Lao Gǔzi's method for treating bone hyperostosis

Nov 28, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

The method of using old millet to treat osteophytosis is a folk remedy that lacks scientific evidence. Old millet has little nutritional value, and because it may deteriorate over long storage periods, consuming it could potentially harm the body. Patients with osteophytosis are advised to visit the orthopedics department of a local traditional Chinese medicine hospital for proper diagnosis and symptomatic treatment. Osteophytosis is also known as hypertrophic osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease.

The method of using old millet to treat osteophytosis is a folk remedy that lacks scientific evidence. Old millet has little nutritional value, and because it may deteriorate over long-term storage, consuming it could potentially harm the body. Patients with osteophytosis are advised to visit the orthopedics department of a local traditional Chinese medicine hospital for proper diagnosis and symptomatic treatment.

Osteophytosis, also known as hypertrophic osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, senile arthritis, or hypertrophic arthritis, occurs when cartilage, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and other soft tissues forming the joint undergo degeneration and aging, leading to the formation of bony spurs along the joint margins. For this reason, some people directly refer to osteophytosis as "bone spurs." It results from various factors causing wear and damage to cartilage, triggering the bone's own repair mechanisms involving hardening and overgrowth. This condition is essentially a natural part of aging.

When osteophytosis occurs, one should first correct poor postural habits and combine this with medications that counteract bone spurs and reduce swelling and pain. Traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy may also be helpful. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary for treating osteophytosis.

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Treatment Methods for Patellar Osteophyte

Osteophyte formation (bone spurs) in the knee is very common. If knee pain or disease is caused by knee osteophytes, hospital-based treatment is divided into non-surgical and surgical approaches. Non-surgical treatment begins with pharmacotherapy, including both topical and oral medications—such as patches, topical rubs, and oral agents. However, some patients may have comorbidities such as cardiac disease, gastrointestinal discomfort, hypertension, or abnormal blood glucose levels.

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Differences Between Osteophytosis and Osteoporosis

The difference between osteophytosis (bone spur formation) and osteoporosis lies in the fact that the former involves excess bone growth, whereas the latter involves bone loss. Although osteoporosis and osteophytosis are two distinct conditions, both can result from calcium deficiency. Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic bone disorder characterized by reduced bone mass, deterioration of bone microarchitecture, increased bone fragility, and heightened susceptibility to fractures.

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Can patients with bone spurs eat fish?

Whether patients with hypertrophic osteoarthritis can eat fish depends on whether they have allergies. If they are not allergic to fish, they can generally consume it. Fish is rich in protein, calcium, iron, and other trace elements, serving as a major source of calcium, which can help alleviate discomfort caused by joint lesions. However, if patients with hypertrophic osteoarthritis have an allergic constitution and are prone to allergies from freshwater or seafood, they should generally avoid eating fish.

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Can patients with osteophytosis undergo electric heating therapy?

Patients with bone hyperostosis may choose heat lamp therapy. Depending on the affected area, bone hyperostosis can cause different symptoms; for example, in the lumbar spine, it may lead to soreness and stiffness in the lower back. Heat lamp therapy can promote local blood circulation, improve blood flow, and help relieve pain. However, physical therapy serves only as an adjunct treatment and does not significantly address the underlying pathological changes of bone hyperostosis.