DIAGNOSTIC TESTING FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
T here is no single test to diagnose OA, so most doctors use a combination of methods to diagnose the disease and rule out the possibility other causes. A physical exam can show limited range of motion, grating of a joint with motion, joint swelling, and tenderness. An x-ray of affected joints will show loss of the joint space and, in advanced cases, wearing down of the ends of the bone and bone spurs. Testing for inflammatory markers will confirm if there is inflammation in the body.
TREATMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
Current goals when treating OA are to relieve pain and improve range of motion of the joint. Specific treatment depends upon which joint is affected. A combination of conventional treatment and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may be most effective.
MEDICAL APPROACH TO OSTEOARTHRITIS
Doctors may recommend various types of anti inflammatory drugs or immuno - suppressant drugs such as Corticosteroids (cortisone shot) -- injected directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.
NATUROPATHIC / NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS
How can naturopathic medicine help with osteoarthritis?
Naturopathic Medicine can help prevent osteoarthritis, and also help with pain management, improve range of motion of joints and improve mobility of joints once the diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made. Naturopathic Medicine is also very effective for treating inflammation in the body and the joints.
At the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic in Toronto our aim is to get to the root cause of the problem and then treat it with safe and effective natural therapies such as diet and nutritional changes, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage and supplementation to correct any deficiencies that may in effect worsen or exacerbate your symptoms. Our naturopathic doctor may suggest one or a combination of therapies based on your health status and your symptoms, after conducting a complete naturopathic assessment. *
If you are interested in preventing or treating osteoarthritis using complementary/ alternative/ naturopathic medicine, or you have been using conventional medicine and would like to complement your treatment with safe and effective natural alternative treatments / therapies, you can call us at 416 913 4325 to schedule an initial naturopathic consultation with our Naturopathic Doctor – Sushma Shah.
* DISCLAIMER: The information on this article is the property of Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases or promote any services or products mentioned on the website.
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