Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis -- a condition that affects your joints and may cause joint pain, reduced joint range of motion and joint degeneration. The National Health Service of the United Kingdom states that osteoarthritis causes bony growths to manifest around the edge of your affected joints, and that almost every joint in your body can be affected. Numerous supplements may help to treat this condition, but you should always visit your health care provider before using supplements for this health purpose.
Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Shoulder osteoarthritis may develop in both your glenohumeral and acromioclavicular joints -- the two joints that compose your shoulder. The most common symptom of shoulder arthritis, states the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, is shoulder pain, which is often aggravated by shoulder movements and gets worse over time. If your glenohumeral joint, a ball and socket joint, is affected, you may experience pain in the back of your shoulder. If your acromioclavicular joint is affected, you may experience pain in the front of your shoulder.
Useful Supplements
Many dietary supplements may be useful in treating your osteoarthritis, including your shoulder osteoarthritis. The University of Maryland Medical Center lists numerous supplements that may be used for this common health problem, including vitamins A, B-3, B-5, C, D and E, cartilage, burdock, cat's claw, beta-carotene, black cohosh, chondroitin, devil's claw, cayenne, copper, EPA, DHA, SAMe, essential fatty acids, sulfur, turmeric, flax seed, ginger, glucosamine, stinging nettle and willow bark.
A Powerful Supplement
Burdock may be a powerful dietary supplement in the treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis. Burdock, notes Ed Smith, an expert herbalist and author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," has long been used in treating osteoarthritis. This herbal supplement has also historically been used in treating gout, urinary tract problems and various skin conditions, including eczema, hives, psoriasis and ulcerations. Extracts of the dried fruit and mature seed contain medicinal ingredients and are used in dietary supplements.
Additional Information
Shoulder osteoarthritis can cause severe shoulder pain, and it can limit your shoulder's range of motion, which can significantly reduce your quality of life and your ability to perform certain occupational and recreational activities. Although most dietary supplements for shoulder osteoarthritis may be safe and helpful, some supplements may cause unexpected side effects or interfere with the action of certain prescription drugs. Before using dietary supplements, it is important to review appropriate dosage and risks with your primary care provider.
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