Arthritis

What is Arthritis?

When the body’s cushioning cartilage breaks down, bones may begin to rub against each other, causing inflammation and joint pain. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint condition that affects over forty million Americans, most of whom are older individuals. The onset of arthritis may be gradual and most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, and spine).

What are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

Arthritis sufferers often experience early morning stiffness, stiffness following periods of rest, pain that worsens with use, and loss of joint function. The most common arthritis symptoms include local tenderness, soft tissue swelling, bony swelling, and restricted mobility. Joint pain may include hip pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, heel pain, and neck pain among others. Arthritis signs and symptoms may include:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Instability
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

Holistic Support for Arthritis Pain

There are many pain management solutions for managing the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain. At Village Green Apothecary, we believe in using a holistic approach that includes natural remedies for arthritis that help improve your quality of life. Holistic arthritis pain management includes:

• Diet recommendations
• Exercise tips
• Natural supplements
• Topical support

We’re here to help! 

Schedule a consultation with one of Village Green’s naturopathic doctors or certified nutritionists for a personal assessment of your unique situation. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), our professionals will:

• Review your arthritis symptoms and health history
• Examine your diet and lifestyle
• Recommend specialized testing
• Assess possible drug-nutrient interactions or depletions
• Answer any questions you may have
• Evaluate arthritis pain management options
• Create a customized plan that includes natural solutions, custom compounding, diet, and lifestyle recommendation

  Contact a Village Green nutritionist to help you design the best diet plan for your needs by calling 800-869-9159.

  Learn more about our nutrition counseling and wellness services.

Managing Arthritis Joint Pain through Diet

The foods you eat have the ability to trigger either pro-inflammatory chemicals or anti-inflammatory chemicals. Pro-inflammatory foods increase joint pain, swelling, and cellular damage. An increase in inflammatory chemicals has been associated with most chronic diseases including arthritis, heart disease, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and various cancers. Anti-inflammatory foods are health promoting and protective to the body. Eating the Standard American Diet (SAD) leads most people down a path of nutrient deficiencies, chronic illness, fatigue, and obesity.

At Village Green, we offer personalized nutrition counseling to help you understand the role that food choices play for your health. Our nutritionists will recommend foods as part of a comprehensive program that supports your goals for improved health and arthritis pain management.

Managing Arthritis Symptoms with Natural Supplements

Pathway INFLAMMOVE

Pathway INFLAMMOVE contains comprehensive blend of herbs, enzymes, and antioxidant nutrients
that supports healthy joint mobility. Key ingredients include turmeric, ginger, white willow, boswellia, devil’s claw, papain, bromelain, resveratrol and grape seed extract. This formula is recommended for anyone experiencing either acute or chronic pain and inflammation.

Pathway JOINT HEALTH FORMULA

Pathway JOINT HEALTH FORMULA is a superior formula for joint, bone, and connective tissue health. This unique formula provides an effective combination of synergistic nutrients supporting optimal structure and function of these tissues. It is an ideal formula both for building and maintaining strong joints and connective tissues, and supports their recovery from injury or degradation. Powerful ingredients include glucosamine, MSM, desiccated sea cucumber, k-Rutin, turmeric, grape seed extract, strontium, vitamin D, selenium, and bioperine for enhanced absorption.

Turmeric

Turmeric has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as cardiovascular, brain, liver, and digestive protective capabilities. Studies support its use in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis, and post-surgery recover. Pathway TURMERIC extract contains Curcumin C3 Complex, a patented blend of curcuminoids that has been clinically studied.

Proteolytic Enzymes

Pathway PROLYT contains a synergistic blend of full strength enzymes naturally extracted from fruit-in addition to the bioflavonoids quercetin and grape seed pycnogenols. Together, these nutrients ensure proper protein digestion and a normal inflammatory response, blocking the enzyme that gives rise to histamine. This blend also helps to maintain strong connective tissue.

Fish Oil

Studies show that EPA and DHA, the omega–3 essential fatty acids in fish oil, can provide pain relief and promote joint health as well as joint mobility and flexibility. Extensive research has documented the health benefits of EPA and DHA which include not only for joint mobility and inflammation support, but also benefit brain and cognitive function, eye health, pregnancy and lactation, skin and hair health, and promote healthy immune function. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiencies can play a role in the development of arthritis pain. Vitamin D deficiency is very common in adults and can cause numerous conditions including depression, immune dysfunction, joint pain, osteoporosis, high blood pressure, heart disease, and a variety of other health concerns.

If you’re at-risk for low vitamin D levels, sunlight is a natural remedy.  Even 10-15 minutes a day of sun exposure (more time for individuals with darker skin tones) can help boost vitamin D levels and help with joint pain caused by arthritis.

Village Green encourages everyone to have their vitamin D level tested. Based on your level, we recommend taking a vitamin D supplement daily. Taking a vitamin D supplement is inexpensive and recommended by leading health organizations including the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and NIH (National Institute of Health). Dosage will depend on your age, and other variables such as weight, where you live, how much time you spend outdoors, and your unique biochemical needs.