Complementary Therapy



Complementary Therapy

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people around the world. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time. While osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, the disorder most commonly affects joints in your hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips.

Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists(Page, 2011). But osteoarthritis treatments can slow the progression of the disease, relieve pain and improve joint function.

Causes

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in your joints deteriorates over time. Cartilage is a firm, slippery tissue that permits nearly frictionless joint motion. In osteoarthritis, the slick surface of the cartilage becomes rough. Eventually, if the cartilage wears down completely, you may be left with bone rubbing on bone (http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm).

Complications

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that worsens over time. Joint pain and stiffness may become severe enough to make daily tasks difficult. Some people are no longer able to work. When joint pain is this severe, doctors may suggest joint replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis Treatment with Complementary Therapy

Natural remedies and alternative treatments have gained popularity among osteoarthritis patients. Most patients are using complementary and alternative medicine along with conventional medicine rather than in place of conventional treatments, according to a nationwide government survey. Learn more about natural remedies and alternative treatments for osteoarthritis (Wang, 2012).

Many people with osteoarthritis try complementary and alternative therapies. There is evidence that some of these may help symptoms, but experts disagree whether they slow down progress of the disease.

Acupuncture, aromatherapy and massage are some commonly used complementary therapies for osteoarthritis. Some people find they help, although they can be expensive and time consuming.

Nutritional supplements

A number of nutritional supplements are available for treating osteoarthritis. Two of the most common supplements for osteoarthritis are chondroitin and glucosamine.

Glucosamine hydrochloride has not been shown to have any beneficial effects, but there is evidence that glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate help symptoms and do not cause many side effects. These supplements can be expensive. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) does not recommend prescription of chondroitin or glucosamine, but recognises patients often choose to take them.

Rubefacients

Rubefacients are available as gels and creams that produce a warm, reddening effect on your skin when you rub them in. Several rubefacients can be used to treat joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.

Research ...