Natural Arthritis Treatments
by Rusty Ford
With all the news about the FDA pulling Cox 2 Inhibitors such a Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra off the market because of possible side effects that can effect the heart, we are becoming more aware of the risks involved with taking drugs to treat arthritis. Even though I have long been an advocate of using natural medicine to supplement modern medicine treatment of arthritis or in some cases to replace it, I am sad to see these drug
s taken off the market. While they are not perfect and like any other drug comes with the risk of potentially dangerous side effects, they are still much safer, in my opinion, than the over the counter alternatives. Millions of people have been taken off these drugs and are now in the position trying to find safe and effective treatments for their arthritis. The good news is there are many things you can do with natural medicine to help control the pain of arthritis. The effectiveness of these options depends on the type and severity of the arthritis. You can find a lot of help for osteoarthritis and some help for autoimmune types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Before I start with the list of natural options I would like to point out that in spite of what you may see promoted on the internet none of these options are a cure for arthritis. It is safe to say that both studies and observation are finding that a lot of people find significant to moderate relief from the options listed below.
Therapies to help with arthritis.
Exercise. I list this first because it is the safest and most important natural treatment for arthritis. Lack of use of joints effected by arthritis will only make the condition worse. Proper exercise helps control the range of motion and the amount of inflammation in your joints. I believe that everyone who suffers with arthritis should see a physical therapist. I bet you did not know that a Physical Therapist is a natural health practitioner. A Physical therapist can evaluate the way that arthritis is effecting you particular body and show you exercises to help strengthen the muscles and tendons around the effected joints. Also in learning the proper way of using an effected joint can reduce the wear and tear on the joint and cartilage associated with it.
Acupuncture. I know it sounds crazy to suggest that having needles stuck in your body can help control pain. There are many studies in the last few years showing that many people do find pain relief from acupuncture. In fact now many chronic pain clinics include it as on of their options for controlling pain. Acupuncture does not work for everyone and certain types of arthritis respond better to it than others. Patients with osteoarthritis and fybromyalgia and is less effective on autoimmune types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and lupus.
Massage Therapy. Everyone knows how relaxing a nice massage can be. Did you know that it could also be therapeutic? Message Therapy can help stimulate circulation of blond to help control inflammation and relax tense muscles that aggravate an inflamed joint.
Supplements to help the symptoms of arthritis.
Fatty Acids: There are several studies out that show the effectiveness of fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6 in reducing inflammation. Fish oil, which is high in omega 3 fatty acid, has long been used to treat arthritis. I no longer recommend fish oil concentrates as a source of omega 3 because of the mercury and lead showing up in fish. There are many good omega 3 supplements on the market that come from plant sources.
Cetyl Myristoleate. Cetyl Myristoleate is the most effective supplement I have found in treating the symptoms of arthritis especially osteoarthritis. It is a cetylized form of fatty acid. This is the supplement I use to control my osteoarthritis.
Curcumin: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Turmeric is the substance in curry that gives it its yellow color. Resent studies have shown Curcumin to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. Several studies have shown it to be effective in treating the inflammation due to arthritis.
The nice thing about the supplements listed above is that they are not expensive. There are very expensive versions of these products touted as being better than similar products but that is just hype. That is not to say that there are not inferior products on the market because they are. But if you stay with well established companies you should have no problem finding a quality product at a reasonable price. For example there are Cetyl Myristoleate products that sell for over $100. The product I take. Naturol's CetylPure retails for $29.95 and I buy if online for under $15.
About the Author
Rusty Ford Editor http://arthritis-symptom.com/