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Treat Osteoarthritis using Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional medicines and treatment methods such Acupuncture and Chinese Medicines proves highly effective in treating conditions such as Osteoarthritis! Arthritis is of various types and Osteoarthritis is one among them. Through this post, let us see the causes, symptoms and treating methods that can be used to reduce pain and treat Osteoarthritis!

What is Osteoarthritis??

Osteoarthritis (OA) is not considered as a single disease but the result of various disorders leading to the structural or functional failure your joints. Osteoarthritis involves not just the joint but also the nearby muscles, underlying bones, ligaments, the joint cover etc. Osteoarthritis also involves an advancing loss of cartilage. Here the cartilage tries to repair itself, the bones get remodelled, harden and bone cyst gets formed. Osteoarthritis is an advancing condition and proper care needs to be taken to avoid serious complications.

Osteoarthritis & its Causes

The causes of osteoarthritis are diverse

  • The cause of osteoarthritis is actually unclear. But however a few of them can be found to be one of the reasons of developing osteoarthritis
  • People with diabetes are prone to develop osteoarthritis
  • Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and obesity
  • Traumatic causes contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. It can be either macro trauma or micro trauma. Macro traumas are injuries such as broken bones, misalignment, loss of stability, damaged cartilage etc. Micro trauma occurs over a period of time. Over use of joint bones causes this condition. It includes problems such as infected joints, chronic gouty arthritis, and rheumatoid related diseases
  • Metabolism related troubles may cause osteoarthritis
  • Abnormal body anatomy, like unequal leg length might be because osteoarthritis
  • A genetic or hereditary defects may also be a reason
  • Nutritional problems can develop osteoarthritis
  • Conditions such as hemophilia and sickle cell also contribute in developing osteoarthritis

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

The symptoms of osteoarthritis vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include;

  • Stiffness
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle weakness

The most common parts of the body that gets affected by osteoarthritis include;

  • Hands – usually the finger joints
  • Spine – in the neck or lower back
  • Hips & knees

How you realize it’s time to go to hospital…

  • Injuries from trauma
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Signs of infection
  • Fever, redness, or swelling of joints
  • Unexpected inability to walk

Here are a few self-Care techniques you can follow at home!!

Lifestyle changes may hold the seriousness of osteoarthritis symptoms and help a great deal in reducing pain. Here are a few that you could follow to have a control over its pain.

  • Weight management – Having a control over your weight is important for because osteoarthritis can affect the weight-bearing joints that can result in severe joint pain. Researchers have found out that weight loss may reduce the risk for osteoarthritis in the knee, predominantly in women and also in men
  • Exercise & diet: Regular exercise definitely helps to strengthen the muscles and would probably arouse the healthy growth of cartilage. Vitamin C and E are antioxidants that can help in giving some protection as they are recommended for having strong bones. The recommended daily dosage of Calcium is 1000-1200 mg.

Here are a few tips on what kind of exercises you can do to reduce the symptoms and pain related to osteoarthritis

  • Relaxation and support: Muscle relaxation and meditation helps you manage pain and difficult emotions, like anxiety, which can be experienced by people with osteoarthritis. There are a few devices that can be used for assistance while moving the joints without pain. These devices support, line up, prevent, and correct deformities. Splints or braces help with joint alignment and also weight redistribution. Few other devices used for assistance includes walkers, crutches, orthopedic footwear etc.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis. osteoarthritis commonly develops from the age of 45, although it can occur even in younger people but many of us will develop its symptoms as we become older. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine help you treat such complications in an effective way…

Visit us anytime; we are located in South Melbourne… If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of Chinese medicine and acupuncture in treating pain management conditions, call us on 1300 432 639.

Written by

Dr Scott Ling
Dr. Scott Ling is the Chief Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist and the founder of Sustain Health. He holds a PHD Doctorate Degree in Chinese medicine from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Dr Ling’s extensive qualifications also include a Master of Reproductive Medicine (western medicine). Due to his unique medical background, Dr Ling’s approach stresses on the integration of Chinese and Western medicine to ensure patients get the greatest benefits from the best of both medical systems.

6 thoughts on “Treat Osteoarthritis using Traditional Chinese Medicine”

    1. Hi Jose! Our amazing practitioners at Sustain Health are trained in Chinese medicine and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more or booking in an appointment, please give us a call on 1300 432 639 or email us at reception@sustainhealth.com.au and one of our friendly front desk assistants can help 😊

  1. Hello, I am in stage 4 of osteoarthritis and needed treatment without going through surgery is it possible? I am realy in need of this Chinese traditional therapy.

    1. Hi Emmanuel, thank you contacting us! Our Sustain Health Chinese medicine practitioners and acupuncturists are able to help with osteoarthritis. For new patients, we offer Complimentary Phone Consultations where you can discuss further with one of our practitioners. Alternatively, if you’re interested in learning more or booking in an appointment, please give us a call on 1300 432 639 or email us at reception@sustainhealth.com.au and one of our friendly front desk assistants can help 😊

    1. Hi Anna! Great question. In this article, our Chief Practitioner, Dr Scott Ling, recommends foods that are rich in Vitamin C and E, as well as calcium. If you would like further information or advice, I would highly recommend booking for a 15-min complimentary phone consultation with one of our skilled practitioners to gain a better understanding on how Chinese medicine and Acupuncture can help with osteoarthritis. Feel free to call us on 1300 432 639 to arrange a consultation or you can book online here: https://sustainhealth.com.au/book-now/ 😊

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