Natural Treatments for Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative form of arthritis. Common affected areas are the fingers, toes, knees, and hip. Most people take Tylenol or Ibuprofen to manage the pain related to arthritis but these medications are associated with damage to the kidneys/liver/stomach and may make the arthritis worse over the long term. 

Are there good alternatives?

Contrary to popular belief a mild to moderate amount of exercise is one of most helpful interventions for most Americans with degenerative arthritis. In fact, up to 50% of individuals with arthritis exercise less than 10 minutes per week. 

There also may be some evidence that eating a health diet high in vegetables and low in sugar and red meat may help as well. Elevated blood sugar is associated with damage to virtually every tissue in the body. Lowering your sugar intake will not only provide overall health benefits but could possibly slow damage to your joints.

One of the most important ways to alleviate joint pain is to reduce the load on the joints. Obesity is clearly linked to degenerative arthritis. Therefore, a simple intervention for most people is to lose weight.

There also may be some herbal supplements that help. Many of these are thought to either build up the cartilage or possess anti-inflammatory properties. These include Turmeric/Curcumin, Vitamin D, Glucosamine/Hyaluronic Acid, Boswellia, and others.

If you need a doctor to help you get healthy in 2016 please send me an email or give me a call. 

Visit the home page for more information on Murdock Health and our services or call 214-929-2411 to schedule an appointment today.