Your LIFE: The Natural Remedies You’Ve Been Aching For
By MADELEINE BAILEY
ACHING joints are an occupational hazard for pensioners – there are nine million Britons who suffer from osteoarthritis, and three in four over-70s have the ailment.
Until there’s a cure, the only option is pain control. But some anti-inflammatory drugs have recently been linked with an increased risk of heart disease, while strong painkillers such as codeine can cause drowsiness. No wonder more sufferers are looking to natural remedies – but do they work? Here we look at some of the hopefuls.
Rose hip extract
EIGHTY-TWO per cent of patients in a clinical trial in Denmark reported a decrease in joint pain after three weeks. And in a Norwegian study, participants’ mobility improved in 40 per cent of cases. The active ingredient, GOPO, is believed to alleviate joint inflammation.
However, Prof Alan Silman, medical director of charity Arthritis Research Campaign, cautions: “More research is needed but many conventional drugs, such as aspirin, are derived from plants so it may have benefits.”
HOW TO GET IT: The only supplement containing GOPO is Litozin (pounds 19.99, 120 capsules) from pharmacies and health shops.
Acupuncture
THIS traditional Chinese technique uses needles to stimulate specific points on the body.
Last year, German research on 3,500 patients with osteoarthritis in the knee or hip found that a third of those who received 15 sessions over three months experienced significant reduction in pain compared to 6.5 per cent of those who got no treatment.
However, because no patients received “placebo” acupuncture, critics say the results could have been influenced by the patients expecting an improvement.
“No one knows how acupuncture works but there’s quite powerful evidence that it’s effective in releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers,” says Prof Silman.
HOW TO GET IT: British Acupuncture Council: www.acupuncture.org.uk 020 8735 0400.
Electrical impulses
TWO electrodes pass lectrical impulses through your skin to your spinal cord, interfering with pain signals to the brain.
Called transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia (TSE), this form of electrical pain relief has been used by 14,000 people in hospitals and at home.
In studies, two-thirds of participants reported a significant lessening of pain. However some users get only short-term relief.
HOW TO GET IT: Acticare TSE costs pounds 199.99 but you can get your money back after 28 days if you’re not satisfied. www.acticare.com 0800 028 1400.
Arnica gel
MADE from the flower tincture of Arnica montana, this works by reducing inflammation.
In a study published in medical journal Advances In Therapy, patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the knee experienced significant decreases in pain and stiffness after six weeks. However the study was small so more research is needed.
HOW TO GET IT: Bioforce Arnica Gel (pounds 8.95 for 100g, pounds 1.50 trial pack). www.avogel.co.uk 01294 277 344.
Celadrin
THIS blend of fatty acids works by lubricating the joints and combating inflammation. Clinical trials have shown promising results for Celadrin in cream and capsule form. In a small US study participants with osteoarthritis of the knee were found to have significantly improved range of movement and less pain than those using a fake cream.
In another study, those taking Celadrin capsules for just over two months had more flexibility, less pain and could walk further than those taking a placebo capsule.
HOW TO GET IT: Celafen cream (pounds 14.99): www.celafen.co.uk 0871 871 9975. Celadrin supplement Lubramine (pounds 9.99, 30 capsules): www.healthwholesaledirect.co.uk 0845 456 7040.
Devil’s claw
KALAHARI desert tribes have used this herb to relieve pain for thousands of years.
In a French study it was deemed as effective as and safer than conventional drug diacerhein.
However, diacerhein is only known to give slight benefits. “It should have been compared to the best available standard treatment,” says Prof Silman. It’s also not recommended for people with stomach ulcers, gallstones or anyone taking blood-thinning drugs. Always get medical advice first.
HOW TO GET IT: A.Vogel Devil’s Claw (pounds 12.49, 50 tablets) from pharmacies or MedicHerb Devil’s Claw (pounds 9.99, 40 tablets): www.medicherb.co.uk 01453 751 395.
Glucosamine
THIS substance, made naturally by the body, reduces inflammation, helps joint mobility and possibly rebuilds cartilage. It’s sometimes available in combination with chondroitin, a similar thing that slows cartilage breakdown.
A recent analysis of 20 studies concluded that glucosamine improves pain by 28 per cent and function by 21 per cent. And where it was compared to NSAIDs (conventional antiinflammatory drugs) it was found to be at least as effective. Research suggests 1,500mg glucosamine a day is needed for significant results.
HOW TO GET IT: Ostex Glucosamine Sulphate (pounds 8.49, 60 tabs) and Flexeze (pounds 15.22, 60 tabs) are available both from pharmacies and on prescription (www.oxtex.co.uk 01235 838 590).
What is osteoarthritis?
THE most common type of arthritis, this occurs when the cartilage that acts as a cushion between bones degenerates through wear and tear. Eventually the ends of the bones that meet at the joints grind against each other painfully when you move.
Protect your joints
SHED THE FLAB Excess weight puts more strain on the joints, making the pain worse.
BUILD MUSCLE This will improve shock absorption around the joints, but avoid highimpact exercise like jogging as this could make it worse. Your GP may refer you for physiotherapy.
CUT OUT KILLER HEELS Several US studies suggest that heels over two inches increase pressure on the joints, leading to degeneration.
CONSIDER OMEGA-3 SUPPLEMENTS Some studies suggest that fish oils can ease joint inflammation.
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