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Treatments for Osteoarthritis

October 21, 2020

By Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa, NMD

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is also called degenerative joint disease. It is seen especially in older people after many years of “wear and tear” on the joints. It’s estimated that about 80% of people over the age of 65 have some degree of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects cartilage, the hard, slippery tissue covering the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. Healthy cartilage allows bones to glide over one another and provides a cushion in the joints during movement. In osteoarthritis, the surface layer of cartilage wears away, allowing bones under the cartilage to rub together, causing pain, swelling and decreased joint function. The most common joints affected are the knees, hips, spine, and hands. 

How is Osteoarthritis Treated?

Conventional Treatments: 

  1. NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve) are commonly used. These medications can be effective at treating pain, but they do not improve the underlying condition. Also, they have potential side effects that include irritation and bleeding of the stomach that can lead to painful ulcerations, kidney damage, and increased risk of cardiovascular incidents such as blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
  2. Pain medications: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Tramadol may be used. and synthetic opioid that may be prescribed when over-the-counter medications don’t provide sufficient relief. It works through the central nervous system to achieve its effects. Tramadol carries risks that don’t exist with acetaminophen and NSAIDs, including the potential for addiction.
  3. Hyaluronic acid injections: These are administered into the joint to increase lubrication and decrease pain. These are primarily used for osteoarthritis of the knee. The injections are typically done weekly for 3 to 5 weeks, and it typically takes about 5 weeks to notice improvement. Not everyone has a positive response, but those who do can have some pain relief for 3 months and up to a maximum of 2 years.
  4. Joint replacement: This is reserved as a last resort if the joint’s pain and dysfunction are severe and haven’t responded to less invasive treatments.
Prescription medications

Natural Treatments

Fortunately, naturopathic medicine has a variety of effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Not only do you not have to suffer from the potential side effects of taking pain medications or undergoing surgery, but there are safe, natural treatments that promote healing in addition to decreasing pain.

1) Acupuncture: Studies have shown acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. A retrospective study reviewed 10 different studies using acupuncture as a treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. The conclusion was positive, concluding that acupuncture is an effective treatment option for osteoarthritis of the knee. According to Chinese Medicine theory, acupuncture helps to remove blocks that impede the flow of Qi (Chi) and can decrease pain and stiffness and improve joint function. When Acupuncture needles are inserted, nerve fibers are triggered, and cells are stimulated to release endorphins, which provide local inhibition of the incoming pain signal. They also trigger serotonin and norepinephrine release, neurotransmitters that suppress the transmission of the pain impulse, and have an antidepressant effect in the brain. It also activates ACTH release from the pituitary gland, which activates the adrenal gland to release cortisol, a naturally occurring steroid that has is anti-inflammatory. The result of these three areas being stimulated is an inhibition of the incoming pain sensation locally, a general, morphine-like, pain-relieving effect throughout the body, an anti-inflammatory effect, and a general sense of improved well-being. Acupuncture needles also stimulate increased circulation to the area being treated, which promotes healing. 

2) Zeel: These are homeopathic injections that help to decrease inflammation and improve joint function. They can be used as an intramuscular injection that reduces inflammation in the entire body and/or as Biopuncture, superficial injections around the affected joint to achieve a more targeted local effect. Zeel can also be taken as an oral, sublingual tablet.

3) Glucosamine + Chondroitin: These help to rebuild the cartilage in the joint. This supplement needs to be used at a therapeutic dose daily for at least three months to receive the full benefit when treating osteoarthritis. Your naturopathic physician can help to guide you with the appropriate dosage. 

4) Turmeric (Curcumin) and Fish oil: These are anti-inflammatory and can help decrease osteoarthritis pain. 

5) Exercise and weight loss: Generally, exercise helps to strengthen the muscles and other structures surrounding the joint. An exercise plan should be formulated and supervised by your physician and tailored individually according to your specific needs. Weight loss alleviates extra strain on the joints and can help decrease pain and improve the joints’ function. 

Mixed berries

6) Diet: 

  1. Flavonoid-rich berries protect against cellular damage in the joints. 
  2. Sulfur-containing garlic, onions, brussels sprouts, and cabbage help strengthen cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. 
  3. Ginger and turmeric are anti-inflammatory and help to decrease pain.  
  4. Avoid nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers). These contain naturally occurring pesticides that can trigger inflammation in genetically susceptible people. 

If you are suffering with osteoarthritis or suspect you might have it, please ask one of the doctors at Living Wellness Medical Center for assistance. We are here to address your health concerns and initiate your path toward healing. Call 480-588-6856 to schedule a free brief meet and greet with one of our doctors.

Free naturopathic resources

Resources:

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2810544/
  2. https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/medication/drug-types/other/hyaluronic-acid-injections.php
  3. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/medical_acupuncture/page4_em.htm

Filed Under: Blogs, Naturopathic Therapies

Jill Mapstead
Jill Mapstead
2022-03-22
Can’t say enough about Dr. Marianne Marchese! Her commitment to women’s wellness, calm, knowledgeable, non-judgemental guidance and insightful diagnoses / treatment has me turn to her for all my wellness needs. She takes the time to really listen. I feel heard and valued in her care.
Marc Cohn
Marc Cohn
2022-01-08
We had a great first visit with Dr. Turner and we look forward to continuing to work with her. She provides true support and guidance to better health. Alexandra Cohn
Ivana Kalika
Ivana Kalika
2021-12-24
I'm writing my review for Dr. Sarv Varta Khalsa. I met with her a few months ago to receive treatment for a condition I'd been dealing with for an extensive amount of time. She was incredibly kind and took the time to listen to all the details of the symptoms I was experiencing. The office had the prescriptions I needed on-hand so I didn't need to go off-site to find them. All natural remedies, and at comparatively good prices (I don't remember how much exactly, but if they were up-charging, which I doubt, I didn't notice nor would I have minded for the convenience). I'm still symptom-free now after following her recommendations, so I wanted to write a review to express my gratitude. Even though the appointment was pricey, it was worth every single penny to finally be able to live my life feeling normal again. Thank you so much!!
Irene Nicholas
Irene Nicholas
2021-12-15
What's better than a Naturopathic Dr.... Dr. Olivia Watkins!!! I have been working with her for over a year and have learned so much about myself, she is truly a team partner in my journey. She is experienced in ANYTHING you may be experiencing. I consider her my primary physician... you should too!!!
Stephanie Llamas
Stephanie Llamas
2021-11-29
Dr. Watkins is nothing short of incredible. She is kind and personable, while extremely smart and results driven. I have suffered from digestive and hormonal issues my whole life and it wasn't until I met Dr. Watkins that I finally felt heard by a Dr and saw a difference in my health. I can confidently say that my body has never felt this good and we are still working to be even better. If you are ready to feel better and feel heard from your doctor, then run, don't walk to Living Wellness.
D Bach
D Bach
2021-11-10
Dr Olivia Watkins offers a beautiful aura of sincere loving support that I will forever cherish, as she exudes and radiates a beautiful light towards her patients' health care needs. Also, her staff, Joslyn and Ariana are as sweet as they come and have been as helpful as can be to me. One issue I had (and have had a few) was a lack of nutrient absorption and it was Dr Olivia who helped me change that status (thank God!) which I'm already seeing immediate results from and I've had this issue for years which my nails and hair loss were severely revealing! I've also experienced so much stress in the last year and a half, that having Dr Olivia as part of my healing process has made all the difference in my recovery to a more whole being! At this point, I seriously don't know what I'd do without her, as she is now my go-to health advocate and will be to my end days. Dr Olivia is a GodSend! Don't hesitate to call her office. High fives for the brightest healing light you could ever pray for in life! After eight long years, Dr Olivia just recently finished her GM residency and once again, I must congratulate her on such discipline and hard work as it has obviously paid off in spades! Long live Dr Olivia!
Kristin A
Kristin A
2021-09-19
I love Dr. Marchese and so glad I found her last year. She has helped me so much with my health. I have recommended her to several people and they love her too.
Kelly leibrandt
Kelly leibrandt
2021-07-28
Dr. Watkins is life changing! I am so grateful that I was referred to Living Wellness and her specifically. I’ve been dealing with severe stomach issues for 10 years and have gone through the ringer with the test, labs, and over-the-counter medicine suggested by other doctors. Dr. Watkins is so smart, thoughtful, and attentive to every detail so that she can really get down to the bottom of your problems. She feels like a teammate and a very strong coach and a friend all in one. I’m finally on my way to feeling better and I couldn’t have done this without her. If you’re struggling don’t even hesitate to see her or any of the staff at living wellness. I promise you won’t regret it!
Erica Brunkow
Erica Brunkow
2021-03-19
I saw Dr. Warkins several times and was overly impressed her. I was going through cancer treatments and she was compassionate and resourceful. We connected and I felt at such ease with her. She followed up with me multiple times to see how I was doing and feeling. I will continue to see her for any future Gyn needs.
Carey Miller
Carey Miller
2021-03-18
I began to see Dr. Watkins for some general Women's Health issues and she was incredible to work with. She helped my body become more balanced, pain was relieved naturally, and my body was prepared for a healthy pregnancy. She is kind, knowledgable, and very supportive!
Google rating score: 5 of 5, based on 27 reviews

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All material on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice provided by your healthcare professional or physician.

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