CAM

Glucosamine Chondroitin Therapy (GCT)

Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate are natural substances that are part of the building blocks found in and around cartilage. Extracts of these substances have been used in Europe for more than a decade to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. For many years, researchers in the U.S. have been studying whether these dietary supplements really work for relieving osteoarthritis pain.

Earlier studies indicated a potential benefit from these agents. However, several high-quality studies involving large numbers of patients have indicated that, in general, glucosamine and chondroitin do not seem to provide any more help than a placebo for the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Dosage. There are no current recommended dosages. Patients in the National Institute of Health's GAIT trial took 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin.

Side Effects. The safety records of both substances appear excellent. Long-term effects are still unknown, but studies of up to 3 years have reported no significant side effects. However, there are some concerns that glucosamine may affect insulin and blood sugar (glucose) metabolism. Patients with diabetes should not take glucosamine without first talking to their doctors.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is being increasingly used to reduce osteoarthritis pain. The technique is painless and involves the insertion of small fine needles at select points in the body. The studies of thousands of patients with chronic osteoarthritis pain compared acupuncture to conventional treatment (such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs). These studies showed positive results lasting for up to 6 months after treatment. However, when acupuncture treatment was compared to sham acupuncture, any benefit was minimal. In any case, acupuncture appears to be a safe and beneficial addition to standard therapy for certain patients, such as pregnant women, who cannot take most pain medications.

Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) uses low-level electrical pulses to suppress pain. Patients are barely aware of the sensation. According to one study, the optimal treatment length is 40 minutes. A variant (sometimes called percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, or PENS) applies these pulses through a small needle to acupuncture points. A review of trials reported that both methods were better than placebo (sham treatments) in treating osteoarthritis of the knee, although additional well-designed studies are needed.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) generates extremely pure light in a single wavelength. It does not produce heat and is painless. Some researchers are combining LLLT with transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS). Studies report widely varying results, with some showing significant reductions in pain and others reporting no effect. The differences may be due to different approaches, and standardized methods are needed before any benefits can be shown.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy, also called spa therapy or balneotherapy, is an ancient therapy that uses bathing in mineral baths for soothing pain. Although many studies report positive results, including improved quality of life, very few of them have been rigorously conducted. A major analysis reported weak evidence on any real effect of hydrotherapy on pain or quality of life, but some patients may find comfort in this pleasant therapy.

Magnets

Some people believe placing magnets near your affected joint can relieve osteoarthritis pain. Some small studies have found magnets can provide temporary pain relief, though others haven't found any benefit from magnets. It isn't clear how magnet therapy might work. Still, a variety of magnetic products, such as bracelets, are available. Magnets appear to be safe.

Tai chi and yoga.

These movement therapies involve gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use these therapies to abate stress in their lives, though small studies have found that tai chi and yoga may reduce osteoarthritis pain. More study is needed to understand whether tai chi and yoga can relieve osteoarthritis pain. Talk to your doctor if you'd like to give tai chi or yoga a try. When led by a knowledgeable instructor, these therapies are safe. But don't do any moves that cause pain in your joints.

Diet Therapy

1. Remove all inflammatory causes from your diet. Dairy products, wheat, and nightshade plants, including potatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and tobacco, are most often responsible for these food allergies. Eliminate all the suspect foods from your diet for at least one month. If this is helping with your arthritis, gradually reintroduce them (one new food every three to four days). This way you can determine which specific food is contributing to your arthritis.

2. Remove or decrease consumption of all animal products other than fish. If possible eat a raw food vegetarian diet (vegetarian plus elimination of all animal products, especially dairy).

3. Periodic supervised fasting is also very effective for osteoarthritis. For more than 50 years, fasting clinics throughout Europe have successfully employed periodic juice fasting for managing arthritis. Fasting enhances the eliminative and cleansing capacity of the lungs, skin, liver, and kidneys. It also rests and restores the digestive system and helps to relax the nervous system and mind.

4. Besides green vegetables, your diet should include: carrots, avocado, sea weeds, spirulina, barley and wheat grass products, sprouts, pecans, soy products, whole grains (such as brown rice, millet, oats, wheat, and barley), seeds (sesame, flax, and pumpkin), and cold-water fish (such as salmon, sardines, herring, and tuna).

5. Avoid the following foods: alcohol, coffee, sugar, saturated fat, hydrogenated fat (margarine), excess salt, spinach, cranberries, plums, buckwheat, nuts.

6. Weight reduction, through diet and exercise, is also recommended in treating arthritis.

Herbal Remedies

Boswellia - anti-inflammatory action, much like NSAIDs but Unlike NSAIDs, however, long-term use of boswellia does not lead to irritation or ulceration of the stomach.

Cayenne (Capsaicin) Capsaicin, the "burning" substance in cayenne creams has been used topically to relieve pain from osteoarthritis. The benefit from cayenne creams, generally containing 0.025-0.075% of the active ingredient capsaicin, has been confirmed in double blind research.

Devils claw (Harpagphytum procumbens)-an analgesic and anti-inflammatory

Ginger (Zingiberaceae). No good evidence indicates that Ginger provides a benefit for osteoarthritis. Limited studies have been conducted with ginger in people with osteoarthritis, and results have been mixed. Side effects of ginger supplements can include heartburn and diarrhea. Talk to your doctor before taking ginger supplements, since they can interfere with prescription medications such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Horsetail: The silicon content of horsetail is believed to exert a connective tissue strengthening and anti-arthritic action in traditional medicine.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)-an anti-inflammatory. Long-term use can elevate blood pressure and increase potassium loss.

Turmeric (Curcumin (Curcuma longa))- an effective anti-inflammatory

White willow has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Although the analgesic actions of willow are typically slow-acting, they tend to last longer than aspirin.

Yucca-has long been used to reduce arthritic pain.

Cherries, hawthorn berries and blueberries: Cherries, hawthorn berries, blueberries and other dark red-blue berries are rich sources of anthocyanidins and proanthocyanidins. These compounds are flavonoid molecules that give them their deep red-blue color. These compounds are remarkable in their ability to enhance collagen matrix integrity and structure.

Celery seed extract-acts as an anti-inflammatory

Castor oil hot packs-apply to affected joint

Humour Therapy

Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being.

Laughter is infectious. Hospitals around the country are incorporating formal and informal laughter therapy programs into their therapeutic regimens. In countries such as India, laughing clubs -- in which participants gather in the early morning for the sole purpose of laughing -- are becoming as popular as Rotary Clubs in the United States.

Humor is a universal language. It's a contagious emotion and a natural diversion. It brings other people in and breaks down barriers. Best of all it is free and has no known side reactions.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/osteoarthritis/alternative-and-complementary-medicine.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/osteoarthritis/DS00019/DSECTION=alternative-medicine
http://www.holisticonline.com/Alt_Medicine/altmed_home.htm