Is creatine good for arthritis?

Although research has not proven that creatine is good for arthritis, it may, in fact, increase muscle repair and growth in creatine users.

If someone is suffering from arthritis, their doctor may recommend a low dosage creatine supplement in order to slowly repair their muscles or build their muscles back up to their typical physique.

Those who suffer from arthritis will more than likely not be loading or stacking creatine in order to build muscle mass. However, they could use it to their advantage for repairing their weak muscles.

With that being said, creatine works differently for everybody. It may be extremely helpful to one patient with arthritis, and may not help another patient at all.

Consult a medical practitioner before starting to take a creatine supplement. These supplements are not regulated by the FDA.

Proper supplementation paired with a regular joint-friendly exercise routine is important for maintaining a healthy body. Go PRO today for workout plans, training logs, and more. 

Are There Different Methods to Use Creatine for Arthritis Patients?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been known to use a creatine supplement in order to strengthen their muscles. Creatine has actually been shown to be effective in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, especially through oral supplementation.

There is researched documentation of muscle activity, repair, and weakness with regard to creatine and RA. Creatine pills have been used to improve the quality of muscles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Although oral delivery of the supplement has been shown to improve muscle ability, there are other options. A patient could also drink a creatine supplement, have the supplement given through an IV, or even use light physical therapy in coordination with the supplement to help with muscle repair.

Patients who are in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis may have an easier approach if they catch it early. The patient could also stack the creatine with a muscle repair supplement in order to build and repair simultaneously with two separate products.

Is Creatine Supplementation Always Effective?

Although creatine has been seen to repair and build muscles in patients with arthritis, it has also been proven to be ineffective for some patients as well. Every patient struggling with arthritis is different.

The type of arthritis the patient has will differ. Likewise, the stage of arthritis the patient is in, as well as their age, gender, body weight, and any other medical conditions will affect how much the creatine supplement will actually help them.

Creatine has been proven to create more muscle strength and growth in patients with arthritis. However, the patients’ activity levels and their ability to function will not necessarily improve. Even though their muscles are strong enough to improve their activity and movement, they may still be in tremendous pain.

According to WebMD, taking a creatine supplement does not necessarily slow down the arthritis treatment process. Creatine will not cure someone with arthritis either.

Having arthritis is difficult and painful. It is a chronic illness which cannot be cured. Though this type of creatine muscle supplement has been seen to improve muscle growth, arthritis patients must undergo a lot of therapy and hard work.

No creatine supplement will assist them in functioning at normal levels without pain. An oral supplement of creatine will not serve as a sole treatment for patients with arthritis.

Is More Creatine Better for Arthritis Patients?

Unfortunately, no. Creatine cannot properly treat arthritis, therefore taking larger doses of creatine in order to restore a patient’s mobility or joint function will not be successful.

Taking larger doses of creatine can actually be harmful to the patient, especially if they are suffering from old age as well. Large doses of creatine can actually damage the kidneys when ingested over long periods of time.

If a patient with arthritis is on any other medications and if they take the creatine supplement simultaneously, they could see some health complications as well. The kidneys could be adversely affected by this combination.

Even medications as minor as ibuprofen can trigger a kidney problem when combined with creatine supplements. Patients who are older and are suffering from arthritis will most likely not benefit from taking a creatine supplement.

Before taking a creatine supplement or recommending the supplement to someone else with this disease, it is best to first consult a doctor to make sure it is appropriate. If the doctor believes that the creatine supplement will help the patient, they will determine the dosage recommendations and what types of steps need to be taken in order to dodge any medical complications or health risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the benefits of creatine?

Creatine helps you build muscle. Research has shown that people with more muscle tend to have a higher metabolism, allowing them to use calories from food intake more effectively. In short, when you have more muscle you burn fat easier.

Do I have to take supplements?

Unless your doctor has instructed you to take certain supplements, you do not have to take them.

Are supplements safe?

Whether or not dietary supplements are safe to take depends on a number of factors. Learn more about the safety of supplements here.

What supplements do I need to take?

No one can answer that aside from your doctor. To learn more about the various supplements that doctors commonly recommend, check out this article.

Don’t forget that taking supplements is just part of a healthy diet and exercise regimen. For a total healthier you, consider signing up for our PRO plan today.