What do Cherries and Seaweed Have in Common? They Both May Help Your Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is joint inflammation caused by the breakdown and eventual loss of articular cartilage. It is characterized by pain, stiffness, and swelling. Recent reports suggest that two natural substances could help reduce pain and improve function in patients suffering from this often debilitating disease.

Researchers at the Baylor Research Institute 1 conducted a pilot study where patients took pills made from tart cherries. This particular group of patients suffered from osteoarthritis of the knees. The scientists found that more than half of the patients had significant improvement in pain and function after taking the pills for eight weeks. These encouraging preliminary results have prompted the researchers to embark on a broader study. It will be interesting to see if the favorable results continue.

In a separate study 2, the use of a supplement made from seaweed was examined. In this study, patients were given a pill derived from a seaweed rich in calcium, magnesium and other minerals. The authors noted that earlier studies have shown that mineral supplements may improve OA symptoms. In this particular study, patients who received the pill were able to walk farther in a controlled test and experienced a small improvement in range of motion when compared to a group receiving a placebo. The study is available online through PubMed Central.

1 “Can Cherries Relieve the Pain of Osteoarthritis.” www.baylorhealth.com 31 Mar. 2009. http://www.baylorhealth.com/About/NewsRoom/BaylorNews/Pages/03182009Cherries.aspx

2 Frestedt JL, Kuskowski MA, Zenk JL. “A Natural Seaweed Derived Mineral Supplement (Aquamin F) for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised, Placebo Controlled Pilot Study” Nutrition Journal, 8:7, 2009

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The Diseased Knee: Osteoarthritis

is a wearing of articular cartilage. In the knee, the cartilage is a smooth, slippery covering found at the mating surfaces of the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone) and patella (knee cap). Cartilage can wear in any or all of these areas.

Often the cartilage begins to wear in an area of the knee that is “overloaded.” This is most commonly seen on the medial or inside part of your knee. This “medial compartment” is the area of the knee between the medial condyle of the femur and the medial aspect of the tibial plateau. In medial compartment wear, the bone just below the joint surface can change and a varus deformity or “bow-legged” condition can occur. As the deformity worsens, the compartment sees more load, which in turn causes more degeneration. This  “downward spiral” can eventually lead to a severe state and the need for surgical intervention.

If the damage is localized and not too severe, a Unicompartmental Knee Implant may be indicated. Otherwise a Total Joint Replacement may be used. Each case is different and only your doctor can determine what is indicated.

If the above scenario occurs on the opposite side (the lateral compartment) a valgus or “knock-kneed” deformity can result. In general a valgus condition is less common than a varus condition.

You can visit the sites below for general information on osteoarthritis:

http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/DiseaseCenter/oa.asp

http://www.brighamandwomens.org/patient/osteoarthritis.asp

http://www.stoneclinic.com/osteoknee.htm

can offer independence and mobility for those suffering from Osteoarthritis or other forms of degenerative joint disease. It is, however, a major surgery and involves a significant recovery period.

For some insight into what that is like, you can visit:

http://www.hieran.com/knee/

The surgical experience, rehabilitation following knee surgery and recovery are discussed in a forum where patients share stories and discuss their experiences.

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