Natural therapies for the treatment of arthritis have been highlighted in the lead up to Arthritis Awareness Week.
March 21-27 is Arthritis Awareness Week, which aims to support those with arthritis to manage their condition and to raise general awareness.
Arthritis is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia, and affects 3.85 million people.
According to Arthritis Australia, arthritis is an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, specifically joints where two or more bones meet. Arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding structures.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the most common forms and account for more than 95 percent of cases in Australia.
Treatment for arthritis includes a healthy diet, regular exercise and medication. But according to a report by the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, Medication Use For Arthritis & Osteoporosis, 40 percent of arthritis sufferers in Australia are seeking complementary therapies to treat their condition.
Are natural therapies for you?
There are many therapies available which claims to help relieve the symptoms and pain of arthritis. Arthritis Australia warns that very few are backed by scientific research so to make sure the effects are proven before being given false hope.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a sugar naturally produced by the body and is one of the building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamine comes in two forms: glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride.
Studies suggest glucosamine sulfate is the more effective of the two in slowing down cartilage breakdown.
Try: Blackmores' Glucosamine Sulfate 1500 ($34.95 for 90 tabs)
Rosehip
A new study has been published in the February 2010 edition of journal Phytomedicine found that rosehip may be effective for controlling some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
"While Australian consumers are using a wide variety of natural options, rosehip is one of the few that has scientific evidence to support its use," said Dr Ramesh Manocha, a general practitioner and former researcher at the Natural Therapies Unit at the University of New South Wales.
Try: Rose-Hip Vital ($59.95 for 250 caps)
Omega-3
"Certain types of omega-3 fats can reduce inflammation from arthritis," Arthritis Australia says. "This may help to relieve joint pain and stiffness in a similar way to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Current research suggests omega-3 fats are helpful for people with inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis."
Good sources of omega-3 include oily fish, flaxseeds and omega-3 supplements.
Try: Blackmores' Omega Joint ($29.95 for 60 caps); Melrose Flaxseed Oil ($17.20 for 500ml)
Acupuncture
The main criticism of acupuncture is that there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. However, a US National Institutes of Health study of 570 patients found acupuncture is an effective complement in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee.
Acupuncture patients showed a 40 percent decrease in pain, and a nearly 40 percent improvement in knee function.
Visit: The Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a natural substance found in the body believed to draw water and nutrients into the cartilage, keeping it healthy.
Recent studies have shown that the combination of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin may be effective in reducing moderate to severe osteoarthritis-related knee pain.
Try: Blackmores' Joint Formula with Glucosamine & Chondroitin ($64.95 for 120 caps)
Before taking a complementary medicine, Arthritis Australia recommends discussing your options with your doctor, to make sure it doesn't interact with current medications or affect any other existing conditions.
To find out more about Arthritis Awareness Week, visit www.arthritisvic.org.au.
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