Natural Pain Relief for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
According to the Arthritis Foundation, osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting 27 million Americans today. Osteoarthritis occurs when joint cartilage breaks down, causing bones to rub together, which leads to chronic pain, stiffness, and a grating sensation when the joints are in use. While typical medical treatment of osteoarthritis often includes the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, natural treatment for osteoarthritis is also available. A new study indicates tai chi may be an effective natural pain relief technique for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the United States today. Osteoarthritis typically begins after an individual reaches 40 years of age and progresses slowly afterward. The symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness and pain in the affected joint, a grating sensation when using the joint, and bony growths at the edges of the joint. Osteoarthritis typically affects the knees, lower back, hands, neck, and hips.
While the cause of osteoarthritis is not yet known, researchers do know specific factors increase the likelihood someone will develop the condition. Being overweight, family history, lack of physical activity, repetitive overuse of specific joints, age, and joint and/or nerve injury can all increase the likelihood one will develop the condition.
While the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs is common in the treatment of osteoarthritis, natural treatments may also be effective for treating the condition. A new study indicates tai chi may be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a form of traditional Chinese martial arts, but has also been shown to have health benefits. Research has shown tai chi tends to help reduce pain, anxiety, and stress in healthy individuals, reduces the risk of falls among seniors, and promotes control, cardiovascular fitness, balance, and flexibility.
Tai Chi for Osteoarthritis of the Knee
The study aimed to determine if tai chi was more effective than conventional stretching exercises to reduce pain in osteoarthritis of the knee. The research involved 40 individuals who had suffered from osteoarthritis of the knee for approximately 10 years.
In the study, one group of participants took part in tai chi exercise for an hour twice a week for 12 weeks while another group took part in conventional stretching exercises for one hour twice a week for 12 weeks. All participants were in their 60s and suffered from severe osteoarthritis of the knee.
The researchers discovered participants who did tai chi exercises were less depressed, had less pain, and had improved physical function, and better general health than those participants who took part in conventional stretching exercises.
However, the researchers recognize that their study was small and that it should be replicated with a larger group of participants to determine if tai chi is an effective natural treatment option for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee.
Sources:
My RA Central.com: Tai Chi Helps Cut Pain of Knee Arthritis: Study
Wikipedia: Tai Chi
Arthritis Foundation: Osteoarthritis Fact Sheet
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