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Alternative Treatments from Massage to Herbs
People with arthritis can be prey to hucksters and charlatans, pushing
everything from WD-40 to sitting in uranium mines as a "cure." Those
with severe and disabling disease might be especially susceptible to bogus
offers and claims.
Most kinds of arthritis can't be cured. And many of the miracle treatments being
touted -- especially on the Internet -- aren't backed by any scientific evidence
that they do anything. Some may actually cause harm. However, many alternative
therapies are proven to be helpful for arthritis. Some of the most popular
alternative therapies appear below. Talk to your doctor before using any therapy
that has not been prescribed or recommended by your healthcare team.
Some
techniques and methodologies
- Acupuncture. An ancient Chinese practice,
acupuncture consists of inserting very fine needles into the skin along a
series of energy channels or paths known as meridians. This stimulates or
balances your qi (pronounced chee), your body's vital life energy,
and promotes healing and wellness. Studies show acupuncture can relieve pain
for many with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other kinds of arthritis.
Studies are mixed for rheumatoid arthritis, but it's worth a try.
- Acupressure. This is acupuncture without
the needles. A therapist presses on the body's acupoints with hands, tools,
and sometimes elbows. Shiatsu massage is a kind of acupressure.
- Chiropractic. Many people find chiropractic can ease pain. However,
many rheumatologists are concerned about possible effects on people with
fragile or damaged joints or bones. Ask your doctor before you try
chiropractic if you have osteoporosis, a rheumatic disease such as lupus,
ankylosing spondylitis, or severe inflammation.
- Massage and manipulation. When done by a
trained professional, both methods can help control pain, increase joint
motion, and improve muscle and tendon flexibility.
Many studies from the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami
show that massage can ease stress and relieve pain for people with chronic
diseases, including arthritis. However, make sure you use a certified
therapist who is trained to work with your particular condition. And don't
have a massage on joints that are swollen and hot.
Mobilization therapies may also ease pain. These include techniques your
physical therapist might use, such as traction (gentle, steady pulling) and
manipulation (using the hands to restore normal movement to stiff joints).
- Magnets. Static magnets, somewhat like the ones you stick on your
refrigerator door, are touted for all kinds of sprains, strains, and pains.
So far, very little scientific evidence shows that magnets do anything, but
many people say they help. Several studies are underway now. Meanwhile, be
sure to get a money-back guarantee if you decide to try them.
Herbs and
dietary supplements
A number of both herbs and supplements help those with arthritis. A selection:
- Herbs. Herbs that some studies show relieve inflammation and pain
include ginger,
boswellia (frankincense), turmeric, and cat's claw.
- SAM-e.
This European import eases osteoarthritis pain, and may help support
cartilage repair. SAM-e also may relieve depression, a common condition in
those with chronic illness.
- Glucosamine
and chondroitin. These supplements help relieve the pain of
osteoarthritis, but they don't appear to ease symptoms of rheumatoid
arthritis or any other kind of arthritis.
- Fish
oil and GLA (gamma linolenic acid). Some studies show that these
essential fatty acids give modest relief from inflammation for rheumatoid
arthritis and also ease symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon (people with lupus
often have both these conditions). Also, fish oil helps protect against
heart disease, which is connected with lupus. The GLA oils include evening
primrose oil, borage oil, and black currant oil.
- Cherries and green tea. It's true: Studies suggest that eating a
handful of cherries can reduce arthritis pain. In Asia, green tea has long
been regarded as a healthy beverage. Now animal studies suggest drinking
about four cups a day may reduce arthritis symptoms.
Vitamin
and mineral supplements
People with arthritis may not eat well because pain or disability makes shopping
for and cooking food difficult. Some medications may increase your need for
certain vitamins or minerals. Also, studies show that moderate amounts of some
vitamins and minerals can help ease many kind of arthritis discomfort. All these
are good reasons to consider supplements.
- Calcium.
Most people with arthritis of any kind, especially women over 45 and just
about anyone of any age taking glucocorticoids, need calcium supplements to
protect bones against the loss that leads to osteoporosis. However, too much
calcium may contribute to kidney stones. Ask your doctor how much is right
for you.
Foods high in calcium include dairy products, shrimp, canned salmon and
sardines, green leafy vegetables, brazil nuts and almonds, and soybean
products such as tofu.
- The
B vitamins. Several B vitamins may help with symptoms of arthritis.
Take a daily B complex vitamin. Food high in B vitamins especially good for
arthritis include: B-3 (niacin) in lean meats and fish, tofu, cottage
cheese, and sunflower seeds; B-5 (pantothenic acid) in meats, eggs,
soybeans, wheat germ and whole grain cereals, lentils, and peanuts; and B-6
in meats, fish, whole grains, wheat germ and whole wheat, bananas, soybeans,
and sunflower seeds.
- Vitamin
C. Studies show that vitamin C may reduce the risk of osteoarthritis
progression and pain. Foods high in vitamin C include broccoli, red bell
peppers, citrus fruits, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, and strawberries.
- Vitamin
D. Osteoarthritis seems to progress faster in people with low levels
of vitamin D. It works with calcium to protect bones and joints. Foods high
in vitamin D include fortified dairy products and the following fish:
salmon, halibut, sea bass, tuna, cod, and herring.
- Vitamin
E. This vitamin reduces your risk of heart disease, and studies also
indicate it eases osteoarthritis pain and well as nighttime leg cramps.
Foods high in vitamin E include almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, sunflower and
safflower seeds, wheat germ and whole wheat flour, and various fruits and
vegetables.
Read more about these and other therapies in The
Arthritis Foundation's Guide to Alternative Therapies.
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