Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints causing deformity, bone spurs, pain and limitation of joint mobility. Conventional treatment includes aspirin, Tylenol, and most often non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil and Naprosyn.  NSAIDs cause a variety of serious problems, including liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, fluid retention, high blood pressure and heart failure.  Cortisone injections are often employed, with temporary benefit.  Eventually joint replacement surgery, generally of the hip or knee, is recommended.
 
We have found osteoarthritis to respond to dietary restrictions, especially of sugar, wheat and dairy products. An anti-inflammatory diet comprised of fruits, vegetables, and fish, is helpful.  Sometimes eliminating the nightshade vegetables, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant, is helpful.
 
Nutritional supplements for arthritis include:

1. Fish oil- Use a higher EPA to DHA ratio product, such  as Mega Omega 22:1

2. Greens- extracts of sprouted grains, algae, fruits and green vegetables

3. Herbs, Bioflavanoids, and enzymes, such as quercetin, curcumin and bromelain.

4. MSM- methyl sulfonyl methane
 
Acupuncture and prolotherapy may be effective even in advanced disease involving any joints. Prolotherapy involves injection into joint tissues of materials that stimulate the growth of supporting ligaments and tendons.  It is performed repetitively, with treatments 2-4 weeks apart. We offer both prolotherapy and acupuncture in our clinic.
 
Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis
 
Fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis are complicated conditions that are difficult to treat with conventional therapies. Traditionally, fibromyalgia patients are treated with painkillers and antidepressants, rheumatoid patients with steroids and other potent and dangerous immune-modulating drugs. We test for food allergies, also abnormalities in the intestines, such as leaky gut (increased permeability allowing bacterial toxins to be absorbed), and dysbiosis (growth of parasites, yeast, and abnormal bacteria.) Dysbiosis is treated with probiotics, the addition of helpful bacteria, and sometimes with specific drug or herbal antibiotics. The nutritional supplements noted above, especially fish oil, are important. D-ribose, malic acid and magnesium should be taken for fibromyalgia. 

- Allan Sosin, MD

• This information is provided for informational purposes only. Never add, change, or discontinue medication or treatment without first consulting your doctor. To make an appointment with a doctor at the Institute for Progressive Medicine, please call 949-600-5100.