An official website of the United States governmentArthritis and Complementary Health Approaches
This issue of the digest summarizes current research about complementary health approaches for arthritis. Research to date suggests that some psychological and/or physical approaches such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and tai chi may be helpful for osteoarthritis (OA). Despite extensive research, it’s still uncertain whether glucosamine and chondroitin have a meaningful impact on symptoms or joint structure in OA. There is some evidence that supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), or the herb thunder god vine may help relieve some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms.
What the Science Says:
Arthritis and Complementary Health Approaches
Condition and Summary of Current Research
Clinical practice guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation recommend aerobic exercise and/or strength training, weight loss (if overweight), and a number of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic modalities for treating osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee, hip, or hand. The guidelines strongly recommend tai chi, along with other nondrug approaches such as self-management programs, for managing knee and/or hip OA. Yoga is conditionally recommended for those with knee OA. Acupuncture is conditionally recommended for people with knee, hip, and/or hand OA.
Despite extensive research, it’s still uncertain whether glucosamine and chondroitin have a meaningful impact on symptoms or joint structure in OA. The clinical practice guidelines strongly recommend against the use of glucosamine in people with hip, knee, and/or hand OA; however, the guidelines conditionally recommend chondroitin for people with hand OA. Topical capsaicin is conditionally recommended for people with knee OA and conditionally recommended against use in people with hand OA. The evidence on other natural products is too limited for any conclusions to be reached.
Read more about the research on complementary health approaches for OA
Results from clinical trials suggest that some psychological and/or physical approaches—such as relaxation, mindfulness meditation, tai chi, and yoga—may be beneficial additions to conventional treatment plans for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but some studies indicate that these practices may do more to improve other aspects of patients’ health than to relieve pain.
Supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids, gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), or the herb thunder god vine may help relieve RA symptoms.
Read more about the research on complementary health approaches for RA
Clinical Guidelines
- Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)
- Nonpharmacologic and Pharmacologic Therapies for Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee (American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation)
- Guidelines for the Non-Surgical Management of Knee Osteoarthritis (OA Research Society International) [5.2 MB PDF]
Scientific Literature
Information for Your Patients
NCCIH Clinical Digest is a service of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, NIH, DHHS. NCCIH Clinical Digest, a monthly e-newsletter, offers evidence-based information on complementary health approaches, including scientific literature searches, summaries of NCCIH-funded research, fact sheets for patients, and more.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health is dedicated to exploring complementary health products and practices in the context of rigorous science, training complementary health researchers, and disseminating authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCIH’s Clearinghouse toll-free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCIH website at nccih.nih.gov. NCCIH is 1 of 27 institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health, the Federal focal point for medical research in the United States.
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