Nutritional Supplements For Joint Problems
The use of dietary supplements promotes the healing of diseases, such as osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common degenerative joint problems. The characteristics of this disease include cartilage weakening and inflammation of the synovial membrane. It is no surprise that dietary supplements came to the forefront in some studies of pain relief methods used to treat joint problems.
This may come as a surprise to some, but a healthy lifestyle and the right diet can help delay the onset of joint problems as well as slow the progression of the disease. For this reason, it is important to consider the risk factors that can be used to prevent, modify, modulate, or manage risks.
The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain that gets worse when the joint is used. Other symptoms may also occur:
- Stiffness after rest
- A sound from a joint as it moves
- Malformation
- Swelling or leakage of synovial fluid
Muscle atrophy and muscle contractions may also occur. In cases of osteoarthritis of the spine, nerves are often pinched and can cause pain radiating to the arms or legs.
Pharmacological treatment of joint problems
The main goal of treatment for osteoarthritis is to relieve pain. There are also medications that can slow cartilage degeneration. Advanced osteoarthritis may require surgery.
Oral treatment includes supplements and medications
The following are used for pain relief:
- Fast-acting analgesics such as paracetamol, NSAIDs, opioids or corticosteroids.
- Slow-acting or long-acting drugs are also used, such as chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, diacerein, and hyaluronic acid.
Intra-articular treatment
The most common intra-articular drug treatment techniques are hyaluronic acid, platelet-containing plasma, and delayed-acting corticosteroids.
Local treatment
With topical uses of NSAIDs, irritating herbs, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid, heat patches, or similar creams, ointments, liniments, and gels with cold and heat techniques, you can supplement your treatment for pain.
Cutting
This method of treatment involves surgery and the possible installation of a joint prosthesis.
Nutritional supplements for the treatment of joint problems
Collagen and hyaluronic acid
These can be used separately or together.
In fact, collagen and hyaluronic acid can be combined with lower doses of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, or in some cases vitamins as well as minerals. These types of supplements help prevent and delay cartilage deterioration due to their protective effect on structures. Studies reveal that their beneficial properties may reduce the need for NSAIDs.
Phytotherapy is also used to treat osteoarthritis, either alone or in combination with any of the above methods of treatment. However, this is a useful method of treatment only for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms such as pain and / or inflammation. In the treatment of osteoarthritis, mainly plants with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects are used, for example:
- Boswellia
- Turmeric
- Harpagophito
- Ginger
- Willow
- Meadowsweet
Vitamins and nutrients
Vitamins and minerals can be included in the group of dietary supplements for the treatment of joint problems. Both nutrients are involved in collagen synthesis. In fact, vitamins such as C, D, and E, as well as minerals such as magnesium, silicon, and sulfur, are important components in the various processes of cartilage metabolism.
Vitamin C stimulates the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans. However, vitamin D is involved in the synthesis of proteoglycans, and vitamin E, in turn, enhances cartilage matrix protection by increasing chondrocyte growth.
In addition, the B-complex of vitamins B1, B6 and B12 enhances the effect of analgesics such as paracetamol and NSAIDs.
Of the minerals, magnesium is part of the cell membrane and bone structure. You should take care of adequate calcium intake as calcium imbalance inhibits vitamin D synthesis. Silicon is also involved in the synthesis of elastin and collagen. You may not know it, but sulfur plays an important role in the formation of collagen. Collagen is an element that forms tendons, cartilage and ligaments.
Nutritional supplements, hygiene and prevention of joint problems
It is important to introduce general preventive measures to prevent the development of osteoarthritis. These preventive measures include:
- A balanced diet and thus good weight management.
- Enjoy foods rich in collagen and mucopolysaccharides.
- Exercise regularly, but avoid activities that can damage your joints.
- Also, do not force postures and change your posture from time to time.
- Apply heat in chronic and cold acute situations.
- Take supplements based on cartilage or phytotherapy to relieve discomfort.
Summary
Oral supplements containing collagen or hyaluronic acid, alone or in combination, are only useful in the prevention of joint problems, as well as in mild to moderate cases. The most important thing is to ask an expert for advice on substances or supplements that would be most helpful in your particular case.
