Alternative therapies show promise for osteoarthritis [news]
While there are many types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common form and affects more than 25 million Americans. Osteoarthritis, or OA, is due to the loss of the cartilage cushion that lines the joints, leading to joint pain, reduced range of motion, and occasionally swelling and deformity. Researchers have looked at a number of alternative therapies to help prevent or treat arthritis, and glucosamine and chondroitin are two popular supplements that have been studied for their role in this regard.