Arthritis is self reported and clinician diagnosed by over 45,000 individuals according to CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). In accordance with the number of reported cases, May has been designated as National Arthritis Month.

 As the population ages and the increasing number of adults aged 50 and above who are living longer, the number of cases of arthritis will also increase. The increased numbers also brings with it an increase in the number of older adults who use complementary and alternative therapies for the relief of symptoms. You can read more on Lifestyle and Arthritis here. Symptoms include aching, pain, stiffness, and swelling in or around the joints.  Severely swollen joints can become damaged, over time.

 The most widely known type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which may develop with the aging process or results from an injury. Rheumatoid arthritis is immune system related. Instead of protecting the body the immune system attacks body tissue.

Complementary and alternative therapies include but are not limited to nutritional changes, dietary supplements (includes herbal supplements) such as glucosamine and chondroitin, turmeric, bromelain, boswellia serrata, touch therapy and acupuncture.

 There are countless numbers of dietary supplements here and here (affiliate links). The manufacturers of the majority of these supplements do not have to prove their product’s safety and effectiveness before it is sold to consumers.

Important steps to take before purchasing and consuming supplements:

1. Do your research. Get information from reliable sources. Look for HON accredited web sites when you search the internet.
2. Compare manufacturers of products. Is the manufacturer a reputable and known source? Does the product label have the good manufacturing seal?
3. Compare products. Is the product dosage standardized? What is the usual or ‘normal’ dosage?
4.  Does the complementary therapy interact with your prescription medications? What is the therapeutic dosage? What blood tests do you need?

 Always discuss your use of complementary therapies with your clinician and an integrative care clinician who is well versed in complementary and alternative therapies before treating arthritis symptoms.

 What complementary therapies are you using?