The Healing Power of Aloe Vera: Top Health Benefits You Need to Know

Can we do anything for knee OA by the consumption of Aloe-vera Gel?

Aloe vera is best known for its cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, and is often used externally for a variety of skin ailments, burns, and other inflammatory issues. With respect to Osteoarthritis (OA), especially knee OA, though, the usefulness of aloe vera gel is still under investigation.

Can Aloe Vera Gel Help with Knee Osteoarthritis?

Aloe vera gel may be effective in the treatment of joint inflammation, as well as externally soothing and treating skin. It is possible that Aloe vera helps with knee OA in the following ways:

1. Anti-inflammatory Effects: OA is associated with swelling and other symptoms that can cause discomfort during movement. Aloe vera has served as herbal remedy for inflammation due to certain compounds present, such as anthraquinones.

2. Pain Relief: Aloe vera has some level of analgesic attributes, albeit mild. There are some people who, upon using aloe vera on painful areas where OA affects them, claim to receive relief from the pain in those regions. Rather, it can be described as a natural augment to other therapeutic methods.

3. Moisturizes the Skin: OA is known to cause dry skin around joints, which can be further exacerbated by medication. Aloe vera gel can provide soothing and moisturizing effects to dry skin surrounding the knee joint and ensure the skin stays healthy.

Can Aloe Vera Be Taken Internally?

Taking into account a person's moderate use of Aloe-vera, an Aloe Vera advocate believes that the internal consumption of aloe vera juice or supplements can have benefits considering the anti-inflammation properties aloe vera has. Nevertheless, the scientific evidence of aloe vera internal intake is quite limited. Controversies exist over whether aloe vera should be treated as a form of inflammation treatment. Furthermore, it is not regarded as the primary treatment for OA. Taking into consideration some of the negative effects that ingesting aloe vera might bring with it, it is safe to say that aloe vera should be used cautiously.

What Does Research Say?

Studies regarding various inflammatory conditions have been observed in Aloe vera, but the use of aloe in osteoarthritis is still novel. Several studies and speculation suggest that the use of aloe vera helps in getting rid of mild local inflammation and relieving joint pain. But further researches are needed to determine its use and effectiveness in OA.

Alternative Ways to Address Knee OA

While aloe-vera use might relieve some of the discomfort, it's certainly not a remedy. Here are a few other recommendations if one wishes to manage knee OA instead of elbow OA:

Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee can help lessen the stress on the cartilage, enhancing mobility and alleviating pain.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, or prescription options like corticosteroid injections or hyaluronic acid injections, are commonly used to control pain and inflammation in knee osteoarthritis.

Exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking can help preserve joint mobility and decrease stiffness in the knee.

Weight Management: Shedding excess weight can relieve pressure on the knee joints, potentially slowing the progression of osteoarthritis and easing discomfort.

Conclusion:

While aloe vera gel may offer some mild relief from the pain and inflammation linked to knee osteoarthritis, it shouldn't be the only treatment relied upon. Using it as a complementary therapy could be beneficial, but it's crucial to consider other evidence-based options for managing knee osteoarthritis. Always consult your healthcare provider before adding new supplements or topical treatments to ensure they are safe and suitable for your situation.