The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases explains that there are many types of arthritis, but that osteoarthritis is the most common. Associated with aging, osteoarthritis most often affects the fingers, hips and knees. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the ends of the bones in the joints deteriorates. Certain supplements may help ease the pain of arthritis in the knees, but if it is persistent or severe, consult a qualified health care professional.
Ginger
Ginger has been used by Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners for centuries to treat rheumatic and inflammatory symptoms. An article in the journal "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" described the use of ginger as an herbal remedy for arthritis, stating that it may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The authors summarized several studies in which ginger was superior to placebo in easing the pain and associated symptoms of arthritis in the knee and other joints. However, the studies were small and preliminary. Larger long-term trials are necessary to determine whether ginger should be widely recommended for arthritis patients.
Pine Bark Extract
The pine bark extract Pycnogenol is produced from maritime pine trees native to the southeastern coast of France. According to an article published in "Arthritis Today," a study out of Italy's Chieti-Pescara University tested this remedy on volunteers with osteoarthritis of the knee. The volunteers were divided into two groups. One group received daily doses of the pine bark extract while the other group took daily doses of an inactive placebo. The patients randomized to the pine bark group demonstrated significant improvements in knee pain, stiffness, function, use of conventional pain relievers and well-being. The researchers concluded that pine bark may be a useful herbal alternative for arthritis pain. Consult a qualified health care provider before using pine bark extract to treat arthritis or any other condition.
Devil's Claw
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, research has shown the bitter-tasting herb known as devil's claw to be beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritic pain in the knees. Frequently used in Europe to treat inflammatory conditions, devil's claw is a traditional medicine of the Khoisan peoples of Madagascar and the Kalahari Desert. Devil's claw is rich in iridoid glycosides, substances that may have significant anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. While devil's claw is safe and non-toxic at recommended doses, excessive consumption has been associated with gastrointestinal complaints. Talk to your doctor before using devil's claw.
References
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Biological Basis for the Use of Botanicals in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Arthritis Today: Pine Bark for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Devil's Claw
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Living with Arthritis
Member Comments