Osteoarthritis (arthritis) is pain experienced in and around joints caused by inflammation resulting from a reduction in the cartilage that cushions joints.

Non-medical treatments for arthritis can be divided into three categories; lifestyle, natural medicine, and bodywork.

Lifestyle: Includes rest, self-care, exercise, diet, weight reduction and assistive devices. Rest relieves the wear and tear on the painful joint and gives it an opportunity to heal. Self-care such as treatment with hot and cold packs diminishes inflammation and improves circulation which accelerate healing. Exercise is extremely important. Done with the advice of a professional, doing the appropriate exercises in and around the painful joint strengthens the supporting muscles which takes the strain of the joint itself. Furthermore, exercise encourages weight-loss which is a crucial factor in reducing the overall stress placed on joints in supporting one's body weight. A proper diet is crucial as well. Not only will healthy eating habits encourage weight loss but avoiding certain foods will decrease the bodies inflammatory response and thus pain. Reducing or avoiding refined sugars, dairy products, table salt and processed foods are key in diminishing overall inflammation. Finally, assistive devices can be used to reduce and/or transfer strain. joint wraps, braces and even canes and walkers for more severe conditions can greatly reduce pain and give relief to a overused joint.

Natural medicine: Before pursuing supplements and natural medicine, one should undertake the lifestyle changes listed above and consult their doctor.The complimentary approach is to supply the body with compounds that reduce inflammation, inhibit pain and build joint tissue. Clinical studies are inconclusive about the effectiveness of many of these alternative remedies. That being said, the principles behind them are sound and considering their minimal side-effects as when compared with NSAIDs and Celebrex, they are, as their name implies, a great compliment to other treatments. Licorice, nettle and ginger have been used for hundreds of years to combat inflammation and can be taken as food, tea, tincture and pill. Some health-food stores sell custom anti-inflammatory supplement blends which you should inquire about. Boswellia is an effective herb for pain relief that has properties similar to NSAIDs with little of their negative side effects . This is best taken internally as a pill. Arnica oil, cream and salve is a highly regarded topical pain reliever. One may also consider the homeopathic cream Topercin which contains Arnica as well. Finally, the supplements glucosomine and chondroitin, often sold in combination, are building blocks of joint tissue and are thought to help slow its deterioration and possible even regenerate it.

Bodywork: Studies my the National Institutes of Health have clinically demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture on knee pain caused by arthritis. They also noticed increased knee function as a result making this treatment highly recommended. Massage therapy, with a focus on range of motion exercises and traction can also be of great benefit by increasing mobility and circulation and reducing pain.

In summary: Rest the affected area as much as possible, strengthen it and focus on dietary changes which both reduce weight and inflammation. Support this with natural medicines that reduce inflammation, pain and provide compounds that support joint health. Finally, receive acupuncture or other forms of manual therapy to decrease pain and increase mobility.


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