Natural cures for osteoarthritis use substances that act in different ways and are aimed at reducing pain and restoring joint function .
Therapeutic treatments include: appropriate diets to reduce weight on the joint; physical and rehabilitative therapies performed by osteopaths or kiropractors; administration of anti-inflammatory plants with analgesic action on the osteoarticular system; substances with a protective action of cartilage, which slow down the degenerative processes and stimulate the reparative ones, and the intake of products aimed at improving joint lubrication .
Let's deepen this delicate disorder and review the natural treatments for osteoarthritis.
Bones, joints and arthrosis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease affecting the joints, with an inflammatory component and characterized by metabolic alterations of the chondrocyte, ie of the cartilage's own cell. Osteoarthritis affects 80% of the elderly and 18% of working age subjects (19 to 60 years).
The bones are static organs and must be articulated together to make movement possible. The union between the various bone segments is called articulation . These are divided into buildings (those that connect the bones of the skull, which do not allow any movement); semi-mobile (knee or elbow which ensure flexion and extension movements on one floor); and mobile (those of the shoulder and hip that allow free movements in all directions). Each mobile joint is formed by the cartilages, a space between them filled with synovial fluid, a joint capsule and tendons.
The articular cartilage is an elastic and viscous tissue, pearly white, formed by rounded cells, the chondrocytes that secrete a substance made up of elastic fibers and collagen ; it consists mainly of water and is free of mineral salts.
The synovial fluid is in direct contact with the articular cartilage and in addition to cushioning the movements it ensures its nourishment ; it is in continuous sliding inside the joint: depending on the movements and loads it is absorbed or released by the cartilages and by the membranes present, which function as sponges. Joint aging, like skin aging, is associated with a decrease in the production of synovial fluid.
The joint capsule is made up of connective tissue that completely covers the two outer bone segments. Muscles and tendons together with the joint capsule increase joint stability.
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Natural cures for osteoarthritis
Natural treatments for osteoarthritis include plants with anti-inflammatory therapeutic activity, such as the devil's claw, and in recent years, the use of cartilage- protecting substances such as glucosamine and hyaluronic acid has become increasingly widespread. replenish cartilage like collagen.
- The devil's claw is used for the treatment of various problems of the osteo-articular system. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of the Harpagosides contained in the root are considered responsible for the analgesic and antipyretic effects of the plant. The devil's claw, used for centuries in the traditional medicine of South African peoples, has proved particularly active especially in situations that cause pain and inflammation such as arthritis, tendinitis, arthrosis, back pain, toothache, cervical bruising and sciatica.
- Glucosamine, one of the causes of arthrosis, lies precisely in the lack of this amino sugar. The absence of this substance causes, in fact, the destruction of the cartilages of the joints of hands, feet and knees: the bones rub against each other, causing inflammation and joint pain. Glucosamine is a natural component that the body derives from glucose; with aging the body's ability to self-produce it diminishes, hence the need for its integration. Additional glucosamine can help rebuild cartilage and treat arthritis. Despite being derived from the shells of crustaceans, it can also be used by those who are allergic, as the allergen is in their flesh. Naturally occurring glucosamine supplements can reduce joint pain without causing collateral problems.
- Hyaluronic acid : represents one of the main components of connective tissue and synovial fluid. From the chemical point of view, hyaluronic acid is classified as a glycosaminoglycan. The particular chemical structure gives the hyaluronic acid numerous properties that make it particularly useful both in the medical and aesthetic fields. Its ability to retain water in the tissues makes it particularly useful for the skin and joints. By participating in the formation of collagen and connective tissue, hyaluronic acid increases tissue plasticity and guarantees optimal skin hydration . It also has healing and anti-inflammatory properties and is free of contraindications or side effects.
- Collagen (or collagen ) is the main protein of connective tissue. Collagen has the function of strengthening and making elastic of various tissues and organs, taking part in the natural connection of joints, muscles, tendons, hair, joints and fundamental parts of the human body. In addition to these typical organic characteristics, collagen is the essential active ingredient for the activation of the reparative processes of all the tissues of the human body. As the years go by, the amount of collagen generated by our body is greatly reduced. Collagen intake allows the repair of epidermal tissues, tendons, cartilage and vital organs and to strengthen the muscular and osteoarticular system. It favors the reduction of pain and gives relief to joints and is a valid aid in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
