Osteoarthritis is a common rheumatologic disorder. It is estimated that 40 million Americans and 80 percent of persons older than 75 years are affected by osteoarthritis. Although symptoms of osteoarthritis occur earlier in women, the prevalence of osteoarthritis among men and women is equal. The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is largely clinical because radiographic findings do not always correlate with symptoms. For more osteoarthritis natural treatment options.

Natural therapy for osteoarthritis
The most commonly used alternative or complementary nutrients for osteoarthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin. Several other nutrients and herbs may potentially help reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Nutrients and Herbs helpful is osteoarthritis:
The following nutrients are helpful by themselves, but a combination product called Joint Power Rx has many beneficial herbs and nutrients for joint health.
Boswellia serrata extract supplement - Boswellia is available at Physician Formulas
Chondroitin supplement
Glucosamine nutrient is found in practically all joint formulas developed for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
Lipoic acid alpha
MSM supplement
CMO is available at Physician Formulas. See also CMO information.
Vitamin D could be helpful.

Vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis
Dr. Changhai Ding found osteoarthritis patients with vitamin D sufficiency have approximately 1.5 percent less loss of knee cartilage per year than patients with vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Changhai Ding believes that vitamin D plays an important role in cartilage changes, and that vitamin D deficiency may predict knee cartilage loss over time. Arthritis and Rheumatism, May 2009.

Glucosamine, chondroitin and primorine
Glucosamine / chondroitin / primorine combination therapy for osteoarthritis.
Drugs Today (Barc). 2009 Jan; Fox BA, Stephens MM. East Tennessee State University, Family Physicians of Kingsport, Tennessee 37660, USA.
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate have been evaluated in many studies as agents to relieve pain, improve functional activity, and slow disease progression in OA especially of the hip and knee. Studies have reported conflicting results regarding improvement in the pain and disability associated with OA with the use of glucosamine and chondroitin as single agents; however, when improvement has been demonstrated, the formulation has primarily been glucosamine sulfate combined with chondroitin sulfate. Recently, as a result of information implicating the role of reactive oxygen species and oxidative cellular stress reactions on the onset of neurodegenerative and inflammatory disorders, it has been theorized that medications that could control or alter these reactions might improve or prevent the onset of these conditions. Primorine is a combination of products thought to alter these biochemical oxidative byproducts. Based on current evidence, the use of a combination product of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate seems to have the greatest potential as a therapeutic intervention for patients at increased risk from the adverse events of accepted current oral therapies. The use of primorine and its combination of products as an intervention in OA has theoretical advantages but its benefits are unproven. A new product, relamine, is a combination of these three formulations. While no studies have evaluated glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and primorine in a single product, it may be an option for those who wish to try an alternate therapy for OA, as there appears to be a low risk for serious adverse events.

Exercise helps osteoarthritis
Both water-based exercises and the Chinese exercise system Tai Chi can help older people with severe osteoarthritis move and feel better.

What causes Osteoarthritis?
The exact cause of osteoarthritis is not fully understood. Multiple factors (e.g., heredity, trauma, and obesity) interact to cause this disorder. Any event that changes the environment of the chondrocyte has the potential to cause osteoarthritis. Although usually occurring as a primary disorder, osteoarthritis can occur secondary to other processes. The pathophysiology of osteoarthritis involves a combination of mechanical, cellular, and biochemical processes. The interaction of these processes leads to changes in the composition and mechanical properties of the articular cartilage. Cartilage is composed of water, collagen, and proteoglycans. In healthy cartilage, continual internal remodeling occurs as the chondrocytes replace macromolecules lost through degradation. This process becomes disrupted in osteoarthritis, leading to increased degenerative changes and an abnormal repair response.

Common risk factors for osteoarthritis
Age older than 50

Obesity (weight-bearing joints)

History of immobilization

Injury to the joint

Joint hypermobility or instability

Prolonged occupational or sports stress
Diet (see study below)

What is the standard medical treatment for osteoarthritis?
Acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications remain first-line traditional drugs for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Salsalate (Disalcid) or choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) are good alternatives. Agents such as cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COX-2) and sodium hyaluronate joint injections offer new treatment alternatives. Complementary medication for osteoarthritis use has also increased.

Osteoarthritis help questions
Q. Is Zyflamend helpful for osteoarthritis?
   A. Perhaps, but we have not seen convincing human studies yet with Zyflamend in the treatment of osteoarthritis. This supplement may help osteoarthritis symptoms, but more studies are needed.

       
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