Ginger & Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a joint condition that occurs when cartilage, a rubbery tissue that cushions the joints, wears away. Without this cushion, the bones are able to rub together which causes pain and stiffness and limits the range of movement. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 20 million people in the United States. If you have osteoarthritis, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen or COX-2 inhibitors. The herb ginger may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms, however evidence to prove it works is limited. Talk to your doctor before using herbs to treat your condition.

Properties

Ginger is an aromatic herb commonly used to flavor cooking; however, it is also used to treat a number of medical ailments including nausea, indigestion, motion sickness and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The underground stem of the ginger plant is used to make a variety of herbal preparations including teas, tinctures and capsules. It can also be eaten raw.

Efficacy

The results of a randomized placebo-controlled crossover study published in the January 2000 issue of "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" found that ginger was no more effective than placebo in alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms. However, the results of a study published in the October 2010 issue of the "Journal of Advanced Nursing" found that applying a ginger compress to affected joints increased joint mobility and decreased pain.

Use

UMMC suggests taking up to 2 g of ginger in divided doses daily to help alleviate joint inflammation and pain. This dose should only be used as guideline and the required dose may vary from person to person. It is important that you consult your doctor to determine the correct dose and treatment plan for you.

Side Effects

Small doses of ginger are unlikely to cause side effects, NCCAM notes. However, using powdered ginger may cause side effects including nausea, heartburn and gas. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center adds that ginger may also cause dermatitis.

Contraindications

Ginger may alter blood sugar levels, so may be unsuitable for diabetics or people taking diabetes medicines. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that ginger may inhibit the action of blood clotting proteins, therefore it should not be used alongside anticoagulant drugs as it may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. Talk to your doctor before using this herb to treat osteoarthritis.