Topical / Health News

Natural Relief for Arthritis of Knee

Two studies show that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee can find relief without taking painkillers.

A natural, easily obtained supplement may offer relief, as does physical therapy to the affected joint.
A French study found that chondroitin sulfate (CS) shows signs of being effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for OA patients. Chondroitin sulfate is a major component of cartilage itself, and it is the wearing away of cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis. It is suggested that the supplement should be helpful in treating the condition, but it is often downplayed because some experts believe that the molecules are too large to be absorbed and used effectively.
Researchers tested the effectiveness in a study of 130 patients. Half the patients were treated with CS while the other half were given a placebo for three months. Study participants were asked to assess their pain during activity and at rest, as well as the impact of their condition on their daily living.
Researchers found those participants on CS showed improvement in all areas when compared to the responses from the placebo group. One month after treatment, improvement remained to be seen in the active group.
An Australian study found that physical therapy is an effective treatment for OA of the knee. The treatment results in significant improvements in pain, physical function, and health-related quality of life. They also found an improvement in knee strength and the ability to walk faster. Improvements were also shown to last at least two months after discontinuing treatment.
Researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia treated 126 patients who had OA of the knee with either individual physical therapy, physical therapy in a small group, or no treatment at all. After eight weeks, the patients not receiving treatment were put into one of the active groups. Study participants were asked to assess any changes in their condition and were given gait analysis and muscle strength tests.