Ayurveda is an ancient form of medicine that started in India. It uses nutrients, exercise, and meditation together to encourage good health. Combining certain nutrients and other supplements with modern medicine may be beneficial if you have arthritis.
These natural treatments may help to ease some of your arthritis symptoms and help prevent progression.
Natural treatments and herbs
You may consider taking supplements and herbs in addition to your doctor-approved arthritis treatment plan. Before using a supplement or herbal product, talk with your doctor about the potential benefits and risks. Check with your doctor if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a scheduled surgery
have diabetes
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring molecule found in the body. It acts as a pain reliever, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may stimulate cartilage growth.
A meta-analysis from 2002 found that SAMe lowered pain levels and improved mobility in people with osteoarthritis as effectively as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. SAMe has fewer negative side effects than these drugs and may have other health benefits.
A typical dosage is 200-400 milligrams (mg) three times a day. You shouldn’t take more than 1,200 mg per day.
You shouldn’t take SAMe if you have:
bipolar disorder
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome
Parkinson’s disease
You shouldn’t take SAMe if you’re taking:
antidepressant drugs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and duloxetine (Cymbalta)
cold medications, such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
levodopa (Stalevo)
meperidine (Demerol)
pentazocine (Talwin)
tramadol (Ultram)
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is the heat-producing active ingredient in chili peppers. It is thought to ease arthritis-related pain. Capsaicin causes a pain transmitter called substance P to be released and depleted. Regular use prevents substance P from building up again.
A 2014 study found that capsaicin is moderately effective in easing osteoarthritis pain when used topically four times per day. It’s considered safe to use for up to 20 weeks on various parts of the body.
Look for a topical cream, gel, or patch that contains up to a 0.075 percent concentration of capsaicin.
Always do a small skin patch test before use to check for possible allergies. Mild burning and irritation may occur. If you don’t have more severe irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere. Avoid eyes and sensitive skin.
You shouldn’t use capsaicin if you take any medications containing zucapsaicin or if you take any antiarrhythmic drugs, such as lidocaine.
Keep reading: A guide to the best pain relief creams for arthritis »
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. It works by blocking the substances that cause inflammation and helps reduce cartilage damage. It may offer relief by reducing pain signals in the body. Light walking is also found to help as the there is constant movement and then the body is capable of building it to the next level. Combination conditions like arthritis with obesity and no proper physical activity, takes a lot of time to build up. But exercise will help to improve the physical function, mobility.According to a 2016 animal study, curcumin may slow the progression of osteoarthritis and reduce related pain. In the study, researchers gave oral or topical curcumin for eight weeks. Topical application had the greatest effect on pain and helped to improve cartilage function.A typical dosage is 200 to 500 mg four times per day for up to eight months at a time. You can use a topical cream or gel up to four times per day.
You shouldn’t take curcumin if you’re taking any medications that slow blood clotting, such as heparin or warfarin (Coumadin).You also shouldn’t take curcumin if you have:gallbladder problems,a bleeding disorder,gastroesophageal reflux disease,any condition,infertility,iron deficiency.
