A New Natural Treatment for Osteoarthritis

No one wants to wake up in the morning with stiff, achy joints; but the reality is that twenty-one million people live with the stiffness and pain of osteoarthritis every day of their lives. Because of the side effects of anti-inflammatory medications, some people turn to natural alternatives for relief of painful osteoarthritis. One of the most commonly used natural treatments is glucosamine. Glucosamine for osteoarthritis is a natural supplement found in many health food stores that helps to rebuild cartilage damaged by the ravages of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, not everyone experiences relief from taking glucosamine and studies have shown mixed results. Now, new research suggests that combining glucosamine with omega-3 fatty acids may be a more effective treatment than using glucosamine alone for osteoarthritis pain.

Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis: Better Results with Omega-3’s?

In this study, published in the journal Advances in Therapy, researchers gave 177 volunteers with moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the hips or knees a glucsamine sulfate supplement or glucosamine plus omega-3 fatty acids for twenty-six weeks. At the end of this period, the participants were given tests to determine their degree of pain. The researchers found that the participants who took the combination of glucosamine and omega-3’s had less painful osteoarthritis symptoms and experienced reduced early morning stiffness.

Why Do Omega-3’s Help the Pain of Osteoarthritis?

Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oils, are beneficial for people with painful osteoarthritis because of their anti-inflammatory effects. Osteoarthritis is caused by the destruction of cartilage – connective tissue which covers and cushions the ends of bones. As the cartilage is destroyed it sets up an inflammatory reaction in the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the joint called the synovium – which is one reason osteoarthritis sufferers experience pain. Omega-3 fatty acids help to offset this inflammation leading to reduced pain and stiffness. Some studies show that omega-3’s also inhibit the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage. Most of the studies up until now have focused on omega-3’s for rheumatoid arthritis, but there is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may also help with the pain of osteoarthritis.

Omega-3’s and Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis

Both omega-3’s and glucosamine have shown promise individually for treating painful osteoarthritis. It’s possible that the combination of the two may be even more powerful. This particular study used 1500 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate plus 444 milligrams of fish oil per day which showed benefits in this one study. If you suffer from painful osteoarthritis, ask your doctor is this regimen would be suitable for you. It may be a better alternative to dealing with the long-term effects of anti-inflammatory medications.