Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 and green tea are just a few of them. Glucosamine · Turmeric and Curcumin · Boswellia serrata Some people use supplements to try to help control joint pain caused by arthritis. A number of nutritional supplements have shown promise in relieving pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just a few of the natural products that researchers have studied for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
It's helpful for people to keep a dietary record of what they eat, as many people discover which foods are most related to joint pain, such as gluten, red meat, trans fats and highly processed foods. If you have joint pain, the highly trained and board-certified doctors at Spectrum Orthopedics will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include supplements, pain management, and other orthopedic and rehabilitation services. The anti-inflammatory properties of copper are well known and can help counteract joint pain caused by inflammation. Vitamins D and K are important for bone strength, and vitamin K is involved in the structure of cartilage.
There are many reasons to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, even if you don't have joint pain, but if you have joint pain, it's critical that you follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Folate, also known as folic acid, found in green leafy vegetables, whole grains and fruits, is a B vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth, relieves joint pain and inflammation, and prevents DNA changes that could cause cancer. Estrogen therapy is generally not given specifically for joint pain, unless the woman experiences additional menopausal symptoms. The benefit of eating omega 3 in the diet in terms of reducing joint pain is probably related to the anti-inflammatory effects of a healthy Mediterranean diet for the heart.
A number of vitamins have been studied for their effects on arthritis, including antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, and vitamins D and K. Green tea contains compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful in combating joint pain. Talk to your doctor before trying supplements of any kind, even if you've heard that they're good for joint pain. If you have arthritis pain or are at high risk of arthritis, your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement.
Vitamin C also fights infections that can cause joint inflammation and is highly recommended for people with a weakened immune system, especially those with rheumatoid arthritis, which can wreak haunt the joints. Postmenopausal women with low estrogen levels may complain of joint pain and stiffness as the main symptoms of menopause. Several studies have demonstrated the benefit of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate reducing pain, swelling and narrowing of the joint space, at doses of 800 to 1200 mg per day.
