Naturopathy relieves osteoarthritis pain and stiffness

Herbal remedies can relieve osteoarthritis pain and stiffness and have a positive effect on the further course of the disease.

Approximately Five million people in this country suffer from osteoarthritis. The causes range from orthopedic deformities to genetic predisposition to inadequately treated sports and accident injuries. Drugs of plant origin are a good but often neglected alternative, especially in the early stages: "So-called phytopharmaceuticals are not only better tolerated than synthetic painkillers, but also have a broader spectrum of action," says Dr. med. med. Bernhard Dickreiter, senior specialist for rehabilitative medicine and naturopathy of the Joint Clinic Gundelfingen, from years of practice. "In many cases, they not only help against the pain, but also noticeably increase the well-being of the patient."

If there is no way around synthetic painkillers, the specialists at the Joint Clinic Gundelfingen regularly check with each patient to what extent herbal remedies can be used as a supplement. "In many cases, the required doses of synthetic painkillers can be significantly reduced - assuming consultation with a specialist," Dr. Dickreiter.

Stinging nettle extract promotes mobility

Not only for prostate problems and bladder problems, the blood flow enhancing nettle has been attributed a beneficial effect for centuries. The fact that extracts of this medicinal plant influence the inflammation-promoting messenger substances in the joint capsules (cytokines) is confirmed by laboratory tests. Thanks to stinging nettle treatment, many arthrosis patients show increasing mobility and pain relief. Dickreiter. Whether a gift as tea is enough to reduce arthritis pain noticeably, is controversial. It is certainly more effective to use higher concentrations in the form of dragees or tablets.

In mild osteoarthritis pain, willow bark (Salicis Cortex) has been proven. The effect is similar to aspirin, which is nothing more than a synthetic derivative of willow bark. The effect of dragees from willow bark extracts (Assalix) has been scientifically proven. However, the prerequisite for the desired effect was a sufficient dose. Osteoarthritis patients who use aspirin for anticoagulation should first talk to their family doctor.

Devil's claw affects stiffness and pain

The extract of the African devil's claw root can also have a positive effect on arthrosis pain. The stiffness in the morning and tiring pain decrease. In addition, the consumption of synthetic painkillers can be significantly reduced by taking devil's claw dragées. "This preparation is not a substitute for the standard therapy, but thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect it can be a useful supplement" Dickreiter. Patients with gallstones or gastric ulcers should not take this natural remedy.

The combination of poplar leaves, poplar and ash bark and goldenrod herb has long been used in folk medicine as a remedy for joint pain. Especially with arthritis in the fingers, ash leaves packs have been proven. For a demonstrable effect of these herbal natural remedies for arthrosis, a high quality preparation and concentration of the active ingredients is generally required.

Cell regeneration helps with chronic pain

In all stages of osteoarthritis in addition to the natural remedies and physiotherapy should be used. Here Dr. Dickreiter the "Cell Biological Regulation Therapy" (ZRT matrix method). This combination of physiotherapeutic and physical processes stimulates local cell metabolism and normalizes the discharge of metabolic end products from the cellular environment. "As we know, drugs often fight only the symptoms, not the cause," Dr. Dickreiter. And this is - in addition to the structural damage to the locomotor organs - in a local disorder of cell metabolism: "Lack of oxygen, problems in energy metabolism and acidity lead to muscle hardening and long-term painful changes in the tissue. And that irritates the local pain sensors permanently ", explains Dr. med. Dickreiter. In order to avoid this, the smallest area around the individual cells must be remediated: "This ensures optimal supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells and the tissue," explains the specialist. In addition to biomechanical muscle stimulation (8 to 30 Hz), acid-base regulation by base wraps is the cornerstone of cell biological regulation medicine. In addition, combined heat therapy with water-filtered infrared relieves pain and mobilizes the metabolism.

In a one-year application study, ZRT-Matrix therapy was tested by TÜV-Süd on 418 pain patients. The result: pain medications could be discontinued in many patients. Nursing declined significantly. When used properly, harmful side effects are not known.

For chronic pain, six treatments of approximately 30 minutes each usually help. DAK-Gesundheit assumes the costs in the context of an IV-contract. Other statutory health insurance companies often reimburse the treatment on justified application. Incidentally, cell biological regulation therapy is also being used successfully in the VfB rehabilitation world, the physiotherapy department of the football club VfB Stuttgart.

Muscle training and healthy nutrition

Osteoarthritis can often be favorably influenced by a vegetarian diet rich in fruits and vegetables. In addition, physiotherapy, muscle training and the use of orthopedic aids (orthoses) can correct the movement and relieve the joint in good time. In addition, swimming, water aerobics and cycling are suitable for the natural regeneration of the affected cartilage because of their gentle movements. That acupuncture can be particularly useful in the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis at the knee joints, several German studies.  

What can I preventively do? The specialists of the Joint Clinic Gundelfingen advise: Avoid overweight and relieve the joints by movement and a good state of training of the surrounding muscles. Because regular exercise helps with the supply of articular cartilage and keeps it alive. It also makes sense to eat healthy food. Dr. Dickreiter: "This does not cure osteoarthritis, of course, but has proven to be beneficial."  

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