Supplements for Arthritis in the Hips

Around 54 million American adults suffer from arthritis. In addition to medication and surgery, many arthritis sufferers look to natural supplements to find relief. Unfortunately, some of these arthritis “cures” can be unproven, ineffective, and even dangerous. We’ve sifted through the contenders and compiled a list of supplements that have shown real evidence of improving the lives of those dealing with arthritis in the hips.

Building Blocks for Cartilage and Lubrication:

Glucosamine Sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate protects cartilage and slows its deterioration. It improves joint mobility and helps joints move better. Glucosamine also reduces pain.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate improves joint function. It slows down the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and decreases joint pain and inflammation. Glucosamine and chondroitin work well in combination.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

MSM decreases joint pain and inflammation. It acts as a painkiller and helps form connective tissue.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

SAM-e is a pain reliever with anti-inflammatory properties. It stimulates cartilage growth, increases mobility, and reduces pain perception. SAM-e may relieve OA symptoms as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with fewer side effects and longer lasting benefits.

Avocado-soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

ASU blocks inflammatory chemicals. It helps prevent deterioration of the synovial cells that line joints, and may assist in regenerating normal connective tissue. ASU can reduce the progression of OA in the hip, and may improve symptoms enough to reduce or eliminate NSAID usage.

Green-lipped Mussel Extract

A source of glycosaminoglycans and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting cartilage health and reducing inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouses

Turmeric

The chemical curcumin (curcumona longa) in turmeric prevents and minimizes joint inflammation. It eases joint pain and stiffness.

Boswellia Serrate (Indian frankincense)

Boswellic acids have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. They may prevent cartilage loss and inhibit autoimmune damage.

Capsaicin (Capsicum frutescens)

Capsaicin, found in peppers, reduces joint pain. Depletes substance P, a pain transmitter, offering temporary pain relief.

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids and DHA)

Fish oil improves joint health by encouraging the production of resolvins, chemicals that help control joint inflammation. It significantly reduces joint tenderness and morning stiffness, reducing or eliminating the need for NSAIDs.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

An Omega-6 fatty acid, GLA is converted by the body into anti-inflammatory chemicals. It reduces stiffness and improves grip strength. A combination of GLA and fish oil significantly reduces the need for pain killers.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

With anti-inflammatory properties similar to those of ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors, ginger relieves joint pain and lowers inflammation. In one study it even reduced inflammation as well as steroids.

Green tea

Green tea relieves inflammation and helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage. Contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle inhibits enzymes that cause inflammation. It helps to reduce inflammation, achiness, and joint pain.

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme from pineapple with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This anti-inflammatory agent improves joint pain and lowers swelling.

Devil’s Claw

Devil’s Claw (not to be confused with Cat’s Claw) is a plant root that decreases joint pain and inflammation while improving mobility and flexibility.

Supporting Nutrients for Hip Arthritis

• Calcium: The mineral calcium improves bone and joint health.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is important for bone health.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is important for building connective tissues and could possibly decrease arthritis pain.
• Vitamin E: Another antioxidant that may protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.
• Omega-9: Promotes heart health and may indirectly benefit joint health through improved circulation.

Alternative and Botanical Options for Arthritis in the Hips:

• Celery – Celery helps reduce joint inflammation.
• Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) – Cat’s Claw is an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF), just as many rheumatoid arthritis (RA) drugs do. It reduces joint pain and swelling.
• Rosehips: A rich source of vitamin C, important for maintaining collagen and joint health.
• Pine Bark Extract: Contains antioxidants that may protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation.

Before beginning a supplement regimen, personal research is helpful. The FDA doesn’t test supplements, but some private companies do. And of course, it’s essential to speak with your doctor about the potential side effects and medication interactions of any supplements you’re considering. Natural relief for arthritis is possible, but it’s always wise to proceed carefully.

Conventional Treatments for Hip Pain

It’s important to understand that while alternative treatments may offer some symptom relief for hip arthritis, they should not be seen as a cure or a replacement for conventional medical care. Consulting a pain doctor is crucial for accurate diagnosis and proper treatment planning. Here’s a breakdown of potential options:

Injections:

• Corticosteroid injections: These injections directly into the hip joint can reduce inflammation and pain for several weeks or months. However, repeated injections can damage the joint over time, so they are not a long-term solution.
• Hyaluronic acid injections: This lubricating substance can be injected into the joint to improve joint function and reduce pain. The effects typically last for 6 months to a year.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP contains concentrated growth factors from your own blood and is injected into the joint to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Research on its effectiveness for hip arthritis is ongoing.

Alternative Treatments:

• Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint can improve stability and reduce pain.
• Occupational therapy: Learning techniques to perform daily activities without putting strain on the hip can make a significant difference in quality of life.
• Acupuncture: Though the mechanism is not fully understood, studies suggest acupuncture may offer pain relief for some people with hip arthritis.
• Massage therapy: Gentle massage can help loosen tight muscles and improve circulation around the joint, providing temporary pain relief.
• Heat therapy: Applying heat to the hip joint can improve blood flow and reduce stiffness and pain.
• Ice therapy: Applying ice to the hip joint can reduce inflammation and swelling.
• Weight loss: If you are overweight or obese, losing weight can significantly reduce the pressure on your hip joint and improve symptoms.
• Dietary changes: Some people find that eliminating inflammatory foods like gluten or dairy from their diet helps reduce pain.
• Remember:
  Always discuss any alternative treatments with your doctor before trying them.
• Some alternative treatments may interact with medications you are taking.
• There is limited scientific evidence for the effectiveness of some alternative treatments for hip arthritis.
• Surgery may be necessary in severe cases of hip arthritis.

It’s crucial to choose a pain doctor like those at Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, who are familiar with both conventional and alternative treatments for hip arthritis. They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Consult a Professional:

With so many options, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At Arizona Pain and Spine Institute, our pain expert doctors can help you navigate this landscape, tailoring a supplement plan that complements your specific needs and medical history. Don’t let hip arthritis limit your life – schedule a consultation today and unlock the powerful potential of personalized supplement therapy.