A Canadian research study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis (AKA degenerative arthritis) of the knee is not effective. Based on this study, physical therapy and medical treatments alone are just as effective as these therapies combined with surgery; surgery provides no additional benefit.
These results follow an earlier Cochrane Review with similar findings: “There is gold-level evidence that arthroscopic debridement has no benefit for undiscriminated osteoarthritis (mechanical or inflammatory causes).”
Are there natural therapies that are effective? Yes.
The natural therapies with the best scientific research showing efficacy for osteoarthrits according to Natural Standard are Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate. Many people find benefit from 750mg glucosamine twice daily combined with 600mg chondroitin twice daily. A reasonable amount of time to try this therapy to see if it works for you is 2 or 3 months. If you notice a difference, keep taking it. If not, you should try something else.
Some patients find great benefit from taking fish oil in large amounts (one to three or more teaspoons daily). While others find benefit from boswellia serrata extract, curcuminoids from turmeric, bromelain, zinc (30mg per day), and vitamin C (1,000 to 2,000mg per day). All of these treatments from glucosamine to zinc can be used in combination.
To find the highest quality and most effective supplements available, please visit my Holistic Pharmacy.
Be Well,
Richard