Acupuncture is among arthritis treatment options

Charlotte Observer (subscription), NC - Jan 24, 2005

Other possible treatments for arthritis pain:

Acupuncture: In a recent study of 570 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, National Institutes of Health researchers found that patients who received 26 weeks of acupuncture had increased function and significant pain relief compared with a placebo. Acupuncture was tested in combination with other therapies already being used by the patients.

Glucosamine: This is a compound that occurs naturally in the body, but the dietary supplement is made from shellfish. The NIH is conducting a large-scale study, to be published next year, on the effectiveness of glucosamine for osteoarthritis of the knee.

Exercise and diet: Tufts University researchers enrolled men and women with osteoarthritis of the knees into home-based strength training programs, and after four months, they reported a 43 percent reduction in pain, a 44 percent improvement in physical function, and a 71 percent increase in muscle strength. Tufts researcher Miriam Nelson, co-author of "Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis," is a strong advocate of stretching exercises, physical therapy, yoga and low-impact exercise, such as swimming, biking and tai chi, to help reduce arthritis symptoms.

Sources: Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, National Institutes of Healt