Osteoarthritis is usually caused by wear and tear on the joints, perhaps accelerated by an injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen and natural supplements like glucosamine are commonly prescribed. Dr. Jacqueline Hochman of Women’s College Hospital in Toronto reported to the World Congress on Osteoarthritis this fall that Neuropathic pain might be a significant contributor to the pain of arthritis. Numbness, burning, tingling and sensitivity to light touch are symptoms of nerve pain, not inflammation. Of course, her recommendation is to treat this type of pain with anti-seizure medications and anti-depressants. I would try alpha lioic acid and acupuncture first, because they are much less likely to cause side effects, and they can be very effective.
See Family Practice News (subscription required-click here), October 1, 2009, page 1.
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