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Penn Herb Wellness Guide

Osteoarthritis

Also indexed as:Degenerative Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease, OA, Arthritis (Osteo)
Protect your joints and relieve osteoarthritis aches and pains. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
Osteoarthritis: Main Image

Related Topics

  1. Top Supplements for Arthritis
  2. Cayenne
  3. Chondroitin Sulfate
  4. Exercise—a Key to Healthy Aging
Protect your joints and relieve osteoarthritis aches and pains. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Use topical ointment

    Treat discomfort with an ointment or cream containing 0.025 to 0.075% capsaicin four times a day over painful joints: make sure not to let capsaicin come in contact with the eyes.

  • Add antioxidants

    Eat more fruits and vegetables and take 400 to 1,600 IU a day of vitamin E to put antioxidants to work protecting your joints.

  • Help prevent joint damage with GS and CS

    Take 1,500 mg a day of glucosamine sulfate, 800 to 1,200 mg a day of chondroitin sulfate, or a combination of both supplements, for pain and to protect joints.

  • Get moving

    Start a gentle program of walking and strengthening exercise to reduce pain and improve joint function.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
  • Slim down

    Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress to joints and prevent osteoarthritis.

  • Get moving

    Agentle program of walking and strengthening exercise has been shown to benefit people with osteoarthritis—soget a jumpstartby staying active before problems start.

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading for more in-depth, fully referenced information.
References

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.