Supplements to Fight Arthritic Hands

by Jeff Jurmain, MA, October, 2008

Hand pain severely limits one's lifestyle. Untold millions suffer from it. The complexity of the hand is astounding. But it is all these parts working together that give the hand its unparalleled array of movements. Inside the hand are ligaments, bones, tendons and more than 60 different muscles. This makes it no wonder that the hand is susceptible to pain. That, and the fact that it is used in endless activities and maneuvers each and every day.

Here are your top supplements for relieving pain that has struck the joints in the hands:

1. SAMe: "S-adenosylmethionine" is a natural substance that could preserve cartilage in joints in your hand. Doses of between 400 mg and 1,000 mg a day could be as effective in relieving pain as prescription drugs.

2. Glucosamine: It could help repair cartilage and improve joint flexibility. A sugar inside your body, glucosamine is available as a supplement and in this form could eliminate joint pain -- and actually rebuild the inflamed joint.

3. Chondroitin: This one is naturally present in your body and helps create cartilage. In Europe, it's widely used as an arthritis pain reliever, and it could make your hand more mobile.

4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish oil capsules, including many kinds of fish, are readily available almost anywhere. Cod liver oil, for instance, has been proven to significantly reduce levels of an enzyme known to damage cartilage in joints. Omega-3s, which are found in these fish oils, could fight inflammation and reduce swollen joints and stiffness.

5. MSM: This popular supplement is an organic sulfur- containing substance found throughout the environment...and in some vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and meat. Experts have proven that MSM could significantly reduce pain and improve the joint function in people who have osteoarthritis. This can be considered legitimate short-term relief in joint pain.

6. Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA): GLA is found in evening primrose and borage seed oils. It's a fatty acid that could control inflammation and help repair injured joint tissue. It could help reduce how tender your hand might be, lower the swelling in joints around there, and lead you on the road to recovery.

7. Vitamins: Many vitamins could help with your painful hand. One is vitamin B3, also called "niacinamide," which could reduce the pain in swelling of arthritis-related hand pain. The second is vitamin D, which could prevent hand pain associated with osteoarthritis. The third is vitamin C, a deficiency of which puts you at risk of inflamed joints.

Your Health and Mine