Alternative Treatments
Treatments for arthritis that lack the clinical data of more heavily studied treatments like prescription medications and surgery, or those less commonly prescribed or delivered by a medical doctor, are often termed 'alternative' or 'natural' remedies. Some alternative arthritis treatments do provide relief from pain, inflammation and other arthritis symptoms for some arthritis sufferers and some do have scientific evidence to support their efficacy. However, most healthcare professionals agree that more research is needed and advise patients to be cautious – and to discuss any of these treatments, which may be helpful in conjunction with conventional medicine, with their doctor.
Listed below are peer reviewed articles on alternative arthritis treatments
Preliminary studies show glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to be safe to use for patients who are non-diabetic or on blood thinners. Common side effects may include nausea and diarrhea
Anti-inflammatory diets and dietary supplements are commonly incorporated into integrative medicine treatment plans for arthritis.
An integrative medicine approach to managing arthritis pain may include a combination of Western medicine and several alternative treatments, including acupuncture, Reiki, dietary changes and supplements, and more.