I was recently diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right foot which was giving me considerable pain and made it difficult to go running or walking but the conventional treatment plan didn’t appeal to me so I researched a more holistic and natural course of action.
What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage at the ends of the bones starts to break down causing pain, swelling and problems moving the joint. It can occur when joint injuries don’t heal properly or just as a result of ageing. Women are more likely to have it than men. Some people develop bony growths in the affected areas which can cause redness, swelling and pain. Obviously, severe osteoarthritis can be life limiting and even mild cases can stop people doing the exercise they love or generally getting about without pain. The typical treatment for this condition is surgery and/or regular steroid injections for life.
My Experience of Osteoarthritis
It’s easy to imagine that lifelong steroid injections didn’t appeal to me, after all I had opened a wellness centre based on overcoming PTSD naturally, so I didn’t fancy life long injections or an operation. I was investigated for a pain in my right foot that was giving my terrible trouble particularly when I exercised. As a regular runner, I found it was becoming increasingly painful and, after completing a half marathon in Feb 2020, the pain was so severe I could barely walk for a week afterwards, not great running around after two kids. The doctors diagnosed osteoarthritis and suggested the usual treatment. Fortunately, I was able to convince them to let me try an alternative 12 week programme, but I’d happily accept the orthotics in my shoes as I was aware my walking style is quite flat footed.
A Holistic Approach to Treatment
The first thing I realised needed to change was my diet. Up until then, I was super happy with a vegan diet but, to treat this issue, I needed to add oily fish such as salmon and mackerel to get the vitamins I needed to help with this issue. I also started to take an Omega 3 supplement along with Bare Biology Marine Collagen. As someone who already floated and had infrared sauna sessions, I simply increased these to one a week – without fail, I also dedicated more time to yoga – knowing how tight my hamstrings are, which was only worsening the issue. Now, I feel this natural diet-led course of treatment has been so effective that I hardly suffers any issues with my right foot at all. In fact, during lockdowns I have been running more half marathons and not even noticing any difference between my right, osteoarthritis affected foot, and my left one. I am beyond thrilled with the success of this treatment that I wanted to share it with others.
I would absolutely recommend people try this more natural treatment for osteoarthritis before committing to being dependant on steroid injections long term. If you would like to chat about this – please contact me.