Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic joint condition. It is the chronic degeneration of the structures of the joint that, over time, can produce pain, stiffness, swelling, joint changes and reduce joint function and movement.

Did you know?

OA is a “wear-and-tear” condition
Almost all species of vertebrate animals develop OA (Even fish!)
Bats and sloths, that spend much of their time upside down, do not develop OA
The degeneration of the joints begin in our 20’s and 30’s
OA can affect any joint in the body
Although almost everyone will develop joint changes in the course of their lifetime, not everyone will have symptoms
OA, although very common, is not considered a normal process of aging

The healthy joint:

A joint is any site where two bones meet. Different types of joints have different structures and associated tissues. The joint itself has a space between the bones and the structure is supported by connective tissue (ligament, cartilage and or fluid) and surrounding muscles.

What’s happening to the joint in OA?

Normal joint use releases enzymes that breakdown cartilage. In healthy individuals, damaged cartilage is eventually replaced. As we age or with repeated joint use, the body’s ability to repair decreases until the rate of destruction is faster than the rate of repair.

1. A poor diet. The bones and cartilage require nutrients for structure and repair. Diets that are low in nutrients and high in processed foods and chemicals can worsen OA progression.
2. Poor digestion or food allergies. If your digestive tract isn’t healthy then it can allow unprocessed food particles, toxins and allergens into the blood that can aggravate inflammation. Furthermore, irregular bowel movements don’t allow toxins to leave the body.
3. Lack of exercise. Muscles help maintain joint structure. A sedentary lifestyle creates lax muscles, making joints more vulnerable to changes.
4. Being overweight puts added strain on joints.
5. Overusing your joints in your job or hobbies.
6. High levels of stress decreases the repair process and increases inflammation.
7. Long term use of common medications for OA (cortisone, NSAIDS) will eventually breakdown the cartilage.

OA pain can also become worse with:

1. Changes in air pressure. In sensitive individuals, low atmospheric pressure causes joints to expand, creating high joint pressure and pain
2. Certain medications. Eg. Cholesterol lowering drugs, estrogen

How can Naturopathic medicine help?

The goal of naturopathic medicine is to restore as much of the joint function as possible, help repair the joint and slow down the rate of degeneration. Treatment is two-fold: Acute treatment of immediate pain and long term management to reduce future pain.

By considering all aspects of the individual’s health needs, the treatment plan incorporates many different tools to improve your quality of life.