Osteoarthritis is a common disease of aging that affects 27 million individuals in the United States. It results from the normal wear and tear on joints that occurs with everyday activities. Osteoarthritis causes inflammation in the cartilage that cushions the bones of the joints. The cartilage begins to wear away, causing pain, swelling and loss of mobility.
Many types of pain relievers are used to treat pain from osteoarthritis, both over-the-counter and prescription. However, these drugs often have side effects that make their long-term use problematical. A number of natural supplements can be used to help with arthritis pain that have fewer side effects but still provide effective pain relief.
Glucosamine/ChondroitinChondroitin
These two ingredients are often combined in a single supplement to enhance their individual effects. Glucosamine, also called chitosamine, is a component found in the covering of shellfish. Condroitin comes from bovine or shark cartilage. Synthetic forms are created in laboratories.
Some individuals experience relief of arthritis pain while taking this combination compound as a supplement. You can find a wide variety of products that contain these two compounds as support for “joint health.”
SAM-e
S-adenosylmethionine, often shortened to SAM-e, is a supplement that has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as pain-relieving ability. It is believed to stimulate cartilage growth and also affects serontonin, a neurotransmitter chemical that can relieve pain. SAM-e is a compound that is made naturally in the human body. It can also be synthesized in the laboratory and manufactured into capsules as a supplement. Studies indicated it can be more effective than ibuprofen or the prescription drug Celebrex for reducing arthritis pain.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin frutescens, known as capsaisin, is a natural ingredient found in hot peppers that gives them their heat. This compound is used as a topical gel, cream or a patch placed on the affected area to reduce pain. It is often used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia, or nerve pain. Research suggests it can reduce pain by as much as 50 percent.
Turmeric/Curcumin
Turmeric is brightly colored spice that is grown in parts of Asia and is used for color and flavor in Indian cooking. One component in turmeric is known for its ability to reduce arthritis pain and provide anti-inflammatory action. Turmeric supplements can deliver effective amounts of turmeric needed to relieve arthritis symptoms in a daily dose.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids/FishOil
Two types of omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, docosohexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). These compounds are known to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects in the body and can be helpful in reducing swelling and pain from arthritis. Fish oil supplements contain these compounds and provide a way to benefit from omega-3 fatty acids in a convenient form.
Cat’s Claw
Cat’s claw is an herbal remedy that takes its name from a plant. Two different varieties of the plant are used medicinally, Uncaria tometosa and Uncaria guianensis. Cat’s claw has been used for hundreds of years to relieve arthritis pain, as well as for other uses. Some research indicates that it can be helpful in relieving pain from arthritis by reducing inflammation. Supplements of cat claw are available in liquid or capsule form.
Gamma-Linoleic Acid
Gamma-linoleic acid is one of the omega-6 fatty acids, compounds that are essential for human health but must be taken into the body in food. Not all omega-6 fatty acids are good for human health. Some may even increase inflammation in the body. However, gamma-linoleic acid appears to reduce inflammation, and therefore, can be used to aid in the treatment of arthritis, as well as for problems with nerve pain.
Ginger
The health-promoting properties of ginger have long been known in Asian cultures. However, current research is providing more evidence for its use as an anti-inflammatory compounds and an aid in relieving arthritis pain. One study found that taking ginger supplements was able to reduce knee pain up to 40 percent. The concentrated extract of ginger provided the most effective relief.
These supplements have been found to be effective in treating common osteoarthritis pain, and in some cases, can be more effective than over-the-counter pain relievers.
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