Arthritis

Probably the most common age-related disease, osteoarthritis affects the joints of over a million older Australians. Supplements may greatly relieve the pain and stiffness of this disorder and slow down the cartilage degeneration that causes it.

What it is  With  osteoarthritis, your joints gradually lose their cartilage - the smooth, gel-like, shock-adsorbing material that prevents adjacent bones from touching. Most commonly affected are the fingers, knees, hips, neck, and spine. As cartilage loss continues, the friction of bones rubbing against bone can cause pain and joint instability.

What cause it  Osteoarthritis  may be the result of decades of joint wear and tear, although genetic factors, excess weight and impairments in the body's ability to repair cartilage may also play a role. Some cases are linked to a specific cause, such as a previous injury to a joint; the overuse of a joint occupational or athletically; or a congenital defect in joint structure.


SYMPTOMS

• The inset of osteoarthritis is often gradual, marked be mild joint stiffness and pain - especially in the morning and after exercise - that are relieved by rest.
• Bone growths, or spurs, may develop at affected joints, causing pain, a gnarled appearance and decreased mobility.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

• If joint pain is accompanied by fever, which may signal infectious arthritis and require immediate medical attention.
• If pain and stiffness develop quickly, which may be a sign of rheumatiod arthritis.
• Reminder: If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Supplement recommendations
SUPPLEMENT	DOSAGE	COMMENTS
Glucosamine	500 mg 3 times a day with food.	Glucosamine suplhate is the preferred form for arthritis.
Chondroitin	400 mg chondroitin sulphate 3 times a day.	Often sold in combunation with glucosamine.
Niacinamide	1000 mg 3 times day.	High doses can cause liver damage and other serious side effects; monitoring by your practitioner is essential.
Cayenne cream	Apply topical cream to affected joints several times a day.	Standardized to contain 0.025-0.075% capsaicin.
Boswellia	1 pill 3 times a day.	Each pill standardized to contain 150 mg boswellic acid.
Sea cucumber	1000 mg a day.	Also known as beche-de-mer.
SAM	400 mg twice a day for 2 weeks, then 200 mg twice a day as a maintenance dose.	Not approved for use in Australia; available in New Zealand. May have mild gastrointestinal side effects. Don't take if you have manic-depressive illness.

How supplements can help  There is no sure-fire cure for osteoarthritis, but  glucosamine, a cartilage-building sugar compound, is helpful in relieving arthritis pain. It appears to slow joint damage over time, though whether it can reverse the disease is unknown. To enhance its effectiveness, try taking it along with one of the other supplements listed in the chart. Allow at least one month to judge the result; then, if necessary, substitute another supplement to use with glucosamine to see if it works better for you. These supplements can be used long term, as well as with conventional pain relievers such as aspirin and paracetamol.
Several large studies are assessing the impact of glucosamine with it's combined with another cartilage-building compound, chondroition. (Some experts believe chondroitin is poorly absorbed and of limited value.) Other supplements that can be taken with glucosamine include niacinamide, especially to relieve knee pain; boswellia, a tree resin that may inhibit inflammation and build cartilage; and sea cucumber, a Chinese remedy that may, through unknown mechanisms, reduce pain and stiffness and increase grip strength. SAM (s-adenosylmethionine), a form of the amino acid methionine, has anti-inflammatory effects similar to those of ibuprofen and has been shown to rebuild cartilage. Gelatin, which contains the amino acids glycine and proline and other joint-building nutrients, may also be worth trying, but little is known about its effectiveness.
Any of these therapies can be used along with topically applied cayenne cream for pain relief. The capsaicin is cayenne inhibits the production of substance P, a chemical involved in sending pain messages to the brain. Initial applications, however, may cause a burning sensation.


What else you can do

• Take moderate low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming to strengthen muscles and improve overall joint condition.
• Apply heat or ice to joints for 20 minutes three times a day to help reduce pain.

Source - The Healing Power of Vitamins Minerals and Herbs (Readers Digest)