Common Questions About Arthritis

Arthritis in Both Knees

Question: I have arthritis in both knees. What will help the pain and allow me to walk more than 10 minutes without resting?

Answer: There are a number of integrated approaches to the treatment of arthritis that should help you reduce your pain and increase your exercise capability. The first is to make sure your diet is one of low fat, nutritionally dense foods--that is, mostly fruits and vegetables. If you are overweight, it would be very reasonable to try to lose weight. This can be done by following a low calorie diet, a high protein diet, or going on a short fasting program alternating with eating more organically. Each person is unique--you must find the right program for you.

In my own personal practice I have found that acupuncture works exceptionally well for arthritis of the knees. Beyond that, of course, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs--including aspirin--can be useful, but the alternative approach of taking supplements such as Omega-6 fatty acids, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and using spices such as turmeric in food is rapidly gaining more and more popularity.

Finally, mind body exercises for arthritis may be quite useful--they increase the energy of the central nervous system, which helps you dampen the pain. In my book The Pain Cure, I present several examples.

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