Do you suffer from gonarthrosis? Cortisone or hyaluronic acid injections are no longer sufficient or perhaps you would like to complete your treatment with natural methods? Find out how you can relieve your arthritic knee pain naturally with naturopathy.

"Let food be your first medicine" Hippocrates

This adage, which forms the basis for the practice of naturopathy reminds you of how important diet is in the occurrence or non-occurrence of diseases. By taking care to choose theright ingredients, you can take action on your health. 

In the case ofosteoarthritis, it will be recommended to adopt a diet of the type Seignalet diet, hypotoxic, mainly vegetarian, organic and especially anti-inflammatory. The gluten and lactose will be removed because they participate in maintaining the inflammatory state. Indeed, it was recognized that mainly these 2 substances promoted the inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, making it porous and thus allowing large molecules to pass through which end up "walking" throughout the body thus awakening pains in the weakened areas. In addition, inflammatory markers within the intestines were found after consumption of pro-inflammatory foods (sugars, gluten, lactose, additives...).

In addition, it is important to act on the acid-base balance by favoring alkaline fruits and vegetables because the acidification of the body leads to a generalized inflammatory state.

Beware that overweight worsens joint sensitivity in your knees because all your mass rests on your ankles. Weakened and overworked, ankles need support. It is therefore the knees that will compensate and take over the various tasks that normally fall to the ankles. This extra effort increases the risk of premature wear and tear of the cartilage in the knees.

Chondroitin and Glucosamine

It's worth supplementing with chondroitinand glucosamine, two molecules that occur naturally in your joints. They facilitate the mobility and elasticity of cartilage tissue. In fact, chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are basic elements in the composition of cartilage.

Studies have suggested conflicting results on the effectiveness or otherwise of the chondroitin/glucosamine combination. Still, many people have found relief in the long run. However, make sure you get complements of good quality and sufficient dosage.

Harpagophytum, the natural anti-inflammatory

Harpagophytum or devil's claw is the natural anti-inflammatory par excellence. World-renowned for its benefits at the joint level, this root is the natural remedy of first intention to relieve arthritic pain (coupled obviously with an adapted lifestyle) including gonarthrosis.

Kale as a poultice

Here's this grandmother's remedy that's been going strong since the days of the Roman Empire:

• Crush cabbage leaves with a rolling pin after removing the center rib
• Apply them carefully in thin layers on your painful knee
• Wrap it with a gauze to maintain the poultice for 2 to 6 hours.

The juice of the cabbage will act as an anti-inflammatory by decongesting the painful area.

Energy methods.

Reiki, magnetism or other energy techniques can soothe stiffness or even pain. They are a good help to improve your condition temporarily because if you do not take care to eradicate the cause of your suffering, it will eventually return...

Acupuncture can help to fluidify your energy flow and harmonize the functions of your different systems including osteo-articular.

Hydroxide Cure.

This naturally carbonated water is recommended to relieve joint pain. The electrolytes it contains increase diuresis, thus facilitating the elimination of uric acid via the urine. In addition, its content of a multitude of minerals and oligo-elements make it a real rejuvenator.

Staying in motion.

Despite the pain and discomfort, it is very important to keep physical activity to strengthen the muscles and therefore, the support of your knees. Cycling, walking, swimming are all appropriate sports to gently stimulate your joints. On the other hand, if you are an avid runner, be sure to invest in quality shoes to relieve your pressure and absorb shocks properly. 

Good to know:it takes 2 months to make muscle and 3 weeks for it to melt...

Postural assessment, podiatry and osteopathy

When you suffer from knees, it is interesting to go for a postural and podological assessment in order to determine if you do not have unbalance in your supports that could create chain reactions: knees inside, misalignment of the pelvis, scoliosis etc... Sometimes, orthopedic insoles can greatly improve the condition of your knees by rectifying the balance from the base.

One or more sessions with your osteopath can unlock some of the tension that prevents the knees from moving easily. In addition, it helps to release fascia and promote the evacuation of toxins and acids via the blood and lymphatic circulations. 

To conclude

These tips are avenues to explore but more importantly to apply in synergy. Alone, they will have a limited effect. Generally, the benefits are felt after several weeks. You need to be patient and persistent. Do not hesitate to approach a naturopath qualified in the accompaniment of osteoarticular problems in order to follow a personalized protocol especially if you are under treatment.