Guide to Natural Remedies and Supplements for Kienbock's Disease

on Apr 10, 2023| Modified on Feb 07, 2024
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Kienbock's disease, also known as avascular necrosis of the lunate, is a rare condition that affects the lunate bone in the wrist. It occurs when blood supply to the bone is disrupted, causing the bone to die and eventually collapse. 1 While surgical interventions are often necessary, certain natural remedies and supplements can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall wrist health. In this article, we will explore various well-researched natural remedies and supplements for Kienbock's disease.

Understanding Kienbock's Disease

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The most common symptoms of Kienbock's disease include:

  • Wrist pain
  • Swelling
  • Limited range of motion
  • Stiffness
  • Weakness

Diagnosis of Kienbock's disease typically involves a physical examination, X-rays, and an MRI to confirm the condition and assess its severity. 1

Risk Factors and Causes

The exact cause of Kienbock's disease is unknown, but several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the condition:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Anatomical variations in blood supply to the lunate
  • Trauma or repetitive stress to the wrist
  • Smoking 1

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Kienbock's Disease

Anti-inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce inflammation and pain associated with various inflammatory conditions, and it could be beneficial for those with Kienbock's disease. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins.

Foods to include:

  • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
  • Nuts and seeds (walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds)
  • Fruits and vegetables (berries, cherries, leafy greens)
  • Olive oil
  • Whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, barley)

Foods to avoid:

  • Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta)
  • Fried foods
  • Sugary snacks and beverages
  • Processed meats
  • Excessive alcohol

Vitamin D and Calcium Supplements

Vitamin D and calcium play crucial roles in maintaining bone health. Supplementing with these nutrients may help strengthen bones and prevent further deterioration in Kienbock's disease. 2

  • Recommended daily dose: 600-800 IU of vitamin D, 1000-1300 mg of calcium (consult a healthcare professional)

Curcumin (Turmeric)

Curcumin, the active component in turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supplementing with curcumin may help alleviate pain and inflammation in Kienbock's disease. 3

  • Recommended daily dose: 500-1000 mg of curcumin (consult a healthcare professional).

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds found in healthy cartilage. Some studies suggest that these supplements may help reduce joint pain and promote cartilage repair. 4

  • Recommended daily dose: 1500 mg of glucosamine, 1200 mg of chondroitin (consult a healthcare professional)

Bromelain

Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with Kienbock's disease. 5

  • Recommended daily dose: 250-750 mg of bromelain (consult a healthcare professional)

Conclusion

While there is no "cure" for Kienbock's disease, incorporating natural remedies and supplements into your daily routine may help alleviate symptoms and support overall wrist health. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure safety and proper dosing. Remember that these natural remedies should be used in conjunction with standard medical treatments and not as a replacement for professional medical advice.

Citations

  1. Kienbock's Disease - OrthoInfo - AAOS. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/kienbocks-disease/
  2. Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bones.nih.gov/health-info/bone/bone-health/nutrition/calcium-and-vitamin-d-important-every-age
  3. Daily, J. W., Yang, M., & Park, S. (2016). Efficacy of turmeric extracts and curcumin for alleviating the symptoms of joint arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Medicinal Food, 19(8), 717-729. Retrieved from https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jmf.2016.3705
  4. Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/drug-guide/medication-topics/glucosamine-chondroitin-osteoarthritis/
  5. Brien, S., Lewith, G., Walker, A., Hicks, S. M., & Middleton, D. (2004). Bromelain as a Treatment for Osteoarthritis: a Review of Clinical Studies. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1(3), 251-257. Retrieved from https://academic.oup.com/ecam/article/1/3/251/1578235

Related Links:

Osteochondritis Dissecans | Bone Chip


Kienbock's Disease Remedies

1 User Review
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Posted by RedTink (Prosper, TX) on 04/09/2023
★★★★★

I am looking for healing for kienbock's disease. It is a rare disease where the blood supply starts to limit itself from going to the bone which eventually creates a cyst within the bone killing the bone which will eventually disintegrate and bust the bone or it explodes and required reconstruction and pins. There has to be something that repairs the bone naturally and helps increase blood supply to the bone. Any help or suggestions are very much appreciated. It is in both my son's wrists which will limit his movement very soon if I don't find some fixes.

Replied by Christian
(Quebec)
01/04/2024

Did you find something that repairs the bone naturally and helps increase blood supply to the bone? My wife have been diagnose with Kienbock's disease. I didn't find anything about natural cure but only find a good success surgery rate at Kienbock's Disease Lunate Collapse Diagnose X-Ray MRI Surgery Houston TX (rearmyourselftexas.com) Depending on how early the collapse is caught, this procedure has a 70-93% success rate; the success rate is better the earlier the procedure is performed. Following surgery, the wrist is immobilized for 1-2 weeks and then Hand Therapy is started.

Replied by Danielle
(US)
02/06/2024

Hi I'm wondering if you ever got any useful remedies for this? I'm suffering from this condition and am hoping to avoid surgery if there's any chance of that.

Art
(California)
02/07/2024
2293 posts

Hi Danielle,

Something you might consider is melatonin lotion as it will at a minimum reduce swelling, inflammation and pain and melatonin has bone reparative effects which may be beneficial with long term use. The following link discusses the bone reparative effects of melatonin :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7979260/#:~:text=1, considerable evidence has demonstrated, on osteogenic and osteoclastic activities.

Here is a relevant quote :

' To prevent the occurrence of bone-related diseases, delay their progression or reverse the injuries they cause, new alternative or complementary treatments need to be developed. Melatonin exerts numerous physiological effects, including inducing anti-inflammatory and antioxidative functions, resetting circadian rhythms and promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration. Melatonin also participates in the health management of bone and cartilage. In the present review, the potential roles of melatonin in the pathogenesis and progression of bone injury, osteoporosis, OA and periodontitis are summarized. Furthermore, the high efficiency and diversity of the physiological regulatory effects of melatonin are highlighted and the potential benefits of the use of melatonin for the clinical prevention and treatment of bone-related diseases are discussed. '

The melatonin lotion will allow very high local tissues concentrations of melatonin to be reached where it is needed at the wrist and it is very easy to make as discussed here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/supplements/topical-melatonin-pain-relief-success-stories.html

Please come back and let us know if it is helpful for your Keinbock's disease.

Art



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