Anti-inflammatories may be damaging your joints

The cover story of the most recent issue of the Journal of Prolotherapy features the connection between ligaments, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (known as NSAIDs), and degenerative osteoarthritis.

Common NSAIDs include Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and Celebrex.  Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is not included in this group of drugs because it is a pain killer but not an anti-inflammatory.

NSAIDs are some of the most commonly used medications.  About 20-30% of elderly people regularly use NSAIDs for conditions including osteoarthritis.  However, long-term use of NSAIDs has many negative side effects including liver toxicity, stomach and gastrointestinal damage, cardiovascular disease, and even death.

The irony is that NSAIDs actually accelerate the arthritis that they are being used for.  They stop the body’s ability to stimulate the building blocks for cartilage in the joints.  This causes the breakdown of joints and the progression of osteoarthritis in your hips and knees, thus increasing the need for more joint replacement surgeries.

Instead of using NSAIDs on a long-term basis to mask the symptoms of joint disease, consider eating a healthier diet free from trans fats, adopting moderate exercise, and using prolotherapy to stimulate joint repair and tissue growth.