Wednesday 22 July 2015

Managing Osteoarthritis Effectively and Naturally

Osteoarthritis affects a huge portion of the population, and impacts quality of life. With co-management using pharmacological and natural remedies, however, the impact of OA can be diminished to a manageable level.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition characterized by debilitating joint pain and destruction of cartilage. It is one of the leading causes of disability and can severely impact quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. In addition to pain, osteoarthritis generally presents with join stiffness, swelling, limited range of motion and the development of osteophytes (bony growths). Risk factors for the disease include increasing age, obesity and history of trauma to the affected joint.

There are a variety of fibromyalgia treatments, both pharmacological and natural. A combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities is the most effective strategy in the management of this chronic joint condition.

First-line drug treatments are acetaminophen and NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib, etc.). Chronic ingestion of these pharmaceuticals, however, is associated with gastrointestinal, renal (kidney) and cardiovascular complications. Furthermore, analgesic tolerance can develop, meaning the same dose becomes less effective with time. Considering the risks of chronic pharma treatment, it is important that those living with OA know there are osteoarthritis natural remedies that can minimize the need for drug therapy, enhance the quality of treatment, compliment other therapies and slow long term progression of the condition.

Osteoarthritis natural remedies:


Curcuma longa (aka Curcumin)   
A derivative of the common spice turmeric, Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In combination with Boswellia (below), Curcumin has been shown to be as effective in the management of OA pain as first line medications.

Boswellia serrata    
Boswellic acids inhibit lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism, which means it is an anti-inflammatory. It also prevents decreases in glycosaminoglycan levels, which is important to cartilage repair.

Ginger Root    
Anti-inflammatory at therapeutic dose. Better yet, has no side effects or reported adverse events.

SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)
Has been available by prescription in Europe for the treatment of OA since 1975. SAMe is a methyl donor, which is important in methylation reactions of cartilage formation.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Produced from oysters/crab shells and shark cartilage. These osteoarthritis natural remedies specifically target cartilage repair and formation. They stimulate the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, which are required for improving cartilage strength and integrity.

Electroacupuncture    
Provides effective pain relief by causing release of endorphins and signaling inhibitory pain pathways from the brain. Acupuncture is also good for releasing trigger points in the surrounding musculature of the affected joint. Active trigger points typically result from compensatory changes (change in muscle contraction as a result of the injured joint).

Whole-Food Diet

A healthy diet based around whole-foods will help control inflammation. Plant based diets are low in arachidonic acid, a mediator of inflammation. Furthermore, a diet high in fruits and vegetables is high in antioxidants.

Exercise    
If you have OA, don’t fear regular exercise. In fact, it’s important to stay active so mobility is maintained.
For more info about Naturopathic medicine toronto and Chronic back pain treatment visit us.
Source: Click Here

No comments:

Post a Comment