Many people take a daily multivitamin to help their overall health and well being, in some cases in relation to specific ailments or illnesses. Although the best way to get the relevant vitamins and nutrients you need is from your food and diet, the best supplements for osteoarthritis can help to support in situations where the food intake falls short.
There are many natural supplements out there that are promoted for treatment, so naturally there are many myths and facts about osteoarthritis that you need to be aware of when looking to use specific supplements. Some key osteoarthritis facts and statistics taken from the CDC show that by 2040, an estimated 78 million, 26% of adults, are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. This can have a damaging effect on people's lives that are just limited to physical problems as arthritis-attributable medical costs have reached $140 billion while arthritis-attributable lost wages have been calculated at $164 billion. With this increasing problem it’s only natural that people would look to find the best supplements for osteoarthritis to help with their situation.
Regarding knee pain supplements myths and facts, the internet is full of them, some of which are true, however some are misleading and can in fact lead to further damaging your body and worsening your arthritis symptoms. This is why if you are looking to find the best supplements for knee cartilage or osteoarthritis issues, it is done under direction and supervision from your doctor.
In some cases, it can lead to taking too many supplements or vitamins and if they are water soluble, your body will just flush out those considered extra, while for fat-soluble vitamins; A, D and E, can build up in your body to the point where they become harmful. This is why checking with your doctor regarding safe dosages and amounts is crucial. Also, supplements do not have the same rigorous approval process from the FDA as medicines do. This means that in regards to supplements, the ingredients listed on the label may not be the same ones that are in the bottle. This means that while the ingredients may be labeled as “natural” or “organic” they can still sometimes cause side effects or interact with other medicines you are taking.
Supplements for Osteoarthritis
So with so many myths and facts about osteoarthritis floating around, it can be difficult to know exactly which are the best supplements for osteoarthritis and how they can offer support throughout your treatment. Here are some that you can talk to your doctor about potentially starting to take:
Fish Oil
Fish oil pills contain omega-3 fatty acid which is often associated with a healthy heart and improving your skin. However, fish oil can help to support your joints. This is because fatty acids help to prevent specific enzymes from damaging the joints and can help reduce inflammation, something which is particularly useful for anyone suffering from osteoarthritis. If the idea of taking fish oil pills doesn’t appeal to you it’s possible to get omega-3 acids through your diet with foods such avocados, nuts, seeds and, unsurprisingly, fish.
Calcium
Calcium is linked to promoting good bone and joint health. It is associated with helping to form the bones and teeth and keep them strong over time. Calcium can also be effective for reducing joint inflammation and pain, especially in the knee joints and cartilage. Outside of supplements, dark leafy greens, milk, yogurt, and broccoli are all foods that are high in calcium and typically it is women who are more likely to need calcium supplements as opposed to men.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine may be helpful to joint pain sufferers. This is recommended for knee joints as it helps to rebuild bone and prevent wear of the cartilage. Glucosamine may also help with inflammation and can be a useful supplement for older adults with osteoarthritis as glucosamine levels decline with age naturally. However, it may take several months to see improvements in joint conditions when taking supplements like these so always take recommended amounts and consult with your doctor before taking.
Final Thoughts
While supplements can be helpful for those suffering from osteoarthritis, they should not be viewed as a lone solution. They need to be used alongside other preventative measures such as regular exercise, getting enough rest, and prioritizing ergonomics, to help deal with joint pain. A wholescale strategy can help keep joints mobile, flexible, and pain-free.
For information about creating a comprehensive arthritis self-management plan, reach out to us at MyArthritisRx and we can offer our expert advice and support. We can help you separate the myths and facts about osteoarthritis and build a personalized solution to your specific needs.
