Joint stiffness, loss of mobility and pain are common symptoms for the 46 million Americans afflicted with arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Alternative health supplements may provide some level of relief for these individuals, and in some cases, can be used in conjunction with other treatments and medicines. Before adding a supplement to your regimen, however, always discuss it with your doctor.
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements are sometimes as effective at relieving mild arthritis symptoms as conventional medicines are, though the Food and Drug Administration does not monitor them as strictly, so safety and dosages vary. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that black cohosh helps reduce inflammation associated with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, as evidenced in preliminary studies. Due to its anti-inflammatory effects, feverfew has also been used to treat arthritis. Both herbs are available over the counter for individual use or in combination herbal formulas.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins can help people fill in nutritional gaps. They are especially important when nutritional deficiencies exist. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center reports rheumatoid arthritis sufferers are considered to be at nutritional risk for various reasons. Long-term use of medications only compounds the problem, making a healthy diet and nutritional supplements all the more significant. Multivitamins can help improve the overall health of arthritic individuals, and according to the center, help counterbalance deficiencies that may worsen symptoms or create additional problems.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound that exists in the body and is necessary to produce cartilage, the elastic tissues that cushion the joints. As people age, their bodies decrease production of glucosamine, which leads to pain and joint stiffness when formerly protected joints lose their padding. For this reason, glucosamine supplements are a popular supplement for joint health. While research was once conflicting, MayoClinic.com reports that experts now recommend glucosamine for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis-Related Statistics
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Feverfew
- Mayo Clinic: Arthritis: Alternative Medicine
- The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Nutrition and Rheumatoid Arthritis
