Unconventional Arthritis Treatments Ease Pain

(CARLSBAD, CA) - From acupuncture to fish oil, unconventional treatments are proving effective at lessening arthritis pain.

In a randomized controlled clinical trial, acupuncture reduced pain by 40 percent and improved function by nearly 40 percent in individuals with osteoarthritis in their knees, reports the National Institutes of Health. Researchers concluded that acupuncture is a viable addition to arthritis treatment programs.

Another recent study found that cod-liver oil appears to slow cartilage damage in people who need knee replacement surgery because of severe osteoarthritis. Bruce Caterson, M.D., of Cardiff University in Wales, co-authored the study and says he believes cod-liver oil slows the progression of osteoarthritis while reducing some of the factors that cause inflammation and pain.

Analysis of a 23,000-person study in Europe also has scientists suggesting that vitamin C may lower a person’s risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis (IP), which occurs when two or more joints remain swollen for a month or more. Good sources of vitamin C include oranges, melons, grapefruit, tangerines, cranberries, watermelon, asparagus, snow peas, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, red and green peppers and sweet potatoes.

And when all else fails, try classical music. A study reported in the “Journal of Advanced Nursing” found that the level of perceived pain diminished in 66 elderly arthritis patients when they listened to sonatas for 20 minutes a day.

Few researchers or doctors suggest using any of these techniques alone. Rather they are innovative additions to a total arthritis treatment program. Of course, arthritis sufferers shouldn’t overlook traditional care, which may include anti-inflammatory medication, weight management and exercise.

Actually, many of the physical problems common to arthritis sufferers – loss of flexibility, muscle atrophy, muscle weakness, osteoporosis, pain, depression and fatigue – can be alleviated through exercise.

Effective fitness programs include a mix of cardiovascular conditioning, strength training and flexibility exercises to improve range of motion. To avoid adding to your pain, however, experts recommend these tips:

— lower the resistance of cardio machines that exercise arthritic joints.

— avoid high-impact activities that stress affected joints.

— when doing strength training exercises, focus on muscles that support and surround painful joints, but be sure to train all major muscle groups.

— avoid exercising during flare ups when your joints are inflamed and painful.

Balance and leg strength are important for everyone, but can be especially helpful if you suffer from arthritis pain in your knees. Jazzercise founder Judi Sheppard Missett suggests trying the following standing leg lift to strengthen your hip and leg muscles while improving your balance.

Stand facing the back of a sturdy chair, countertop or other stable surface and place your hands on it for balance.  Place your feet hip width apart, with your knees and toes pointing forward. Stand tall, relax your shoulders and pull your abdominal muscles inward.  Extend your right leg behind you, pointing your toes directly back. 

Gently lift your right leg back and up as you continue to pull your abdominal muscles in toward your spine.  Pause for a second before lowering your toes to the floor and repeating 10 to 15 more times.  Repeat the exercise with the left leg.  Try to keep your torso lifted tall and avoid leaning forward or sideways as you lift your leg.

Jazzercise, created by Judi Sheppard Missett, is the world's leading dance-fitness program with more than 6,800 instructors teaching 30,000 classes weekly in the U.S. and around the globe. Since 1969, millions of people of all ages and fitness levels have reaped the benefits of this comprehensive program, designed to enhance cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility. For more information on Jazzercise go to jazzercise.com or call (800)FIT-IS-IT or (760)476-1750.

Courtesy of Jazzercise, Inc. - jazzercise.com