Joint pain and arthritis
Aching, stiff or swollen joints, most often from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
13 findings across 7 topics. Strongest evidence: Tai Chi (B), Boswellia (C), Turmeric (C).
Grades show how certain the evidence is, not how big the effect is. How we grade evidence
What helps
Tai Chi
- Eases knee osteoarthritis pain — Benefit, grade B: Moderate
Boswellia
- Eases knee osteoarthritis pain — Benefit, grade C: Limited
- Improves knee cartilage on imaging — Benefit, grade C: Limited
- Improves knee function — Benefit, grade C: Limited
Turmeric
- Eases knee osteoarthritis pain — Benefit, grade C: Limited
- Eases rheumatoid arthritis symptoms — Benefit, grade C: Limited
- Pain relief similar to NSAIDs — Benefit, grade C: Limited
Ginger
- Eases knee osteoarthritis pain — Benefit, grade C: Limited
Mixed evidence
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Eases knee pain — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
- Improves knee function — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
- Slows joint space narrowing — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
Collagen
- Eases knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness — Mixed results, grade C: Limited
Acupuncture
- Eases osteoarthritis pain, including the knee — Mixed results, grade C: Limited