Previous studies have shown that intake of vitamin D supplement may reduce the pain associated with fibromyalgia, knee osteoarthritis, and other chronic conditions. However, in a recent study published in JAMA, the said vitamin didn't relieve pain. It didn't even show that it could stop cartilage loss in those patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis, per se, is a progressive disease. Currently, there’s no treatment available that can stop cartilage loss. Most patients would opt for knee replacements. This joint disorder is a very common disease, and it affects more than 250 million people in the world.
In a study conducted in Australia and Tasmania, researchers gathered more than 400 people to participate in the controlled research. These individuals have knee OA and with low levels of vitamin D.
The participants were divided into two groups. The first group received vitamin D supplement, and the other group got a placebo. Over the course of the study, which lasted two years, the supplements showed to increase the vitamin D blood levels who took it but they didn't reduce knee pain.
The MRI results of the participants didn't show significant differences in their cartilage. Thus, when the researchers compared vitamin D supplement with that of placebo, they didn't see significant differences in the patients’ knee pain score. The findings could not support the intake of vitamin D supplements for the purpose of preventing tibia cartilage loss while improving WOMAC knee pain for patients with knee osteoarthritis.
What is the role of vitamin D in the body?
This type of vitamin is useful in controlling calcium and phosphate levels in the body. It’s also vital in the formation of stronger bones and teeth. Furthermore, it modulates cell growth while it enhances neuromuscular function and strengthens the immune system. It also reduces inflammation.
A scarcity of this vitamin will cause body pain, especially in the pelvic, rib cage, and lumbar regions.
While vitamin D didn’t prove to be effective in relieving osteoarthritis pain, you should still continue taking vitamin D, if recommended by your doctor. Bear in mind that it’s a vital nutrient that your body needs.
It’s also necessary that you engage in a regular exercise to strengthen your muscles. It is especially beneficial if you’re overweight. The extra weight the you have may go through your knee. One of the best exercises that you can perform is aquatic exercise.
With proper exercise, you can control your weight. It will prevent putting a tremendous amount of pressure, strain and stress on your hips and knees. When you shed pounds, it will be easier for you to achieve success while undergoing physical therapy. For you to lose weight, you should eat a balanced diet and perform as much exercise as you can.
Instead of reaching to a pain reliever, try thermotherapy. It’s an effective osteoarthritis treatment that utilizes heat or cold. With heat, it increases circulation in the joint while it relaxes muscles. Cold, on the other hand, can numb the pain as it cools down your nerve impulses, thereby, decreasing swelling.
There are other natural ways to relieve osteoarthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about them.
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