Are you suffering from joint pain or osteoarthritis? If yes, then this is for you!

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that affects joints, resulting in chronic pain, swelling and stiffness. Overtime, it leads to reduced ability to move.

There are many factors that can contribute to developing osteoarthritis including:

• Previous Joint Injury
• Overuse
• Age as a factor
• Overweight

Also, women tend to develop this condition more then men. The medical treatment of osteoarthritis includes using over-the-counter painkillers (Tylenol, Advil, Voltaren cream), exercise regime, the use of splints, braces and canes as well as surgery. However, there is so much more you can do to prevent or slow down the progression of this debilitating condition.

Here are some helpful tips:

1) Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Believe it or not, what you eat is important! Foods can either promote inflammatory response or lower it. The types of foods that increase inflammation can differ from person to person, but the most common ones are: dairy,
wheat and corn.

2) Exercise

There are 3 types of beneficial exercises for osteoarthritis: flexibility, strength and endurance exercises. However, to avoid any injury, you should see a Physiotherapist or Chiropractor to guide you through a proper exercise plan.

3) Warm Epsom Salt Baths

This has been used for centuries to relieve tension and stiffness associated with arthritis and muscle tension.

4) Acupuncture

There is a lot of supporting evidence that acupuncture is very helpful in treating osteoarthritis. It decreases inflammation and increases blood flow to the affected joints. Please reach out to our Acupuncturist for more information.

5) Supplements

This route has the potential to slow down the progression of the disease.

It can be used in two ways: natural anti-inflammatory treatment and joint rejuvenating treatment. In most cases, a combination of the two approaches is most effective.

The first option utilizes natural substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. The latter delivers unique building blocks that are used by the body to rebuild damaged joint structures, for example: MSM, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C etc.… Even with the gentlest and most natural treatments, there can be interactions with other medications, therefore please see our Naturopathic Doctors for a detailed assessment and appropriate plan!

Yours in wellness!
Dr. Margaret Balajewicz ND