Osteoarthritis – Not Just a Disease of Older Adults

Osteoarthritis – Not Just a Disease of Older Adults

Osteoarthritis — Natural Relief Through Magnets, PEMF & Supplementation | Dr. Irma Sierra

By Dr. Irma I. Sierra, Doctor of Chiropractic & Specialist in Biomagnetism

For decades, osteoarthritis has been considered a normal part of aging. The usual comments from your doctor might be: “You have a degenerative disease in your joints. There’s not much that can be done. Learn to live with it!” But this is not the case. Recent research shows that we do not have to suffer from arthritis pain. In fact, people younger than 55 can also develop osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA), or degenerative joint disease, affects more than 20 million people and is more common in women. The disease attacks the cartilage — the tissue at the ends of the bones in the joint that enables movement. Eventually, the cartilage wears away, and the bones rub together, causing pain, inflammation, and loss of mobility. Being over 55, having a family history of OA, being overweight, lack of exercise, falls, accidents, repetitive strain, and overuse of one or more joints can all be risk factors. However, the progression varies by individual. For some, it advances quickly with severe pain, while for others, it may go unnoticed except on an X-ray. If you have been told you have bone spurs, you have OA.

Diagnosis is straightforward but can sometimes be confused with other conditions. The most common signs are:

  • Constant or intermittent joint pain in the hands, fingers, knees, etc.
  • Stiffness after sitting, sleeping, or being still.
  • Hip pain or inflammation.
  • Unusual sensations or sounds when moving joints.

If you have these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider. They are not simply “a sign of getting older.” With early care, you can manage pain, improve function, and reduce degeneration — often without medication.

What Can We Do?

1. Exercise — The best way to both prevent and manage OA.

  • Low-impact: walking, stationary machines, aqua aerobics, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga.
  • Strengthening: light weights, resistance bands.
  • Start slowly if overweight, to avoid stressing knees and ankles.
  • Losing just 5 pounds can reduce nearly 15 pounds of pressure on your knees.

2. Visit a Doctor of Chiropractic

Chiropractors are trained and experienced in helping patients understand and manage OA effectively.

3. Nutritional Supplementation

  • 1,500 mg of glucosamine sulfate and 1,200 mg of chondroitin are the most studied for OA. Lig-Disc & Joint and Joint Food from Dr. Sierra’s Naturals are formulas designed to strengthen and relieve affected areas.
  • Organic flaxseed oil or omega-3 fatty acids to support joint lubrication and reduce inflammation.
  • A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while avoiding red meats and saturated fats.
  • Natural anti-inflammatories containing turmeric, bromelain, ginger, oregano, garlic, and rosemary: Inflam Health & More or Turmeric from Dr. Sierra’s Naturals.

4. Use of Magnets

Scientific studies indicate excellent benefits for OA.

  • Apply magnetic products directly to the affected area: knee supports, wrist bands, ankle supports, back belts, neck and shoulder bands, hip and elbow supports, bracelets, rings, magnetic cushions for sleeping or sitting, and magnetic insoles.
  • All of these supports provide stability to the joint. They are safe, cost-effective, and we ensure correct polarity — North (negative) to the skin — with magnetic strength appropriate for each area.
  • The negative pole (North) helps reduce inflammation, strengthens cells, improves circulation, relieves pain, and supports healing.

5. PEMF Therapy — Pulsed Electromagnetic Field

Since this article was first written, PEMF therapy has become one of the most powerful tools in our joint wellness protocol — and one I use personally every single day.

  • PEMF sends gentle, low-frequency electromagnetic pulses deep into joint tissue, signaling your cells to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate repair.
  • Clinical studies show cartilage thickness increases, inflammatory markers decrease, and cellular repair accelerates — even in areas with poor blood supply like joint cartilage.
  • This is not pain masking. It is cellular signaling — telling your body to do what it was always designed to do.
  • Devices I use and recommend: Vasindux PEMF (morning, paired with meditation), Kloud PEMF Unit (evening recovery and afternoon boost), Kloud Travel Pad (for consistent care on the go), and the OMI PEMF Pad (available in store).
  • Used consistently — even on pain-free days — PEMF is one of the most important investments you can make in your joint health.

Not ready to invest in a device yet? We warmly invite you to visit us at the Oasis Cabin, where you can experience a personal PEMF session and feel the difference for yourself — before making any decisions. Contact us at (787) 782-5767 to schedule your visit.

6. Other Alternatives

  • Moist heat or cold therapy. Heat should be applied with a damp towel, while cold can be applied with liniments or sprays — three times daily. Our Pain-Less Cream with arnica and organic hemp oil is an excellent option.
  • Hydrotherapy, cold laser therapy, and electromagnetic therapy — all available at our Chiropractic Clinic as complementary care alongside chiropractic adjustments.
  • Massage therapy, acupuncture, and naturopathy can also be beneficial.

The author is a Doctor of Chiropractic and specialist in the field of Biomagnetism. For more information, contact us at (787) 782-5767.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.