Natural Approaches to Osteoarthritis

Introduction

Osteoarthritis is the most common rheumatological condition after the age of 50. It is characterized by an imbalance between the production and destruction of cartilage, inflammation of the membrane inside the joint (synovial membrane), as well as remodeling of the bone layer on which the articular cartilage is located (subchondral bone). It manifests itself by pain acute pain and stiffness, sometimes accompanied by inflammation and accumulation of fluid in the joint cavity (effusions).

Allopathic treatments for osteoarthritis often don't produce satisfactory results, not to mention their share of side effects. Fortunately, natural treatments can relieve these symptoms, improve mobility, and preserve the quality of life of those affected by this condition. Discover in this article the latest natural approaches to treating osteoarthritis and practical tips for better symptom management.

What is Osteoarthritis?

To prevent and treat osteoarthritis, we must first understand the mechanisms that cause it to develop and worsen. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive wear and tear of articular cartilage, the smooth, elastic tissue that covers joint surfaces. This cartilage allows joints to move without friction. As they wear down, bones can rub against each other, which can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis primarily affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, hips, and spine, but it can affect any joint in the body.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of osteoarthritis can vary depending on the joints affected and the severity of the disease, but here are the most common signs:

Risk factors for osteoarthritis

Various factors are associated with the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Here are the main ones:

Mechanisms of Osteoarthritis

American researchers have recently discovered that osteoarthritis is not the result of simple wear and tear of the cartilage as everyone believed, but rather the consequence of a complex inflammatory process linked to a dysfunction of the specialized cell that makes cartilage, the chondrocyte.

The chondrocyte is the most important part of the joint. It synthesizes all the elements of cartilage that will ensure the proper functioning of the joint: collagen, which gives it its resistance and proteoglycans, which allow it to absorb shocks. But sometimes chondrocytes become diseased for various reasons. In this case, not only do they no longer produce new cartilage to replace that which normally dies, but they begin to destroy the cartilage they have produced, precipitating the onset of osteoarthritis!

The only way to treat osteoarthritis in depth, and not just its consequences (pain), is to normalize the activity of the chondrocyte and the inflammation it causes, and provide the cell with the materials necessary to rebuild new cartilage.

How a joint works

If we want to heal, we must first understand why we are suffering. Let us examine the structure of a joint: we see that it is closed by a smooth, pink-looking membrane that secretes synovial fluid (or synovium) in which the cartilage bathes. Healthy cartilage has a smooth, polished, and shiny appearance. It is an elastic material that acts as a shock absorber. During joint movement, the cartilage reduces friction with the help of the synovium, which facilitates sliding. Under a microscope, we see that cartilage is made up of collagen in which proteoglycans are trapped. Collagen is a network of fibers that gives cartilage its shape and tension properties. As for proteoglycans, they are branched sponges that allow cartilage to contain 75% water. They control the deformation of cartilage under pressure. Proteoglycans are formed of chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate bound to a hyaluronic acid spine. They are stabilized by binding proteins: aggrecans. And of course there are chondrocytes which are the cells that repair cartilage by producing collagen and proteoglycans.

Unfortunately, in osteoarthritis, the chondrocyte no longer performs its primary function; on the contrary, it destroys collagen and proteoglycans, without being able to produce new ones. Without cartilage, subject to chronic inflammation, the joint becomes stiff and painful: this is osteoarthritis.

Why does the chondrocyte change its behavior?

The chondrocyte undergoes pathological changes and begins to produce pro-inflammatory substances called cytokines. The main cytokines involved in osteoarthritis are interleukin-1 and TNF-α. Inflammation has two consequences for the patient: it causes pain and accelerates the destruction of their cartilage.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by chondrocytes activate the transformation of linoleic acid, present in sunflower and corn oils and margarines, into arachidonic acid. This is handled by two families of enzymes: cyclooxygenases (COX) and lipooxygenases (LOX). The former lead to the synthesis of compounds called prostaglandins, which are powerful pain mediators. The latter lead to the synthesis of other inflammatory mediators, leukotrienes.

The chondrocyte also produces enzymes that are responsible for breaking down large cartilage molecules that have become useless or worn out. But it produces far too many of them, and these enzymes literally digest the cartilage. This is how, day after day, the cartilage in your joints silently disappears.

Drug treatments for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can be managed with various medications. Treatments vary depending on the severity of symptoms and patient preferences. The main medications used to treat osteoarthritis are:

1. Pain relievers (to relieve pain)
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) : This is often the first medication used to relieve osteoarthritis pain. It is generally well tolerated.

2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Buprofen , Diclofenac , Naproxen : These medications are used to reduce both pain and inflammation in the joints.
Be careful, NSAIDs can have side effects, particularly on the stomach, kidneys or heart, especially when used over a long period of time.

3. Topical creams and gels
Ketoprofen , Diclofenac Gel: Applied directly to the skin over the painful joint, these topical treatments can provide localized relief with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral NSAIDs.

4. Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid injection : In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the joint may be used to reduce inflammation and pain. This can be particularly helpful when the pain is severe and localized.

Natural Approaches to Osteoarthritis

To effectively relieve osteoarthritis, two food supplements SOULA GYNE+ and Glucosamine , as well as ORI ALGIC ® therapeutic oil are essential:

SOULAGYNE+

It is a powerful patented plant-based calming agent that contains harpagophytum , Ulvaline® , white willow and vitamin C.
Harpagophytum is a plant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, reducing cytokine levels, particularly TNF-α. It also inhibits the enzymes that "digest" cartilage. It is therefore a key weapon in the anti-osteoarthritis strategy. The German Commission E in 1989, and then ESCOP in 1996, recognized the effectiveness of harpagophytum against osteoarthritis.

Ulvaline® is composed of sulfated polysaccharides, vitamins ( beta -carotene, vitamin E, A, B9, B12 and D ) and minerals ( organic silicon, selenium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, iodine ). It is a major weapon in the fight against osteoarthritis, because clinical studies have shown that it stimulates collagen production by 570% (SCOL 07.1149 in vitro study on human fibroblasts by BIO-HC). In addition, it generates an anti-inflammatory activity 3 times greater than that of Merck's Indomethacin (NSAID) (AAI 07.1149 in vitro study on human keratinocytes in culture by BIO-HC). Finally, it protects joints from free radicals through a powerful activity antioxidant (11000 IU SOD like/g, enzymatic dosage carried out by the LDM laboratory).

THE willow contains salicin that the body transformed into salicylic acid the equivalent of aspirin​ (acetylsalicylic acid) , it has anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and antirheumatic drugs.

There vitamin C is necessary for the production of collagen, a protein essential for joints and cartilage. Vitamin C facilitates the absorption of certain nutrients such as calcium. It also helps maintain the health of the intestinal lining, which promotes better overall nutrient absorption.

2. Glucosamine

Glucosamine sulfate is a cartilage nutrient. This supplement spares cells the almost impossible task of making proteoglycans from glucose. In osteoarthritis, inflammation means that cells no longer have the biochemical tools needed to convert glucose into N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine, the two types of sugars that make up proteoglycans. Providing "ready-made" supplements like glucosamine allows cells to start synthesizing cartilage again.

Oral glucosamine supplements will directly build the backbone of cartilage proteoglycans since it is used in hyaluronic acid chains. Glucosamine is also used to build the strands of glycosaminoglycan attached to this backbone since it enters into the composition of keratan sulfate and indirectly into that of chondroitin sulfate (the latter contains N-acetylgalactosamine, which is obtained from N-acetylglucosamine by incorporation of galactose).

3. ORIALGIC®

It is a powerful natural calming agent , which provides the same active ingredients as SOULAGYNE + for local application directly to the affected joint. It is rich in tocopherols, one of the most powerful biological antioxidants, which neutralizes free radicals, important vectors of inflammation. It dependently inhibits the activation of neutrophils which causes the synthesis of leukotrienes responsible for inflammatory reactions. It reduces the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, in particular TNF alpha and interleukin-1b.

Lifestyle and Physical Activities

Diet plays an important role in preventing and managing osteoarthritis. Good nutrition can help reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support joint health. Here are some dietary tips for people with osteoarthritis:

1. Omega-3 (anti-inflammatory)
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines) and flax seeds, chia seeds, or walnuts, can help reduce inflammation in the joints.

2. Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants (such as berries, spinach, blueberries, broccoli, and peppers) can help reduce oxidative stress that worsens osteoarthritis symptoms.

3. Turmeric and ginger
Turmeric, thanks to curcumin, has anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, ginger can be beneficial in reducing inflammation and relieving joint pain.

4. Vitamin D and calcium
Vitamin D and calcium are essential for healthy bones and joints.

5. Avoid inflammatory foods
Reduce high-fat foods saturated fats and added sugars (fatty meats, fried foods, industrial pastries, processed products), as they can aggravate inflammation.

6. Collagen
Type II collagen, in particular, is a major component of cartilage. It helps maintain cartilage integrity by ensuring its resistance to compression and facilitating proper joint function.

Collagen is essential for the regeneration and repair of joint cartilage. When cartilage is damaged by osteoarthritis, supplementing with collagen helps repair this tissue. Studies have shown that in osteoarthritis, collagen reduces inflammation in damaged joints.

We recommend our natural collagen REVITAL TRAX which contains Patented bioactive collagen peptides VERISOL® , hyaluronic acid, zinc, vitamin C and biotin. It is a valuable ally for your joints.