If your knee osteoarthritis has been giving you problems here are 5 supplements that could help manage the pain. We recognize that some supplements may work better than others depending on the pain you are experiencing and how your body responds to them.
1. Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol is a bark extract from the maritime pine. This extract is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. However, if you’re looking for instant relief, this could take up to 3 months to show improvement when taken at 50mg two to three times daily. Like most supplements, consult your doctor before trying.
2. Vitamin D
This vitamin strengthens bones. So while it may not do much, if anything to relieve OA pain, vitamin D supplements might improve joint pain for people that are low in this nutrient.
3. Curcumin
Curcumin has anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic properties. One review found that some forms of curcumin are more easily absorbed by the body and reduce pain. Curcumin may interact with blood thinners, such as warfarin. Consult your doctor before using this supplement.
4. Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASUs)
ASUs are made of extracts from avocado and soybean oils. These supplements block inflammatory substances that break down cartilage. Some studies found ASUs improved pain, stiffness, and joint function in knee and hip OA. ASUs can trigger an allergic reaction, so if you have certain allergies, consult your doctor before taking.
5. Willow bark
Willow bark comes from the Salix tree – which gives us salicylic acid, or aspirin. This bark has been used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation. As with most supplements, whether willow bark works for OA is hard to say. Even though its side effects are minimal, willow bark can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to aspirin.
6. MSM
While there isn’t enough evidence yet to recommend MSM for OA, studies show that it may help with knee pain and function. Gaining relief from your symptoms could be as easy as adding some green foods into daily routine!
7. Glucosamine and Chondroitin
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has no recommendation for or against the use of popular supplements like glucosamine and/or chondroitin. There is mixed evidence when it comes to these joint pain relievers, but there are also risks associated with taking them such as potential interactions with Coumadin blood thinner drug Warfarin(Coumido).
Supplements won’t necessarily fix the problem you are facing, but they have the potential to ease the pain you experience with knee osteoarthritis. And while these supplements are good options for relieving pain we have designed an insole to help alleviate the same issue!
Looking for another natural treatment for your knee OA to complement your supplements? We recommend the Freedom Insole.
The FREEDOM Insole is the ONLY medical insole specifically designed and scientifically proven to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with Medical Knee Osteoarthritis.
The FREEDOM Insole incorporates our specifically designed, patent-pending Trident foam that provides all of the comfort, support, and relief you would normally get in a bulky knee brace, but in a discreet and convenient packaging that will fit in just about any shoe.
