While reading a recent medical journal I became interested in an article with the above title. However, as I read through the article I was a little disappointed but not surprised that the authors evaluated only the common medical therapies currently in use. These therapies ranged from Tylenol and ibuprofen, to injectable hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids. In their study they found that injectable hyaluronic acid was predictably the most efficacious.
Prior studies have shown that hyaluronic acid injections improved mobility anywhere from 9-32% of the time. The down side is it did not seem to last more than six months and costs range between $900- $1900/knee.
There are many less expensive and efficacious alternative therapies for osteoarthritis. Most people are aware of glucoseamine/chondroitin but aren’t familiar with Niacinamide. This form of niacin given 1,000mg twice a day often lessens osteoarthritic pain.
One therapy which I have been using for over 20 years and found to be even more effective is a therapy call PENS (Percutaneous Electro Neural Stimulation). PENS which was developed by an orthopedic surgeon in Texas is minimally invasive and provides immediate and long lasting results. Usually only 2-4 treatments are needed.
Another equally effective therapy is Prolozone. By injecting ozone directly into the joint it stimulates regeneration of the cartilage resulting in lasting relief.
Most people need not suffer from osteoarthritis and can avoid knee replacement by using one or several of the above ‘natural’ therapies.
Terry Pfau DO, HMD