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

5. Other specialized lipid formulas and natural pain reducers.


Prolotherapy/Prolozone 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.

– Allan Sosin, MD

For more information or to make an appointment, please call us at (949) 600-5100