Alternative remedies for arthritis are nothing new. Folklore is full of potions and poultices that supposedly relieve joint pain, and the advent of modern medicine hasn’t dampened the public’s interest. If anything, arthritis patients are more adventuresome than ever before.
It’s no surprise that so many arthritis sufferers are willing to venture beyond the bounds of mainstream medicine, says John H. Klippel, MD, president and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. With few exceptions, patients with arthritis are never completely cured by standard medicine. “Traditional treatments can relieve pain, but people still suffer,” he says. In addition, today’s patients aren’t always willing to just sit back and take doctor’s orders. “Many patients will try anything to take charge of their health.”
Heading for the mainstream?
