Osteoarthritis of the knee is often the result of "wear and tear," previous injuries, and even older age. Treatment options such as steroid injections, prescription pain medications, and over-the-counter analgesics can be effective in managing the pain and joint inflammation of knee osteoarthritis, however, they can cause serious side effects. Here are some holistic treatments to consider if you experience pain, loss of mobility, swelling, and decreased range of motion from your knee osteoarthritis. 

Fish Oil Supplementation 

Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to relieve the pain and inflammation of degenerative arthritic conditions such as knee osteoarthritis. Fish oil not only helps reduce joint inflammation and pain from knee osteoarthritis, but it can also help relieve morning stiffness.

Fish oil can be purchased without a prescription and it is generally considered safe, however, if you take aspirin or anticoagulant drugs with your fish oil supplements, you may experience abnormal bleeding.

Fish oil can alter the blood clotting effects of your platelets, and if you take them with aspirin or prescription anticoagulant medications, it can heighten your risk for bleeding. Eating certain types of fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as sardines, salmon, and tuna can also provide you with the same arthritis benefits as fish oil supplements.

Massage Therapy

The symptoms of knee osteoarthritis also respond favorably to therapeutic massage. It helps promote circulation, enhance flexibility, and decrease pain from arthritic and other degenerative bone and joint conditions. While therapeutic massage cannot repair existing knee damage caused by osteoarthritis, it may help slow the progression of future damage.

It is essential that you get your therapeutic massages from a certified massage therapist or a chiropractic physician. Improper massage techniques can cause further joint damage, increase knee pain, and promote inflammation. Coupled with non-weight-bearing exercises such as riding a stationary bicycle, massage therapy may be one of the most effective holistic treatments in the management of osteoarthritis. Therapeutic massage can also help you sleep better, especially if you struggle with nighttime joint pain as a result of your arthritis.

If you have knee arthritis or other degenerative bone disorder and are seeking non-pharmaceutical methods of managing your symptoms, consider the above holistic treatments. While holistic treatments are highly effective in managing many health conditions, seek the advice of your healthcare provider before starting any new natural treatments, exercise programs, diets, or wellness routines.