I had severe bursitis in my hip and moderate arthritis in my hands.
The bursitis runs in the family, and it started when I was still in high school.
Around 2005 it was so severe that I couldn't walk two blocks without sitting down to rest and I couldn't drive a car without putting a 'blue ice' pack behind my hip to numb the pain from the pressure on the gas pedal. I lived on SAMe and Ibuprofen, rubbed Arnica and Blue Emu on it constantly. I thought I was going to be a candidate for hip replacement. I didn't like that at all, I try to avoid invasive treatments if possible. So I asked around all the alternative sources I could find.
I get my vitamins at Life Extension Foundation, and they are huge sellers and promoters of dietary supplements. They also have doctors that you can e-mail. The docs functions are limited to general advice, as they can't give specifics without seeing you.
I expected to get a list of supplements and perhaps something I had overlooked. Instead I got dietary advice.
Now if I can cure the problem with a change in diet, that sounds good to me. Fixing the problem is better than repairing so of course I decided to give it a try.
The results were quick and within a few months I was much better, and a few months later I would guess 90% better and no longer thinking about surgery.
Here's the response from LEF:
For both arthritis and bursitis, treatment is similar:
Try the dietary approach first, and if that doesn't work, take stronger action.
Foods that may contribute to chronic inflammation are foods with a high glycemic index (foods that convert to sugar quickly), such as fruit juices, sugars, simple starches, or rice cakes, foods heavy in polyunsaturated or saturated fats, and foods high in arachidonic acid. Some specific foods to avoid are:
* Fatty cuts of red meat (high in saturated fats)
* Organ meats: liver, kidney, and so forth (very high in arachidonic acid)
* Egg yolks (high in arachidonic acid) [my addition: fowl is even higher in AA than egg yolks]
* Pasta (high glycemic index)
* Juices (high glycemic index)
* Rice, especially rice cakes (high glycemic index)
* White bread (substitute whole grain breads such as rye or whole wheat)
* Nightshade Plants bother many people (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, paprika)
Glycemic index charts can be found on the Internet.
Better choices are foods with a low glycemic index and foods that are heavy in monounsaturated fats. Some specific good foods are:
* Salmon and other fish
* Oatmeal
* Fresh fruits and vegetables
* Olives and olive oil
* Peanuts and other nuts
* Whey proteins
Supplements:
* Nettle Leaf
* S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) 400-1200mg/day
* Nexrutine
* 5-Loxin
Boswellic acid (5-Loxin) is the active component of the
Boswellia serrata tree native to India
* Ginger
* Glucosamine Suflate
* Chondroitin Sulfate
* Willow Bark
* Omega-3-Oils (Omega-3-Fatty Acids) Fish Oil
* Antioxidants
* Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
* Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) 2,000-3,000mg/d
Ice it, support it.
When a joint threatens to deteriorate completely, orthopaedic surgeons can repair or replace it. However, replacement parts wear away or loosen over time and often need an additional operation (sometimes more). A novel method of treating degenerative cartilage diseases has been developed by an orthopaedic surgeon in Miami , FL , as a possible alternative to invasive procedures such as joint replacement.
The innovative procedure developed and patented by Dr. Allan Dunn involves the injection of human growth hormone directly into the affected joint spaces of the arthritic patient that, in turn, stimulates the growth of cartilage. The cartilage regrowth causes increased space between the ends of the bones, often up to 4 mL in volume, enough to ease pain and stiffness in the affected joint. Growth hormone also increases the production of collagen, the strong fibrous connective tissue that attaches cartilage to bone and provides a framework for the gelatinous matrix, the resilient part of cartilage.
IntraArticular Growth Hormone (IAGH) gives the body the cues it needs to set the cartilage growth process in motion. Stimulation of cartilage regeneration with growth hormone reproduces the same environment in which joint tissues grow during childhood. The IAGH procedure has been successfully used on hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, and elbows. (Dr. Allan Dunn may be reached at (888) 848-6534.)
I went with the diet continued the supplements I was already taking but dropped the NSAIDs. For about 3 years I continued at that 90% improved rate. Something that was not difficult to deal with, no more ice packs, no more NASIDs, manageable discomfort.
Then I discovered Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. After a few sessions in an PEMFT clinic, I bought a home unit that emits the required low frequency, north polarity, square wave pulsed magnetic field. Now I'm not only 100% pain free, so is my wife, and we dropped all the supplements except for the Glucosamine and we are very low dose on that. We continue because it's supposed to re-build cartilage.
I can even eat a few of the trigger foods every once in a while without having a relapse. It's close to a miracle cure. So my diet is limited, but I have full use of my hands and hips, it's worth the trade.
Bob
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