Take the Alternative Arthritis Treatment Quiz
Find out how much you know about alternative arthritis treatments.
1. Acupuncture, the practice of using fine needles at specific sites on the skin to treat illness, can relieve arthritis pain in some people.
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Researchers say that acupuncture provides relief for conditions such as fibromyalgia, a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, multiple tender points, and chronic fatigue, and for osteoarthritis. Acupuncture appears to be less effective for rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions marked by system-wide inflammation. Acupuncture is safe when performed by a trained specialist using sterile needles. This procedure may not be covered by insurance.
2. It's safe to take Ayurvedic herbs along with your regular arthritis medication.
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For thousands of years, Ayurveda (pronounced AY-yur-VAY-duh), the traditional medicine of India, has used herbs to treat arthritis and other ailments. As with any herbal therapy, you should talk with your doctor before taking Ayurvedic herbs, particularly if you are also taking other medication. Ayurvedic herbs are four herbs—ginger, turmeric, frankincense, and ashwagandha—that have long been used in combination in India as an arthritis treatment. Researchers say these herbs may work for some people.
3. Meditation appears to benefit the immune system and may affect the nervous and vascular systems, which in turn affect joint health.
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Meditation takes many forms, but in general is a way to quiet the mind and relax the body. Some forms of meditation focus on repeating a word or phrase, others focus on breathing. Researchers say that although meditation doesn't eliminate the pain of arthritis, it can refocus your thoughts on something other than pain. Meditation also can relieve stress and anxiety, which can be triggers for arthritis pain. It has no side effects.
4. Tai chi can help relieve pain and improve range of motion and balance.
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Tai chi is an ancient Chinese pattern of gentle movements sometimes called "meditation in motion." Research has found that practicing tai chi not only may relieve the pain of arthritis, but also can improve flexibility, strength, range of motion, and balance. These improvements can help elderly people avoid falls and protect inflamed joints. Tai chi also can help lower blood pressure. Like meditation, tai chi relieves stress and anxiety, which have been linked to arthritis flare-ups.
5. Homeopathy is recommended for treating arthritis pain.
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Homeopathic practitioners treat illness by offering minuscule amounts of substances that are supposed to counteract the illness. Although homeopathy appears to work for some illnesses, research has not confirmed that it works for arthritis. Medical experts say, however, that homeopathic treatment, because it is so diluted, isn't likely to cause harm.
6. Taking cod liver oil will help joints move more smoothly.
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This is folklore, and it's not true. Soybean and avocado oils may help ease the pain of osteoarthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids also may help with arthritis inflammation. Levels of vitamins C and D seem to affect the pain level of OA.
7. Although some people swear by bee venom as an arthritis treatment, few studies have been done on its effectiveness.
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One drawback to using bee venom is that some people are allergic to it.
8. Copper bracelets help relieve arthritis symptoms by releasing small amounts of this metal through the skin.
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There is no scientific evidence that the copper from the bracelets affects arthritis symptoms.
9. Chondroitin sulfate, a dietary supplement for arthritis, is made from lobster shells.
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The supplement chondroitin sulfate is made from animal cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate occurs naturally in the body, giving cartilage its elasticity. Glucosamine, another supplement marketed for arthritis, is made from shells of mollusks. Like chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine occurs naturally in the body, helping with cartilage formation and repair. The manufacture of these supplements is not regulated, so the amount or strength of the supplements may vary. Some studies have found that these supplements helped ease pain in patients with osteoarthritis; whether they can slow cartilage damage is uncertain. More studies need to be done to assess the ability of these supplements to improve arthritis.
10. If you have significant arthritis in your neck, you should avoid having your neck manipulated by a chiropractor.
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Both chiropractors and osteopathic doctors use joint manipulation to treat arthritis. These professionals say that this therapy relaxes muscles, improves circulation, and makes joints more mobile. But medical experts say you should avoid chiropractic adjustments if you have arthritis of the spine or neck.
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