Elderly
Arthritis — elderly
Osteoarthritis affects most people by age 65. Herbal and nutraceutical options have modest but real effect sizes; movement remains the single best intervention.
Key points
- ✓Turmeric + piperine has multiple RCTs for osteoarthritis — effect size comparable to NSAIDs
- ✓Boswellia has particularly good data for knee OA
- ✓Devil's claw has evidence for low back pain; peptic ulcer is main contraindication
- ✓Movement — not bed rest — is treatment for OA
- ✓Watch drug interactions: turmeric + anticoagulants, devil's claw + peptic ulcer meds
Supportive herbs
Lifestyle & diet
Daily walking, pool exercise, strength training for muscle support around affected joints, weight management (each pound of weight loss = 4 pounds less knee load), heat for stiffness, cold for flares.
When to see a clinician
Severe pain limiting function, joint swelling/redness/fever (rule out infection or inflammatory arthritis), loss of range of motion, persistent symptoms despite conservative care — joint replacement has excellent outcomes.