Use of alternative medicine is high among arthritis patients

Patients who suffer from arthritis are often given a prescription to buy Hyalgan to help them deal with their pain. However, new evidence suggests that many of these individuals also use complementary medicines like heat applications or natural supplements. Doctors should be aware of their patients' use of these alternative therapies to ensure that none of the conflict.

A team of researchers from the University of Alabama surveyed 855 African American rheumatoid arthritis patients about any steps they were taking to improve their condition. MedPage Today reports that a high percentage used alternative therapies.

Results showed that 80 percent used heat treatments, 21 percent took fish oil supplements and 27 used special jewelry like copper chains that are supposed to have healing properties. Other popular methods included lotions, garlic and raisins soaked in vodka.

"Healthcare providers need to be aware of the patients' use of these complementary medications, as some treatments could interfere or have interactions with conventional medicines," lead researcher Ashutosh Tamhane told the news source.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are more than 50 million people in the U.S. with some type of arthritic condition.