Health

Conventional Arthritis Pain Medications Can Make Arthritis Worse

There are four classes of medications commonly used for arthritis: NSAIDs, analgesics, corticosteroids and DMARDs. Two of these four classes can make arthritis worse.

When taken over a long period of time, the stomach damaging effects of conventional NSAIDs can make arthritis worse. Conventional NSAIDs include over the counter remedies like aspirin and ibuprofen and many prescription arthritis drugs. There are about 2 dozen that prescription arthritis drugs that fall in this category.

The pain killer acetaminophen, which is in Tylenol, makes it harder for the body to repair joint damage.
Corticosteroids like prednisone, give temporary relief when injected into a joint, but when used too frequently, they cause osteoporosis. Same thing with oral doses. If you stay on them too long or at too high a dose, it causes osteoporosis. Although osteoporosis is different than arthritis, when it occurs at a joint, it can cause structural damage to that joint.

The final class DMARDs are the only class besides the corticosteroids that don?t seem to make arthritis worse. However, most of the medications in this class are toxic. They will suppress arthritis, many through unknown mechanisms, but they don?t rebuilt health. They just disrupt joint destruction.

Reduce Arthritic Pain

Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate. There are many natural dietary supplements that claim to reduce arthritic pain, and improve range of motion, but none have had the scrutiny of the combination of Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfate.

With millions of Americans suffering from osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis), it is no wonder that this alternative holistic approach has gained in popularity.

As the US population ages, and becomes more obese, the wear and tear of our joints is becoming an epidemic. As with most medication, people take natural supplements to help relieve pain.

Chondroitin sulfate is naturally found protein in the body that gives cartilage elasticity and inhibits an enzyme that breaks down cartilage.

Glucosamine is a combination of glucose and an amino acid called glutamine. Glucosamine is naturally found in cartilage and helps in the formation and repair of cartilage.

It is thought that the combination of these two supplements help reduce pain in arthritic joints, improve range of motion, and help restore damaged cartilage.

There have been some studies that show that people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis report some relieve of pain compared to people taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories).

Lab studies have shown that glucosamine may help stimulate cartilage building proteins.

Whatever the outcome on further research, it is best to consult with your doctor first, before taking any medication or dietary supplement. Some supplements may interfere with diabetic medication and blood thinners. People allergic to seafood should also be careful when taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin as they may derived from cartilage of shellfish. Women who are pregnant should not take any dietary supplement without the approval of their treating physician. Children should also not take any dietary supplement unless consulted with a physician.

One of the best approaches when taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin is to take it three months to judge the effectiveness of the supplement. Do not discontinue taking your current medication. If there is no improvement in your condition, you should stop taking it. A typical dose is 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate and 1,200 mg of chondroitin sulfate per day. Please check the label on your supplement bottle. Do not take more than the recommended allowance.

Both supplements appear relatively safe when used as directed. Side effects are usually mild if any, and consist of loose stools and intestinal gas.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate have wide appeal as a natural supplement in the treatment of osteoarthritis. For patients that cannot tolerate traditional medication due to side effects (GI upset), it is an alternative that should be evaluated. Find out more about Formula To Healthy Life here.

For important info about Unlocked Phones – dig into quoted page.