
The Best Knee Replacement Alternative for Osteoarthritis Treatment
Is there a nonsurgical alternative to knee replacement surgery that instead treats the cause and offers only beneficial side effects?
Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Matthew B, MD
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability in the world, affecting more than 20 million Americans. Osteoarthritis is characterized by loss of cartilage in the joint. It is not mere wear and tear, but an active joint disease with a prominent inflammatory component. Medical management starts with acetaminophen, then non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and even corticosteroids injected into the knees. However, before escalation of drugs, it is recommended that patients lose weight and develop an exercise routine.
Obesity is a large risk factor for osteoarthritis. Obesity doesn’t just put more pressure on the joints. Fatty tissue inside the joints is a source of pro-inflammatory chemicals that increase cartilage breakdown. Losing weight and having fewer of these chemicals in the body improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The Western diet also contributes to inflammation in the body and stresses the joints.
Turmeric: Comparing pharmaceuticals and turmeric curcumin, one clinical study showed with the addition of curcumin, patients saw their pain diminish and doubled how far they could walk.
Ginger: In multiple studies, ginger has been able to reduce pain and disability in OA. And it can help heal the stomach lining, often damaged by NSAID use.
Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds have been shown to lead to a significant drop in inflammatory markers of osteoarthritis. More importantly, they significantly reduce pain in OA patients compared to standard therapy.
Rose hips, soy protein, cilantro, and acai berries may also help with inflammation and symptoms of OA.
Image Credit: Pixabay. This image has been modified.
Is there a nonsurgical alternative to knee replacement surgery that instead treats the cause and offers only beneficial side effects?
Various fasting regimens have been attempted for inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, chronic urticaria, mixed connective-tissue disease, glomerulonephritis, and multiple sclerosis, as well as osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.
Buchinger modified fasting is put to the test.
Alternate-day modified fasting is put to the test for lifespan extension.
Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials on berries and the first clinical study on the effects of berries on arthritis.
Most Americans get less than half the recommended minimum fiber intake a day and the benefits of fiber go way beyond bowel regularity.
Cabbage is put to the test in a randomized controlled trial.
There have been at least eight randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of ginger for pain.
Unbelievably, a randomized controlled trial of cabbage leaf wraps for arthritis was published.
I recommend people switch away from using rice milk.
A quarter- to a half-teaspoon a day of powdered ginger can be as pain-relieving as ibuprofen, without the risk of damage to the intestinal lining.
Can the consumption of sesame seeds improve the clinical signs and symptoms of arthritis?