turmeric extract is stomach upset.
.... Cetylated fatty acids, marketed under the trade name Celadrin, also shows promise in treating osteoarthritis. It is not clear how this product works, but there are a few theories. It is thought to act as an anti-inflammatory. Others think it acts as a surfactant to help lubricate joints and muscles. But we are not quite certain. .... It was originally extracted from mice that are immune to chemically induced arthritis. To date there have been no reported drug interactions and few side effects. Doses of 350mg up to six times a day are required. There is also a cream form that seems to be effective.
.... It might be a good idea to increase your intake of vitamin C if you have osteoarthritis. I think you should increase your intake of this important vitamin anyways. One study showed that people with a higher intake of vitamin C, had a 3 fold reduction in risk of their osteoarthritis getting worse. This is not surprising considering the fact that vitamin C plays a role in cartilage formation and maintenance. I recommend people take 500mg twice a day. There are few side effects noticed at this dosage.
.... The drug of first choice to treat |
mild osteoarthritis pain is aceta-minophen (Tylenol). Doses of up to 1000mg four times a day can be quite effective and have minimal side effects. Ask your Peoples Pharmacists if acetaminophen is the right choice for you. Check with your Physician if you have any liver conditions or are taking medications for thinning the blood before taking regular or higher doses of acetaminophen. It is also possible to take anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (Advil), along with acetaminophen, if pain control is not as good as one would like. Check with your Peoples Pharmacists or Physician before starting this option.
.... There are a few other supplements that may be helpful for osteoarthritis pain; evidence is still a little thin to recommend them as a first choice. Cat's claw (Uncaria guianensis) has shown some success in treating pain in people with osteoarthritis. People with autoimmune diseases or low blood pressure should check with their Physician before taking this product. Doses of 100mg (freeze-dried extract) three times a day may be helpful.
Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a supplement that |
can be helpful for osteoarthritis and low back pain. Extracts of devil's claw have been shown in several studies to reduce pain and increase mobility in patients with osteoarthritis. Some patients were also able to reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory medications that they were taking. The most common side effects seen with this herbal is stomach upset and diarrhea. Check with your Peoples Pharmacist or Physician if you are taking medications for diabetes, high blood pressure or to thin your blood before you consider taking Devil’s claw. If you are looking for a Devil’s claw supplement look for something standardized, to either 1.5% or 3% iridoid glycoside content. Other non-standardized products might not be effective.
.... Osteoarthritis can be a debilitating and painful disease that is caused by the breakdown of the cartilage of the larger joints. Other joints can also be affected. If you think you might have osteoarthritis check with your Physician or local chapter of the Arthritis Society. Knowledge about this condition can make life easier.
Written By Ian Lloyd, Pharmacist & Chartered Herbalist
Peoples Pharmacy, Victoria |
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