Therapeutics 2 - Osteoarthritis: Flashcards
Q1: What is osteoarthritis, and which joints are primarily affected?
A1: Osteoarthritis is the degeneration and loss of joint cartilage, mostly affecting large weight-bearing joints. It is associated with chronic inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Q2: What are some common risk factors for osteoarthritis?
A2: Risk factors include increasing age, reduced movement (poor nourishment of cartilage), joint trauma, obesity, and a more acidic, pro-inflammatory, nutrient-depleted body.
Q3: How can a whole food naturopathic diet support osteoarthritis?
A3: A whole food diet provides anti-inflammatory and joint-nourishing properties. Key nutrients include vitamin D for cartilage turnover, zinc for cartilage integrity, vitamin C for collagen synthesis, and omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
Q4: How do omega-3 fatty acids help in managing osteoarthritis?
A4: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammatory cytokines, improve microvasculature function, enhance tissue perfusion, and decrease pain.
Q5: Why is vitamin C important for osteoarthritis?
A5: Vitamin C is a co-factor for collagen synthesis, a key component of cartilage, and helps reduce oxidative stress that can trigger joint inflammation and cartilage damage.
Q6: What role does glucosamine sulphate play in osteoarthritis management?
A6: Glucosamine sulphate stimulates the metabolism of chondrocytes and synovial cells, slows joint degeneration, prevents joint space narrowing, and reduces inflammation by inhibiting cytokine formation.
Q7: How does chondroitin sulphate benefit joint health in osteoarthritis?
A7: Chondroitin sulphate protects cartilage by reducing degradative enzymes, lowering inflammatory intermediates like COX-2, and increasing hyaluronic acid synthesis to enhance joint lubrication.
Q8: How can celery seed help with osteoarthritis?
A8: Celery seed is alkalizing, removes acidic wastes via the kidneys, and relieves pain and inflammation of arthritis. It also has warming properties that aid digestion.
Q9: What are some other naturopathic treatments for osteoarthritis?
A9: Other treatments include alternating hot and cold compresses, Epsom salt baths, topical rubefacients (e.g., cayenne, wintergreen oil), comfrey oil for tissue regeneration, and regular gentle exercise to promote circulation and support bone density.
Q10: How does the celery, ginger, and turmeric shot help in osteoarthritis management?.
A10: This shot combines anti-inflammatory and alkalizing ingredients like ginger and turmeric, which help reduce pain, inflammation, and improve digestion.
