Are Natural Therapies And Alternative Treatments Useful For Arthritis Patients?

Question: Are Natural Therapies And Alternative Treatments Useful For Arthritis Patients?

Why should arthritis patients consider using natural therapies and alternative treatments? When is it the right time for an arthritis patient to consider using natural therapies and alternative treatments? Can traditional treatments and natural therapies be used together? As a rheumatologist, what alternative treatments and natural therapies have you seen patients have success with for treating arthritis?

Answer:

Natural Therapies And Alternative Treatments

Increasing numbers of patients who have chronic conditions choose alternative treatments when conventional therapies are of concern or have not provided acceptable results.

Although more clinical studies are needed to assess the long-term and short-term risks and benefits, alternative medications including herbs, supplements, and nonpharmacologic measures have been helpful for symptomatic relief of musculoskeletal pain.

Herbal Remedies And Dietary Supplements

Patients electing to try alternative herbs or supplements need to understand that many have not been extensively studied and are not approved by the FDA.

Furthermore, they should try to obtain the product from a reputable source as the amount of active ingredient may not be up to standard. Some pain relieving herbal and dietary products include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (e.g. alpha-linolenic acid) has anti-inflammatory properties. Foods high in this substance include:

Fruits And Vegetables May Reduce Inflammation

Not Open To Alternatives

Many doctors are not open to alternative treatments and as a result, are not helpful in guiding patients away from therapies which may be non-effective or harmful.

One suggested reference for patients and doctors is the Physicians Desk Reference for Nonprescription Drugs, Dietary Supplements, and Herbs. (Thomson PDR; Five Paragon Drive; Montvale NJ 07645)

Related Resources - Natural Therapies And Alternative Treatments

Answer provided by Scott J. Zashin, M.D., clinical assistant professor at University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Division of Rheumatology, in Dallas, Texas. Dr. Zashin is also an attending physician at Presbyterian Hospitals of Dallas and Plano. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology and a member of the American Medical Association. Dr. Zashin is author of Arthritis Without Pain - The Miracle Of Anti-TNF Blockers. The book is a must-have for anyone on one of the biologic drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, Humira) or considering the biologic drugs. Read our review of the book.

_{Sources: Fitzcharles, Almahrezi and Shir; Arth and Rheum Vol 52 # 12; Dec 2005; 3685-3692; Zashin; The Journal of Musculoskeletal Medicine; June 2000; 330-345}