There is controversy about claims of other benefits, including the possibility that it can prevent arthritis or heal established arthritis.

• Acupuncture. Well-designed studies suggest that acupuncture may be effective for osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain. Just how acupuncture improves symptoms of arthritis is uncertain.

• Diet. While recommendations abound regarding which foods to favor and which to avoid for various types of arthritis, the link between diet and arthritis is strongest for one particular type of arthritis, gout. Limiting alcohol and high purine foods (such as herring, anchovies, liver, and bacon) can reduce the frequency of gout attacks in some people. Recent studies have linked various dietary components (including meat, fish, and high fructose corn syrup) to an increased risk of newly diagnosed gout. Other foods (especially low-fat dairy products) seem to reduce the risk of gout. However, for people with established gout, the impact of changing the intake of these foods is uncertain. For rheumatoid arthritis, there is limited evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may reduce joint inflammation; in my own practice, I haven't seen much benefit.

Keep in mind that as appealing as natural remedies may be, they can be just as dangerous as prescription medications. After all, toxic mushrooms are all-natural! And because the regulation of herbs, vitamin supplements, and other non-prescription "neutraceuticals" is less stringent than prescription medicines, it can be difficult to know exactly what's in an all-natural remedy. Impurities, interactions with other medicines, and variable potency can cause significant problems.

Last updated:	March 03, 2009