If you have arthritis, you probably experience the pain and inflammation that goes along with this joint disease. While conventional medical interventions focus on pain relief and reducing inflammation, natural therapies also include nutritional support, mind-body exercise and therapeutic interventions to help rebuild damaged joint tissues. Scientific support for these claims is inadequate, as of 2010. Before pursuing any alternative therapy, consult your doctor.
Arthritis Pain Causes
Osteoarthritis, one of the most common forms of the joint disease, results when wear and tear on your joints causes cartilage to break down. The ends of your bones rub together, resulting in pain and limited mobility, according to the website of the Arthritis Foundation. Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers experience swelling and inflammation of the synovial lining of the joints. Over time, enzymes released by the synovial cells begin to break down cartilage and bone, degrading the joint, according to the Arthritis Foundation online.
Claims
While alternative modalities like traditional Chinese medicine support the idea that joint tissue regeneration is possible, this notion is not prevalent in conventional medical circles. Claims that a supplement, activity or therapy can rebuild joint tissue are common in alternative medical circles. Research substantiating these claims is not widely available as of 2010, but some natural interventions have demonstrated pain relief and functional results.
Nutritional Supplements
Manufacturers market glucosamine and chondroitin as joint rebuilders because these supplements are key structural components of cartilage. According to a summary of natural arthritis supplements published in the September 2010 issue of Australian Family Physician by Marie Pirotta of the University of Melbourne, some systematic reviews found that glucosamine sulphate reduces pain and improves function in cases of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine derives from shellfish, so those with allergies should avoid it. Some reports of glucosamine interactions with warfarin have emerged in Australia. Chondroitin might reduce the symptoms and progression of arthritis. Clinical trials differ on the effectiveness of chondroitin. It appears as safe as placebo in trials, according to Pirotta.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine offers a number of treatments that might help to heal damaged joints, according to Douglas Frank and Bob Flaws, TCM practitioners and authors of "Curing Arthritis Naturally with Chinese Medicine." Acupuncture, the application of tiny, hair-like needles to key points on the body, works to stimulate the free flow of qi or life energy, restoring circulation to areas of inflammation. Moxibustion -- the application of burning mugwort over key areas -- massage and herbalism are other treatments that TCM practitioners offer arthritis sufferers. These treatments all release stagnation in qi and blood flow, and in doing so, return nourishment to joints and allow healing to occur, according to Frank and Flaws.
Exercise
Mind-body exercises that reduce stress and promote gentle stretching may help to relieve pressure on joints and increase circulation, allowing natural healing to occur. Conventional studies of the effects of exercise interventions like tai chi and yoga don't focus on joint rebuilding. However, participants in a 2010 study on tai chi and rheumatoid arthritis in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders found that participants experienced improved lower limb muscle function, greater confidence in moving, and decreased pain after practicing tai chi twice weekly for 12 weeks. Till Uhlig and colleagues at Diakonhjemmet Hospital in Oslo, Norway, concluded that tai chi was an appropriate exercise therapy for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis.
References
- Athritis Foundation: Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Australian Family Physician: Athritis Disease---The Use of Complementary Therapies
- "Curing Arthritis Naturally with Chinese Medicine"; Douglas Frank and Bob Flaws; 1998
- BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders: Exploring Tai Chi in Rheumatoid Arthritis
