Over the course of the aging process, your joint health can decline. The most common condition that affects the joints is osteoarthritis. Lifestyle factors over the long term influence the chances of your developing osteoarthritis. Fortunately, various supplemental nutrients can prevent and/or mitigate it. The Development of Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition of the joints which causes pain, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion. Further symptoms can include inflammation and swelling, the formation of bone spurs (lumps of excess bone on the joints), and crepitus (creaking and popping of the joints). OA occurs as the result of damage to the joints, specifically the cartilage which surrounds them. Significant wear and tear, combined with changes in the structure of cartilage tissue, lead to decay that causes OA. Aging is a primary factor in the development of OA, as several factors can have a cumulative effect over time. Conditions that can cause breakdown include obesity, injuries, the malformation of joints, and overuse due to repetitive movements. A family history of OA also increases the likelihood of developing OA. The symptoms and course of OA vary based on which joints are affected. OA is degenerative with no cure, so the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Medical treatment can include one or more types of medication. Healthy habits (e.g., regular, moderate exercise and heat/cold therapy) are crucial in managing OA. Supplements for Osteoarthritis Some supplements have properties that can work in alleviating osteoarthritis. Some of these can work as pain relievers; others support joint health. These should be considered in context of all the steps you or your family member take to manage OA. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are natural substances that make up cartilage. Taken together as a single dietary supplement, these substances could reduce osteoarthritis pain. Many individuals with OA take this nutrient for this purpose. Supplementing with these also has the potential to preserve and even rebuild cartilage. Long-term usage is recommended to produce these benefits – just a few does won't be much help; it's not like treating a headache or fever with just one or two Tylenol. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be useful in reducing knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Curcumin is easily absorbed by the body. About 1500mg of curcumin daily is the recommended intake for treating OA knee pain. Pycnogenol is an extract of the maritime pine tree, and it is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve OA pain, especially in the knees. It could also increase the functionality of knee joints that are plagued by OA. Vitamin D is critical because it contributes to all kinds of bodily processes. Supplementing with vitamin D could help relieve joint pain in those with OA who are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is also important for bone health, since it helps enable the absorption of calcium and other nutrients. Ginger has the potential to provide a moderate improvement in osteoarthritis pain that arises after standing and walking. It does so by inhibiting multiple inflammatory pathways in the body. Osteoarthritis is a condition that also necessitates dietary considerations to manage it – consider discussing that topic with a nutrition expert or dietitian. These supplements could help mitigate the painful symptoms of OA, and could even contribute to structural health of joint cartilage. Some of these supplements can interact with certain medications, so it is highly recommended you talk to a healthcare professional before using them.
Five Ways to Combat Osteoarthritis
Published by Wonder Laboratories on May 26th 2023
Over the course of the aging process, your joint health can decline. The most common condition that affects the joints is osteoarthritis. Lifestyle factors over the long term influence the chances of your developing osteoarthritis. Fortunately, various supplemental nutrients can prevent and/or mitigate it. The Development of Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition of the joints which causes pain, stiffness, and a loss of range of motion. Further symptoms can include inflammation and swelling, the formation of bone spurs (lumps of excess bone on the joints), and crepitus (creaking and popping of the joints). OA occurs as the result of damage to the joints, specifically the cartilage which surrounds them. Significant wear and tear, combined with changes in the structure of cartilage tissue, lead to decay that causes OA. Aging is a primary factor in the development of OA, as several factors can have a cumulative effect over time. Conditions that can cause breakdown include obesity, injuries, the malformation of joints, and overuse due to repetitive movements. A family history of OA also increases the likelihood of developing OA. The symptoms and course of OA vary based on which joints are affected. OA is degenerative with no cure, so the goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. Medical treatment can include one or more types of medication. Healthy habits (e.g., regular, moderate exercise and heat/cold therapy) are crucial in managing OA. Supplements for Osteoarthritis Some supplements have properties that can work in alleviating osteoarthritis. Some of these can work as pain relievers; others support joint health. These should be considered in context of all the steps you or your family member take to manage OA. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are natural substances that make up cartilage. Taken together as a single dietary supplement, these substances could reduce osteoarthritis pain. Many individuals with OA take this nutrient for this purpose. Supplementing with these also has the potential to preserve and even rebuild cartilage. Long-term usage is recommended to produce these benefits – just a few does won't be much help; it's not like treating a headache or fever with just one or two Tylenol. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and can be useful in reducing knee pain due to osteoarthritis. Curcumin is easily absorbed by the body. About 1500mg of curcumin daily is the recommended intake for treating OA knee pain. Pycnogenol is an extract of the maritime pine tree, and it is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects that can help relieve OA pain, especially in the knees. It could also increase the functionality of knee joints that are plagued by OA. Vitamin D is critical because it contributes to all kinds of bodily processes. Supplementing with vitamin D could help relieve joint pain in those with OA who are deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is also important for bone health, since it helps enable the absorption of calcium and other nutrients. Ginger has the potential to provide a moderate improvement in osteoarthritis pain that arises after standing and walking. It does so by inhibiting multiple inflammatory pathways in the body. Osteoarthritis is a condition that also necessitates dietary considerations to manage it – consider discussing that topic with a nutrition expert or dietitian. These supplements could help mitigate the painful symptoms of OA, and could even contribute to structural health of joint cartilage. Some of these supplements can interact with certain medications, so it is highly recommended you talk to a healthcare professional before using them.