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Osteoarthritis: supplements and other alternative modalities
1Center for Complementary Medicine, Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL, USA.
Primary Care
|October 24, 2002
Summary
Nontraditional therapies can complement conventional osteoarthritis (OA) treatments, potentially reducing reliance on NSAIDs and their side effects. While not altering disease progression, these approaches can improve pain and function when integrated with standard care.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Osteoarthritis Management
Background:
- Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive degenerative joint disease.
- Conventional treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have potential side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate nontraditional therapies as adjuncts to mainstream medical treatment for OA.
- To assess the potential of alternative approaches in managing OA symptoms and medication needs.
Main Methods:
- Review of experimental evidence on nontraditional OA therapies.
- Analysis of the role of these therapies in an integrative medical approach.
Main Results:
- Nontraditional therapies can serve as useful adjuncts to conventional OA management.
- These approaches may reduce or delay the need for prescription medications like NSAIDs.
- Careful consideration of drug, food, and illness interactions is necessary.
Conclusions:
- Integrative use of nontraditional therapies can assist mainstream treatments in reducing OA pain and improving function.
- Neither conventional nor alternative therapies have been shown to alter the progressive nature of OA.
- Nontraditional therapies require prudent use, similar to prescription medications.