Natural remedies for arthritis pain
DEAR DOCTOR: Are there natural remedies for arthritis? Exercises that could help? My pain is in the upper arms and shoulders.
DEAR READER: For arthritis, doctors typically recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin; acetaminophen; and, more rarely, opiates. But NSAIDs can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and kidney problems when used chronically; acetaminophen at high doses can cause liver problems when used chronically; and opiate medications can lead to addiction. The supplements chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine have been used for osteoarthritis for years. Chondroitin is one of the building blocks of cartilage in our body, so many people naturally believe that taking chondroitin can decrease the pain of arthritis.
A 2015 review of 43 randomized trials compared the use of chondroitin alone or in combination with glucosamine against the use of a placebo. The use of chondroitin was found to be beneficial, whether with or without glucosamine. It didn’t ease the stiffness and lack of mobility associated with arthritis, however.
In another study, a randomized trial of 606 patients with pain from osteoarthritis of the knee compared the use of glucosamine with chondroitin against the anti-inflammatory drug Celebrex. After six months, both groups found a greater than 50 percent reduction in both pain and joint swelling. At one to four months, Celebrex was much better at improving pain, but at six months it was no different than the glucosamine/chondroitin combination.
As for exercises, I would recommend physical therapy to increase your range of motion for your shoulder and to help increase your muscular strength. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can also be beneficial, potentially increasing your range of motion without undue stress on your already aching joints. Over time, you may well see a difference in your ability to function with less pain.
Send your questions to askthedoctors@mednet.ucla.edu, or write: Ask the Doctors, c/o Media Relations, UCLA Health, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 350, Los Angeles, CA, 90095.