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Archive for March, 2010

Arthritis Pain Relief: Try Yoga Exercises Specially Tailored For Arthritics

31 Mar

Arthritis Pain Relief: Try Yoga Exercises Specially Tailored For Arthritics
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Living with arthritis pain is not something that anyone would like to happen to them, and the need to find arthritis pain relief is on top of most sufferers’ minds. It could mean taking a pill, performing gentle exercises, stretching or trying some other means to obtain relief.

So, if you have tried all other avenues and are still not satisfied with various methods of obtaining arthritis pain relief, then you would do well to consider practicing yoga that has been proven to be able to provide significant arthritis pain relief, as well as some other benefits too.

Better Blood Circulation, And Stronger Bones And Muscles

With the help of yoga, you can become stronger and more flexible as well as confident – even if you are suffering from arthritis. It is quite usual for an arthritic to cut down on his or her activities that will not however, be of much help as it can cause further stiffening of the joints as also extra pain.

Your best bet under these circumstances would be to turn to practicing yoga exercises that will improve your blood circulation and it will also strengthen the bones and muscles. With yoga exercises, you should find that your confidence returns and you are able to live a full life once more, in spite of your arthritis condition.

Yoga for arthritis pain relief does not mean bending and contorting your body into weird and impossible positions just to get relief for your arthritis pain. It may be enough that you just practice breathing as also self-awareness, both of which are the core of yoga exercises, and which should help you find relief, even if you are merely standing and breathing using a yoga exercise known as Mountain Pose.

In fact, yoga exercises can be modified to treat arthritics and they are useful and effective arthritis pain relief methods that only require using chairs, bolsters and some other props, which will still provide you with the complete benefits of yoga, and which may even result in your being able to dispense with the props in due course of time thanks to the effectiveness of such yoga exercises.

You may also need to consider where the best place to practice yoga is for your arthritis pain relief. Do you want to go to a yoga studio or do it at home? The choice is entirely up to you, and there are also many DVDs available that show arthritics how the yoga exercises shown in the DVDs can help you because such exercises are being performed by those already affected by yoga.

The bottom line is that you will not harm yourself by trying any of the various yoga exercises for arthritis pain relief available to you. On the contrary, yoga should significantly contribute to providing pain relief and you will become more healthy and also enjoy life more, and find yourself becoming happier and more confident thanks to yoga.

 
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New Guidelines For Osteoarthritis Good Or Bad And What Do They Mean If You Have The Disease

29 Mar

Mid Atlantic Spine

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and the leading cause of chronic musculoskeletal pain and limited mobility in older people worldwide.Since it is so common, many treatments have been advocated. Some treatments work and others dont. However, the sheer number of claims of efficacy can be overwhelming to both physicians as well as patients.A new set of treatment recommendations for knee and hip osteoarthritis have been released by a scientific organization, the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI).The goals of the committee were (1) to review all of the published national and international treatment guidelines together with the more recent evidence from clinical trials and (2) to produce a single set of up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for the worldwide treatment of knee and hip osteoarthritis.The first of OARSIs 25 evidence-based recommendations was that that best treatment requires both non-drug and drug modalities. The remaining 24 recommendations fall into three categories non-drug, drug, and surgical.Non-drug These 11 recommendations include education and self-management (97%); regular telephone contact (66%); referral to a physical therapist (89%); aerobic, muscle strengthening and water-based exercises (96%); weight reduction (96%); walking aids (90%); knee braces (76%); footware and insoles (77%); thermal modalities [heat or cold] (64%); transcutaneous electrical stimulation (58%); and acupuncture (59%).Surgical These five recommendations include total joint replacement (96%); unicompartmental knee replacement (76%); osteotomy and joint preserving surgical procedures (75%); joint lavage and arthroscopic debridement in knee OA (60%); and joint fusion as a salvage procedure when joint replacement had failed (69%).In recent years, there has been a drop in the use of NSAIDs by physicians because of concerns related to the potential for causing gastrointestinal side effects and the possible cardiovascular risks associated with these drugs.The guideline committee was made up of experts from six countries, including 11 rheumatologists, two primary care physicians, one orthopedic surgeon, and two experts on evidence-based medicine.For example, research into osteoarthritis is constantly advancing and newer types of therapies exist for which there is still insufficient evidence to say whether they are effective or not.Second, one therapy, arthroscopic debridement for the knee has much evidence supporting its use, yet payers such as CMS (Medicare) will not pay for it citing the very few studies that dont show benefit as their evidence.Finally, there are cutting edge therapies such as stem cells and the use of platelet rich growth factors which show a lot of promise but for which it is much too early to know how effective they will be.

So… stay tuned!

 
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Arthritis Causes And Symptoms

28 Mar

Teens Tackle Arthritis! with Ed Sullivan

There are many form of arthritis : Rheumatoid arthritis , psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, Gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis(the most common form of arthritis).Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 65. By the age of 60 nine in every ten people have it . For most of them arthritis means living with pain and stiffness. However, Arthritis is not an inevitable consequence of aging and can be prevented , provided the underlying causes are eliminated. In the search of causes and solutions many things have been considered including diet, exercise, posture, climate, hormones, infections, genetics ,old age, stress..-Poor lubrication of the joints. In between joints is a substance called synovial fluid. Appropriate nutrition is needed to make sure that the synovial fluid stays fluid and able to lubricate.
- Hormonal imbalance .Hormones control the calcium balance in the body. If the calcium balance is not right, the bones and joints can become porous and subject to wear and tear.
-Allergies and sensitivities. Most of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have food and chemical allergies or sensitivities that make their symtoms flare up.
- Free radicals . If the immune system is not working properly, as in rheumatoid arthritis, it will produce too many free radicals, which can damage tissue around the joint. In this case a good intake of antioxidant is very valuable.
-Infections. Any infection ,be it viral or bacterial, weaken the immune system which control inflammation.
Bone strain and deformities. Any damage or strain, so often caused by bad posture, increases the risk of developing arthritis .
- State of mind. Research at the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation and at the University of Southern California Medical School has shown a link between arthritis and emotional stress.
- Poor diet . Most people with Arthritis have a history of very poor diet, which pave the way to many of the factors stated above.
Diet advice: avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates, stimulants, fat ,too much protein . Drink plenty of water and herb teas. Make sure you have all the vital vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, antioxidants nutrients.

Alexis Kenne

 
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Osteoarthritis Symptoms And Treatment

27 Mar

Manos, artrosis y chuos/ Hands, osteoarthritis and chuos

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. The breakdown of joint cartilage caused by osteoarthritis may affect any joint in your body. Joints affected may include:

Fingers

Hips

Knees

Lower back

Feet

At first osteoarthritis may affect only one joint, but if your fingers are affected, multiple hand joints may become arthritic.

There are available treatments for osteoarthritis, but no cure. The available treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active.

Some people may not experience symptoms because the disease often develops slowly. Signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis may include:

Pain in a joint during or after use, or after a period of inactivity

Discomfort in a joint before or during a change in the weather

Swelling and stiffness in a joint, particularly after using it

Bony lumps on the middle or end joints of your fingers or the base of your thumb

Loss of joint flexibility

Areas in which osteoarthritis typically affects include:

Fingers: Bony knobs can enlarge your finger joints and create a gnarled appearance. Early in the disease, your joints may feel painful or stiff and numb. The pain eventually often subsides, but leaves bony nodes that affect the mobility of the joints at the end of your fingers. The nodes run in families and affect women more than men.

Spine: As the disk slowly deteriorate between the bones along your spine, back and neck pain and stiffness may occur.

Weight-bearing joints: The hips, knees and feet are more susceptible to osteoarthritis because they bear the majority of your bodys weight. Over the years cartilage slowly deteriorates and chronic pain or varying amounts of discomfort when you stand and walk can occur. Swelling especially in the knees may also occur.

Treatment for osteoarthritis

Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatment that includes medication, self-care, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Surgical procedures may also be necessary in some cases.

Medications may include:

Topical pain relievers such as Aspercreme or Sportscreme, Icy Hot and Ben-Gay.

Acetaminophen like Tylenol and others can relieve pain but does not reduce inflammation

NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs work to relieve pain and fight inflammation. They range from OTC aspirin, ibuprofen like Advil, Motrin IB and others to prescription strength

Cox-2inhibitors: Are considered as effective as other NSAIDs for managing pain and inflammation without the same stomach-damaging effects. Other side effects of Cox-2inhibitors may include fluid retention, exacerbating high blood pressure and links to increased risk of heart attack and stroke

Tramadol: Available only by prescription, has no anti-inflammatory effect, but can provide effective pain relief with fewer side effects such as stomach ulcers and bleeding. Tramadol may cause nausea and constipation. It is generally used for short-term treatment of acute flare-ups.

Antidepressants: Tricyclics especially can help reduce chronic pain. They can treat sleep disturbances that can accompany arthritis. Some antidepressants used for arthritis pain and nonrestorative sleep include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.

Injections of pain relievers: Corticosteroid injections into a joint space can offer some pain relief and reduce inflammation.

Surgical or other procedures used to treat osteoarthritis include:

Joint replacement

Arthroscopic lavage and debridement

Repositioning bones

Fusing bones

 
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Important Arthritis Pain Relief Tips And Treatments For You

25 Mar

Morphoplex Joint Relief

Arthritis pain can be experienced whenever a stiff or swollen joint is used. The first step when looking for solutions to an arthritis pain problem is to understand how arthritis works. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine.

The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement. Damaged joints cause pain and sufferers are constantly looking for ways to relieve the pain. Cartilage contains a high percentage of water, but it decreases with age.

It’s generally thought that inflammation plays a minor role in osteoarthritis and is more likely to be a result, not a cause, of arthritis. Most experts now believe that osteoarthritis results from a genetic susceptibility that causes a biologic response to injuries to the joint, which leads to progressive deterioration of cartilage. One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection.

Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. For natural treatment for arthritis make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals.

Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 — the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and has to be sub-lingual — dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 especially if you can’t get a daily dose of 15-20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

One natural approach is to consume foods that are known to help relieve arthritis pain or prevent arthritis. The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question the value of these supplements; it’s clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly.

Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it’s non-invasive to the body. I know quite a few people who are drinking tart cherry juice to relieve their arthritis pain; has to the tart kind though.

Many arthritis sufferers have changed their diets and noticed significant or total improvement. Gluten may be a culprit in arthritic diseases including fibromyalgia; avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although not a gluten grain it gets contaminated at the wheat mills).

If weight is an issue, try to use exercises that will help you in losing weight such as walking. Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day. For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor’s advice before starting or changing your exercise program.

Sign up for water aerobics classes at your local community center. Putting on a pair of stretch gloves at bedtime can help reduce the pain and swelling in your fingers, for those with arthritic hands. Even if you don’t think you can exercise, you can do some movements.

Once you become more informed about arthritis you’ll be able to plan an arthritis treatment program, natural or conventional or a combination of both. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you’re taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements. For conventional treatment of arthritis – if you do choose to take drugs or medications, be very careful and read the labels thoroughly.

Changing your diet to predominately fruits and raw veggies, like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. Stopping the progress of your arthritis as well as stopping your pain should be your number one goal. More and more doctors are investigating the benefits of alternative therapies and most don’t object to patients trying them.

 
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Learn About Arthritis And How It Can Affect You

17 Mar

Marilyn Monroe

‘Rheumatism’ is a traditional and non-specific term used in the East and West to refer to a variety of conditions affecting the bones, joints, skin, heart, kidneys, lungs. This term is rapidly falling out of favour in the West today because modern medical science has discovered that most of these conditions have different aetiologies (causes) requiring very different treatments.

You can say that it’s a word mainly used in Chinese (& traditional) societies; it’s also used by a minority of Westerners into homeopathic and alternative medicine. The only common characteristics among these conditions are: 1) they cause long-term chronic pain, and 2) they are very difficult to treat.

‘Arthritis’ is a broad term refers to inflammation of the joints, but doesn’t say anything about the cause. Includes conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, infective arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc.

Generally, I’d divide arthritis into 2 big groups:

1) Osteoarthritis (OA)

This is primarily a ‘wear and tear’ condition affecting older people. Arises from overuse (e.g. marathon runners), previous injuries (football players), overweight, heredity. A lot of older Asian women get OA of the knees while the Americans and Europeans get it in the hips. The pain is more mechanical than inflammatory. So you get pain in the later part of the day after a lot of walking and climbing stairs.

Because it’s mainly a mechanical problem, treatment with painkillers is only a temporary solution. Long-term lifestyle changes are more important – reduce weight, mobility and muscle-strengthening exercises, reduce all kinds of weight-bearing activities (walking, jumping, running, carrying heavy objects). In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.

2) Inflammatory (‘Rheumatic’) Arthritis

This group comprises the various types of arthritis which are mainly inflammatory , not mechanical, in nature. They usually result from an auto-immune condition, which causes the body’s immune system to go haywire and attack the joints and other parts of the body. E.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA), SLE (skin, kidneys, joints, brain), psoriasis (skin, joints), ankylosing spondylitis (back, heart), gout (joints, skin, kidneys), rheumatic heart disease/fever (joints, heart, skin). All these conditions require different forms of treatment.

I’ll talk a bit about RA, the commonest condition in this group. Unlike OA, RA can occur at any age and is usually hereditary (we now have a test for the RA factor in the blood). Pain is usually in the early morning, worse when it’s cold, and gets better with activity and use. That means an RA sufferer suffers from morning stiffness and pain, but gets better in the afternoon when it’s warmer and when he has moved around a bit.

Treatment, unlike OA, is mainly through drugs – painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids, cytotoxic drugs like sulfasalazine and MTX. In Asia, treatment is mainly through accupuncture, medicated plasters and ointments. With the vast arsenals of drugs and non-drugs alternative treatments available today, RA can be controlled very well and the sufferer can actually lead a very active life. Many OA sufferers on the other hand may eventually require surgery since we don’t have very effective drugs for OA.

 
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How To Achieve Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

14 Mar

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Arthritis can be a very painful and debilitating condition. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which usually occurs due to joint trauma, infection inside the joint or simply age. The other two common forms of arthritis are rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, and these diseases occurs when the body begins to attack itself.

Many people who suffer from arthritis search for effective natural arthritis pain relief. These people typically wish to avoid taking large amounts of strong pain medication to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and the associated side effects.

Exercise, Stretching and Strength Training

It is not uncommon for people suffering arthritis to restrict the movement in the joints affected by the disease due to the pain and stiffness. Research has show however, that exercising the joint can provide effective and natural arthritis pain relief. This is because the muscles around the joint become stronger and more flexible, leading to a more stable and resilient joint. Many people looking for arthritis hip and back pain relief have found success with a combination of exercise, stretching and strength training.

One of the best ways to increase the strength and mobility of a joint is to undergo a strength training regime. It is not well known but strength training is an excellent way to increase the flexibility of muscles.

When beginning any exercise routine you should first speak to your doctor and an exercise professional. You need to insure that you dont increase your pain by lifting weights incorrectly or doing exercises that are unsuited to your joints.

Alternative Medicine

Many people with arthritis turn to alternative medicine for natural arthritis pain relief and have had terrific results.

Acupuncture is one such alternative remedy. This is where an experienced and certified practitioner stimulates with thin needles certain points of your body to reduce the pain. There are many different types of acupuncture, including classical Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan and Korean. Acupuncture as a natural arthritis pain relief technique is safe when done by a trained professional.

Another alternative method is the use of copper and magnets. Many people believe that wearing a copper or magnetic jewelry close to skin will reduce the pain of arthritis. Such jewlrey can range in price. Other products that utilize this technology include mats, pillows and mattress protectors so that users can gain benefit while they sleep.

Aromatherapy is one natural arthritis relief technique that is a little more controversial. This alternative technique use oils from a variety of plants, flowers and trees which is either rubbed in to the effected areas, placed in a warm bath or inhaled via steam. Research in this area usually concludes that relief from pain is nil but there is a psychological benefit of increased mood and self-esteem.

The Best Natural Supplement Glucosamine

Many research studies have shown that glucosamine is an effective natural pain relief supplement. Glucoasmine is an amino sugar which occurs naturally in the body and works to stimulate cartilage function and repair. It lubricates cartilage by helping the body to produce synovial fluid and is important in maintaining healthy joints.

As people grow older they lose the ability to produce proper amounts of glucosamine. By taking glucosamine supplements many people have experienced relief from arthritis pain.

 
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Current Concepts in Osteoarthritis Research: So Why do my Knees Hurt and Can You Make Them Better?

14 Mar

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common conditions leading to disability and impaired quality of life in the Western world.

Ironically, while more effective disease-modifying therapies have been developed for rheumatoid arthritis, particularly within the last 10-15 years, rheumatologists still treat osteoarthritis with symptomatic and supportive therapies.

As a result, the inexorable progression of this disease results in the performance of more than half a million joint replacements annually in the United States. While joint replacement surgery has made gigantic strides, it is still a major surgical procedure.

Risk factors for the development of OA include: genetic factors, obesity, joint injury, surgery, and the presence of associated metabolic disease.

It is clear from the research that OA is a disease that involves not only the cartilage- the gristle that caps the end of long bones and cushions the joint, but also the synovium- the tissue lining the joint- as well as the bone that underlies cartilage.

While genetic factors play a significant role in the incidence of osteoarthritis, the damage that occurs is a result of a complex interaction of inflammatory messengers. Among these are cytokines, prostaglandins, nitric oxide, growth factors, and proteases.

These substances, which are produced by chondrocytes (cartilage cells) that are subjected to abnormal forces lead to a situation where there is premature aging and destruction of cartilage substance.

The production of these inflammatory proteins also contributes to inflammation of the synovium and excessive amounts of bone growth.

Present therapies, as issued by guidelines proposed by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI), are clearly aimed at symptom relief. These treatments include: analgesics, non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), topical agents (rubs), and joint injections with either glucocorticoids (cortisone), or hylauronic acid lubricants.

Current research has been aimed at finding the triggers that cause inflammation to start and also to identify specific markers that might identify those patients who are at greatest risk for rapid progression of disease. These markers would also be useful in measuring improvement once newer drugs that can slow down disease progression in OA can be discovered.

However, all of these investigations are futile unless and until specific disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADS) drugs that slow down the rate of cartilage loss- can be developed.

Drugs aimed at inhibiting cytokine and protease function show some promise but it is still too early to tell whether they will have the desired effect. Examples of these drugs include: matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, drugs that block interleukin 1, bisphosphonates, calcitonin, as well as nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.

And it may not be enough to find drugs that simply slow disease progression.

The holy grail is still the treatment(s) that will rebuild cartilage. The type of therapy that shows the greatest promise to date is the use of autologous stem cells. These are stem cells harvested from the patient and reintroduced into the affected joint along with a specific matrix to which the stem cells can adhere and grow.

Early results look promising. For more information about stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, contact the Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center of Maryland at (301) 694-5800.

 
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Alternative arthritis pain relief with Painezer

14 Mar

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Alternative arthritis pain relief with Painezer

As you are probably aware, arthritis is a disease of the joints. There are two types: osteoarthritis is a “wear and tear” problem of joints, whilst rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune destruction of joints and their components.
Following concerns over drugs such as Vioxx, many arthritis sufferers are considering alternative arthritis pain relievers to help minimise the side effects of drugs. You may suffer severe pain from arthritis and may be interested in a natural therapy that could help relieve pain without requiring additional medication.
Of course, the treatment of your arthritis involves many things. The latest research is showing that diet and exercise also have very important roles in successful management of arthritis pain. It is advisable to take advice from your doctor before making any changes to your exercise regime.
The Painezer is designed to be a complementary treatment to existing medication. It may be a useful added or alternative arthritis pain reliever therapy particularly when joint pain is intense and causing acute disability. Electrical stimulation is also a definite option for sufferers of arthritic pain and has been shown to give immediate relief in many cases.
Alan Warburton, CEO of Painezer, has countless testimonials for the Painezer as a successful, alternative method of pain relief. In the UK recently to carry out health research, he brought a number of trial versions of the Painezer with him. Those individuals who had a trial version were so happy with the successful treatment of their arthritis pain, that they were asking for further Painezers for their relatives and friends. What a testimony to their effectiveness in relieving the long term pain of arthritis.
There’s no complicated instructions, batteries or cables. In fact, it’s easy to use the Painezer, simply click over the painful joint or joints for 10 or more times at intervals of 1-2 seconds. The Painezer can be put in a handbag or pocket and carried round unobtrusively, ready for use when pain is at it’s worst. It even works through your clothing, so is ready for immediate use at all times and in all locations.
While there is little research on how newer products such as Painezer can reduce arthritic pain, much research has been done on some of the more well-known forms of electrical stimulation, such as TENS and PENS. One such study states that pulsed electrical stimulation therapy may have benefits for reducing the pain of osteo-arthritis in the knee.
Another study looking at the short term effects of TENS (Lewis, et al.), noted that osteo-arthritis sufferers preferred to continue the TENS treatment rather than go back to their original medication.
To summarise, individuals who have tried the Painezer to manage their arthritis have been very pleased with the results. This is one alternative pain relief therapy which arthritis sufferers are finding helpful in the battle to minimise their arthritis pain.
For further tips and ideas on how to manage arthritis pain naturally,
visit Arthritis pain relief

 
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What New Research Is Being Done In Osteoarthritis?

13 Mar

CreakyJoints.org is edgy, cool ... what Seth is all about

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting anywhere from 30 to 50 million Americans. It is a disease that is due to disordered metabolism in cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones within a joint. The disordered metabolism leads to a cycle of cartilage deterioration accompanied by inflammation within the joint capsule leading to more deterioration of cartilage.

The primary symptoms associated with OA are pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a disease for which there are no revolutionary biologic therapies that are available to put it into remission. No treatments prevent osteoarthritis or reverse or block the disease process once it begins.

Current treatments relieve only the symptoms. Researchers are looking for drugs that can prevent, slow down, or reverse joint damage. One antibiotic drug, doxycycline, may stop certain enzymes from damaging cartilage. The drug has had mixed reviews in clinical trials, but more studies are needed.

Researchers are also studying growth factors or other natural chemical messengers. These potential medicines may be able to stimulate cartilage growth or repair.

Acupuncture has received a lot of press recently. In acupuncture, fine needles are inserted into the skin at various points on the body.

Scientists think that the needles stimulate the release of natural, pain-relieving chemicals produced by the brain or the nervous system. Findings suggest that traditional Chinese acupuncture is effective in some patients as an additional therapy for osteoarthritis, reducing pain and improving function. Still acupuncture is a symptomatic therapy and is not designed to reverse or slow down cartilage loss.

Anesthetic patches containing lidocaine are currently being studied as an adjunctive treatment for the pain of OA. Preliminary studies look promising.

Nutritional supplements are often reported as helpful in treating osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. Scientific studies on these two nutritional supplements have come up with conflicting conclusions. Most European studies have demonstrated that this combination of nutritional supplements is effective not only for pain relief but also apparently slows down the rate of cartilage deterioration. However, a recent clinical trial conducted by The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at NIH failed to demonstrate any benefit in patients with mild OA but did appear to show that there was some possible benefit for patients with moderate OA.

There is interest in the role of vitamins for OA. Apparently, progression of the disease appears to be less in patients with high levels of vitamin D or C intake. More studies are needed to confirm these reports.

Injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint provides long-term pain relief for some people with osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of cartilage and joint fluid. It lubricates and absorbs shock in the joint. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a number of these types of preparations (also called viscosupplements) for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee if they do not get relief from exercise, physical therapy, or simple analgesics. Researchers are studying whether hyaluronic acid can slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.

Tissue Engineering is a technology that involves removing cells from the body and replacing them to improve certain body functions. There are three major types of tissue engineering for use in treating osteoarthritis.

Enzyme engineering. Certain body chemicals called enzymes may help cartilage to break down. Scientists are working to genetically engineer cells that would inhibit these enzymes and prevent the damage they cause. Cells are removed from the body, genetically changed, and then injected back into the affected joint. They protect the joint from damaging enzymes.

Cartilage cell replacement. Researchers remove cartilage cells from the patients own joint, clone or grow new cells using tissue culture and other laboratory techniques, and inject the newly grown cells into the patients joint. The cells are kept in place with a biodegradable mesh. Patients with cartilage cell replacement have decreased osteoarthritis symptoms. Actual cartilage repair is limited, however. The procedure is also arduous in that the patient must go at limited weight-bearing for six months.

Stem cell transplantation. Stem cells are primitive cells that can transform into other kinds of cells, such as muscle or bone cells. They are usually taken from bone marrow. Researchers are able to insert stem cells into cartilage where they make new cartilage. If successful, this process could be used to repair damaged cartilage and avoid the need for surgical joint replacements with metal or plastics.

Platelet rich plasma grafting techniques are attracting interest. The patient has 20 ccs of blood drawn and the blood is spun down in a centrifuge. The layer containing platelets (a type of blood cell) is selectively removed. The cartilage in the joint is then teased to bleed using a special needle. Stem cells may be inserted and then the platelet rich plasma, which contains an abundant amount of growth factors is added. Cartilage cells are stimulated to grow. The attraction of this approach is that the procedure is not nearly as invasive as cartilage cell transplantation and the patient does not have to go at extreme limited weight-bearing.

 
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