Understanding Arthritis and Natural Treatment Options

Arthritis impacts over 30 million Americans and is projected to increase significantly. In fact, joint pain is one of the top reasons people see their physicians.

Signs of arthritis are joint misalignment, lack of joint mobility, morning stiffness, joint swelling, joint line tenderness, bony enlargements and pain with exercise in some cases. Most therapies for arthritis include patient education, over-the-counter analgesics (acetaminophen) and anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), a walking or light exercise program, weight management or nutrition program and many times a referral to a physical therapist or chiropractor to help with symptom management.

Most people think of arthritis as a disease of “wear and tear.” And while there is some truth to this, there’s much more to it than simply wearing out cartilage, like wearing out a tire on a car. The latest research on arthritis shows that it is much more involved than what most doctors learned in medical school even 10 years ago. Arthritis really should be referred to as “whole joint failure,” just as loss of full function on the heart is diagnosed as heart failure and loss of full function of the kidney is diagnosed as renal failure. Whole joint failure refers not only the loss of cartilage, but also helps us take into consideration the health of the underlying bone, joint lubrication, joint fluid, tendons, muscles, nerves and joint cartilage metabolism.

Traditional treatment for arthritis

Traditional therapies block inflammatory pathways via oral medication or intraarticular injection to provide pain relief. However, this relief comes at the cost of more cartilage loss than previously thought and higher risks than many are aware. Patients should be aware of the side effects of pain relievers and anti-inflammatories like NSAIDs, especially with high cardiovascular risk, and gastrointestinal and kidney issues.

Caution should also be used when using acetaminophen in those with high risk of liver injury or those using multiple medications. A recent study at Boston University School of Medicine found accelerated arthritis and joint destruction can be the unintended result of intra-articular corticosteroid injections.

Natural treatment options for arthritis Safe and effective alternatives can be taken long-term with no side effects. Considering the need for “whole joint” support that helps nerves, surrounding muscles, tendons and bone, the current arthritis strategy needs to change to reduce side effects and provide more effective outcomes outside of surgery.

The latest research shows that imbalances in blood sugar, obesity, chronic inflammation and lack of key joint-building nutrients all can speed up the loss of cartilage. What if you could enroll in a program that provided natural arthritis relief? Would you prefer an approach that has worked for many patients and helped them avoid a long road of trial and error of medications, injections, therapists, doctors and a pile of medical bills?

Take the next step

Don’t wait to do something about your arthritis. The longer you wait, the more it progresses. If you’re looking to build, protect and heal the joints in your body, I’ve got the program for you. The MSK Solutions Pain Recovery Program offers proven methods that have worked on mild and severe arthritis cases and is backed by the latest cutting-edge research on the best natural therapies.

If you’re tired of not getting results, give our office a call today for a consultation. If you're ready to take control of your health, let our team at WellessenceMD help you address arthritis and implement natural treatment options to improve your wellbeing. Call today for your appointment (847) 850-8185

Author

Heidi R. McClain, NP Nurse Practitioner