What are the treatments and nutritional approaches for treating osteoarthritis?
A reminder about osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the cartilage of the joints.
- It progresses in flare-ups with chronic phases of moderate pain and acute, inflammatory phases accompanied by severe pain.
- Several risk factors have been identified, such as age, heredity, being overweight, excessive mechanical stress, trauma, and heredity.
- Osteoarthritis is not easy to treat because cartilage does not regenerate easily and some damage is permanent. However, there is a range of measures, some more conservative than others, that aim to slow the progression, relieve pain, and/or restore the function of the affected joint.
Total hip replacement to replace a joint too damaged by osteoarthritis. Source: NIH
What are the symptomatic treatments for osteoarthritis?
While many studies are underway, there is currently no "miracle" solution for osteoarthritis.
Most treatments aim to relieve pain and often combine drug and non-drug approaches.
Drug treatments are primarily represented by analgesics (such as paracetamol) which aim to relieve pain.
During inflammatory flare-ups, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as diclofenac, ibuprofen, or aspirin) are used, either topically (locally applied, using a gel, for example) or orally. per os (Orally, as with tablets and capsules). Caution: the oral use of NSAIDs is contraindicated in cases of a history of allergy to an NSAID, coagulation disorders, stomach or duodenal ulcers, or liver, heart, or kidney failure. It is best to take them for the shortest possible duration to avoid side effects (such as heartburn, which is why they are often prescribed with an antacid).
Other, more invasive strategies exist, such as injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to improve cartilage lubrication. If cartilage debris is present in the joint, joint lavage with aspiration may be recommended.
Hygiene and nutrition measures to combat osteoarthritis
In addition to drug-based approaches, non-drug approaches such as physiotherapy and moderate physical activity are effective.
It is essential to maintain physical activity, as a lack of exercise risks leading to muscle loss, but also bone demineralization which will contribute to the worsening of the condition.
Among the risk factors for osteoarthritis are excess body mass, particularly obesity. One of the main measures to reduce the risk and progression of osteoarthritis is limiting mechanical stress on the joint.
In cases of overweight, it is necessary to implement dietary measures to reduce body mass. It is therefore advisable to strive towards the recommendations of the National Nutrition and Health Program (PNNS) . It is also strongly recommended to seek guidance in this process from a nutritionist and/or a dietician.
What role do dietary supplements play in treating osteoarthritis?
Dietary supplements and nutraceutical approaches can be integrated into a joint health strategy. However, they should not be expected to regenerate joints. Dietary supplements cannot replace medical treatment.
Several ingredients in dietary supplements have shown varying degrees of effectiveness in improving comfort during osteoarthritis.
This is the case for molecules such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and S-adenosyl methionine. However, it is recommended to consume them in moderation, as there may be a risk of overdose and liver damage.
It is therefore advisable to avoid supplements with excessively high doses and to avoid their use in certain cases ( liver failure, shellfish/crustacean allergy, pregnancy, diabetes, anticoagulant treatment ). This recommendation is based on opinions from ANSES and the DGCCRF . recommends that the daily doses of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do not exceed respectively: 1000 and 900 mg/day.
In herbal medicine, certain plants have demonstrated some effectiveness, such as devil's claw and blackcurrant. Other plants, like meadowsweet and turmeric, are also useful thanks to their anti-inflammatory effect.
Phytocea and osteoarthritis
At Phytocea, we have developed a food supplement designed to improve joint comfort: Kinesis . It contains a reasonable dose of glucosamine sulfate and complies with health authority recommendations. In addition, we have added a combination of plants known for their effectiveness in supporting the treatment of osteoarthritis (horsetail, devil's claw, blackcurrant, and meadowsweet). Furthermore, to address winter vitamin D deficiencies and limit the risk of bone demineralization, we recommend taking ReNacre , which provides a source of bioavailable vitamin D and calcium.
=== content-split ===
7489814921430
=== content-split ===
Sources
- INSERM - Osteoarthritis: The most widespread joint disease
- Arthrolink
- Rheumatology
- Vidal
- Vidal: Dietary supplements
- ANSES opinion regarding the risks associated with the consumption of joint-related food supplements containing glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfate.
- Eat-Move: the PNNS
- DGCCRF
- Zhu X, Sang L, Wu D, Rong J, Jiang L. Effectiveness and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Surg Res. 2018 Jul 6;13(1):170. doi:10.1186/s13018-018-0871-5.
- Ogata T, Ideno Y, Akai M, Seichi A, Hagino H, Iwaya T, Doi T, Yamada K, Chen AZ, Li Y, Hayashi K. Effects of glucosamine in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rheumatol. 2018 Sep;37(9):2479-2487. doi:10.1007/s10067-018-4106-2.
- Brien S, Lewith GT, McGregor G. Devil's Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) as a treatment for osteoarthritis: a review of efficacy and safety. J Altern Complement Med. 2006 Dec;12(10):981-93.
- Gagnier JJ, Oltean H, van Tulder MW, Berman BM, Bombardier C, Robbins CB. Herbal Medicine for Low Back Pain: A Cochrane Review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2016 Jan;41(2):116-33.
