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We have a lot of customers who suffer from arthritis.  It’s a widespread condition.  In fact, it impacts roughly 50 million Americans.  Although it can manifest in many different ways, the most common form is osteoarthritis.

Of the 50 million Americans reported to be living with arthritis, 27 million suffer from osteoarthritis.  Often referred to as “wear-and-tear” arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones systematically wears down.  Osteoarthritis can damage any joint in your body, but it most commonly affects your hands, neck, lower back, knees and hips.

Given that osteoarthritis is so debilitating, painful and global, it is common for people to place their hope and faith in charlatan “cures,” ranging from shark cartilage to snake venom.  But there are several natural remedies with substantiated research.

1. Maintain a healthy weight or lose some weight. Given the obesity epidemic we’re currently facing, the best remedy is not necessarily the easiest. Maintaining a healthy weight is vital.  Every pound you shed translates to four pounds of pressure alleviated from your knees.  In fact, it’s not unusual for people to report a complete recovery after losing 10 to 20 pounds.

2. Visit an acupuncturist or a chiropractor. Many patients find that acupuncture helps relieve some of the pain associated with osteoarthritis.  And while chiropractic therapy does not necessarily help osteoarthritis, physicians have been recommending it for treating the muscle spasms that often go hand-in-hand with the disease.

3. Take supplements.  There’s solid evidence suggesting certain supplements could positively affect osteoarthritis.  Glucosamine, for example, has been successful in alleviating arthritis pain.  But be mindful of which form of glucosamine you’re investing in. Research suggests that while glucosamine sulfate is beneficial, glucosamine hydrochloride is not.  Other supplements that have shown promise include rose hips and highly concentrated ginger, turmeric, and fish oils. However, the research on these is still in its early stages.

4. Apply topical compound remedies.  A pharmacist specializing in compounded medicine has the expertise to create several medications that can be applied directly to the ailing spot.  Medications such as diclofenac, lidocaine, nitric oxide and baclofen can all be compounded into gels and creams.  As with most compounded medications, custom-made formulations may cause fewer systematic side effects and are commonly used to alleviate syptoms related to arthritis. Compounded pain formulations may even be covered by your insurance provider.

Although there’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis and treatments vary depending on the severity, there are many pain management options focused on reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.  If you or someone you love is suffering from this condition or any other pain related illness, please talk to us about finding relief.

ABOUT VH PHARMACY:  VH Pharmacy is a family-owned and operated neighborhood pharmacy.  In business for more than 40 years, VH Pharmacy has been under the leadership of Pharmacist Eddy Blanco for the past 11 years.  With his extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical compounding, Eddy Blanco has transformed VH Pharmacy into a technologically cutting-edge facility.  To learn more about our services, please visit our website at www.vhpharmacyrx.com or call us today at 305.324.8777.