Natural Therapies for Osteoarthritis

 By Nirala Jacobi, ND

Q:  “Are there any natural treatments for the aches and pains that come with old age? 

My doctor says I have osteoarthritis

U. Priefert, Frankfurt, Germany

A:  My visiting grandmother who has been suffering from Osteoarthritis for many years now recently posed this

question.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degeneration of the joint itself and is characterized by loss of cartilage and alterations of

the bone below.  Any joint can be affected but weight bearing joints (knees, hip, spine) are most commonly involved. 

 The hands are also often affected and can develop the classic nodules of the disease.  OA differs from rheumatoid

arthritis in that it is mostly a disease of “wear and tear” vs. the  aggressive autoimmune nature of the more inflammatory

 rheumatoid arthritis.    Having an insidious onset, OA affected joints will usually

start making themselves known by being quite stiff in the morning which is relieved by motion 

As OA progresses and more cartilage is destroyed, pain and swelling will often set in.  OA of

the neck and back (spinal OA) can be particularly painful as nerves and vascular structures

can be compressed which can lead to  referred pain in the shoulders and arms.  The disease process

 can often be arrested or significantly slowed by focusing on regenerating the collagen matrix which is composed,

in part, of substances called “glycosaminoglycans”  and “proteoglycans”. 

 The suggestions below will primarily focus on enhancing these collagen structures.

DIET:  achieving optimal body weight is obviously a treatment goal as excess weight exerts

 added pressure on weight bearing joints.  A general whole foods diet rich in fiber and complex

 carbohydrates is recommended.  Eliminating foods from the Solanaceae (night shade) family

can also bring significant relief in susceptible individuals.  It is believed the alkaloid solanine

 contained in tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, bell peppers, and tobacco can cause joint

irritation by inhibition of normal collagen repair.  It will not work for everyone but eliminating

these foods for a period of 3 weeks may be effective for some. Although not scientifically validated, sugar can be a

 huge culprit in joint pain (often perceived as osteoarthritis)  Clinically I can tell many anecdotes of cured joint pain

cases by the simple avoidance of all sugar. Dark red or blue berries contain anthocyanodins and proanthocyanodins,

compounds that give them their deep red-blue color. These are remarkable in their ability to strengthen the collagen

matrix and inhibit inflammation.

WATER!  The cushioning synovial fluid within the joint capsule needs to maintain proper

 hydration.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:

Glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, SAMe (s-adenosyl methionine) and

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are sulfur containing compounds that support glycosaminoglycans and

proteoglycans and therefore help repair the collagen matrix.  MSM seems to also have an anti-inflammatory effect

not unlike aspirin on the joint.  It is important to note that glucosamine sulfate is not cheap to manufacture.  If you

 have tried it without effect it

may be due to a poor quality supplement.  1500 mg per day of a good quality glucosamine

sulfate can often bring significant relief in as little as 1-2 weeks.

Vitamin E has also shown beneficial in joint pain.  Studies have shown that 600 IU of  vitamin

 E has the ability to inhibit lysosomal enzymes (cause breakdown of collagen matrix) and

stimulate the deposition of proteoglycan.

Vitamin C: deficient intake of this vitamin is common in the elderly and can result in altered

collagen synthesis and compromised connective tissue repair

Vitamins A, B6, Zinc, and copper are nutrients required for collagen repair and maintenance

 of normal collagen structures and are therefore necessary.

EXERCISE:

Walking (in good, supportive shoes) and swimming are 2 great non-impact sports that can maintain flexibility

and circulation.

OTHER AGENTS: 

Prolo therapy is an injection of dextrose and procaine into the joint to strengthen intra-capsular ligaments

and inhibit inflammation.  Often one injection can bring pain relief of several weeks to months.  Naturopathic doctors

have used this harmless therapy for years.  In Germany it is often accompanied by homeopathic preparations, which

 further potentate its therapeutic action.  An example of a conventional  injectable agent is Synvisc, is a gel-like

substance that provides a cushion between the two articulating bone surfaces.

In conclusion, osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that often shows up later

in life as a result of wear and tear on the joint. Natural therapies can often help reverse

and stabilize the affected joint by providing necessary nutrients.

Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic
720 N. 30th St.
Billings, MT 59101
PHONE 406·259·5096/FAX 406·248·5655

ync@180com.net

Dispensary
406·254·9682

dispensary@yncnaturally.com