June Commentary: Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation or swelling of one or more joints.  There are many types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis which affects over 32.5 million US adults. Osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disorder or “wear and tear” arthritis.  This is because the protective cartilage in between the bones begins to deteriorate or break down and the underlying bone is affected. The damage in the joints cannot be reversed.  This causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility.  Although osteoarthritis can affect any joint of the body, it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.  Some risk factors for developing osteoarthritis include joint injury, joint overuse, increasing age, obesity, and family history. Women are also more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men.

While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there is hope for patients.  Symptoms can be managed, and certain treatment options can slow the progression of the disease.  A combination of therapies may the best approach for improving quality of life for those who suffer from osteoarthritis.  The study below shows that both acupuncture and massage therapy were not only safe for those individuals with osteoarthritis, but also reduced pain and improved physical functioning at 6 months.  So talk to your provider if you have any of these joint symptoms or if you have osteoarthritis that is not adequately treated to consider if complementary treatment options might be right for you.

Complementary Therapies for Osteoarthritis: Are They Effective? - PMC (nih.gov)

Shengelia R, Parker SJ, Ballin M, George T, Reid MC. Complementary therapies for osteoarthritis: are they effective?. Pain Manag Nurs. 2013;14(4):e274-e288.