By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, and many patients are looking for natural approaches to manage their pain, stiffness, and loss of function. While there is no shortage of supplements marketed for joint health, the quality of evidence behind most of them is surprisingly thin. In my practice as a sports medicine physician , three supplements consistently rise to the top when I re

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Knee pain is not random. Where you feel the pain can serve as a powerful diagnostic clue to the underlying problem. By understanding the source of your symptoms, you can take the appropriate first steps toward recovery. As a board-certified sports medicine physician , I evaluate knee pain every day in my clinic. In this guide, I walk through 15 of the most common causes of knee pain, organize

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Magnesium deficiency has been linked to worse arthritis symptoms and accelerated radiographic progression of joint disease. What makes this particularly concerning is that nearly half of Americans consume less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium from food — and this shortfall tends to worsen with age. In this post, I will review the current evidence on how magnesium affects joint h

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic (semaglutide), Wegovy, and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have transformed the landscape of medical weight loss. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes management, these medications are now generating excitement for an entirely different reason: their potential role in treating arthritis . Emerging clinical evidence suggests that GLP-1 agonists may not only r

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 5, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video CBD products have rapidly expanded from specialty clinics to mainstream health stores, with consumers turning to them for pain relief, anxiety management, and sleep support. But does topical CBD — in the form of creams, lotions, and oils — actually deliver on its promises? As a sports medicine physician , I frequently encounter patients asking whether CBD is worth trying for conditions like a

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Sugar is everywhere — and who does not enjoy a little sweetness? But the reality is that sugar poses a silent threat to health, contributing to worse outcomes and chronic pain regardless of body weight. Whether you are normal weight, overweight, or lean, excess sugar is toxic to the body. In this article, I will break down the hidden ways sugar affects your health and how reducing your intake

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Stem cell therapy has become one of the most talked-about treatments in the world of joint pain and arthritis. The promise is alluring: a single injection that could repair damaged cartilage, eliminate chronic pain, and restore mobility without surgery. But does the science actually support the hype? As a sports medicine physician who specializes in orthobiologic treatments , I want to walk

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 5 min read Watch the Full Video If you have knee osteoarthritis and conventional treatments like over-the-counter pain medications or cortisone injections have not provided adequate relief, genicular nerve blocks may be a treatment worth considering. This ultrasound-guided procedure targets the specific nerves responsible for transmitting knee pain to the brain, offering meaningful short-term relief that can help you get mo

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 04, 2026 · 6 min read Watch the Full Video Can the foods you eat really impact the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis ? Most people assume that joint health is entirely about mechanical wear and tear, but recent science tells a different story. Your diet may be one of the most important—and most overlooked—factors in managing osteoarthritis symptoms. The connection lies in an unexpected place: the trillions of bacteria living in yo

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 04, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Cupping therapy has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly after high-profile athletes like Michael Phelps appeared at the Olympics sporting those distinctive circular marks. But for patients dealing with chronic musculoskeletal pain, the real question isn't about celebrity endorsements — it's whether this ancient practice actually delivers measurable results. In this pos

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Ginger has been a cornerstone of culinary and traditional medicinal practices for over 5,000 years. Revered in Ayurvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ancient Egyptian healing traditions, this humble root has earned a remarkable reputation that modern science is now beginning to validate. Known for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger offers far more t

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Red light therapy and low-level laser therapy are increasingly being used to treat a wide range of painful conditions, from osteoarthritis and tendonitis to chronic neck and back pain. These treatments fall under the broader category of photobiomodulation (PBM), and they are emerging as safe, drug-free alternatives for managing pain and reducing inflammation. In this article, I review the la

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2025 · 8 min read Watch the Full Video Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have become one of the most promising regenerative medicine treatments for osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical trials continue to demonstrate that PRP can outperform many conventional treatments — but not all PRP is created equal. There are three critical mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of your PR

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2026 · 10 min read Watch the Full Video Living with knee osteoarthritis often means navigating a confusing landscape of treatment options, especially when it comes to injections. If cortisone shots have given you little to no lasting improvement, you are far from alone. The good news is that there are several alternatives worth considering, and the clinical evidence behind them continues to grow. In this guide, we will compare the

By Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD · Published March 4, 2025 · 20 min read Watch the Full Video What Is Knee Osteoarthritis and Why Is It So Complex? Knee osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is defined by the progressive loss of cartilage within the joint. Despite its prevalence, most patients have a limited understanding of the condition and the full range of treatment options available. In my practice, I frequently encounter patients who have received incomplete o

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions I treat in my sports medicine practice, and it is also one of the most misunderstood. Patients frequently arrive with beliefs about their diagnosis that are not only inaccurate but are actively preventing them from getting better. Misinformation about osteoarthritis can lead to unnecessary fear of movement, delayed treatment, and a l

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 3, 2026 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, and while medications and injections play an important role in treatment, nutrition is one of the most underutilized tools for managing joint pain and inflammation. In my practice as a sports medicine physician, I have treated thousands of patients with arthritis and have seen firsthand how powerful

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 3, 2026 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide, and one of the most common questions I hear from patients is whether dietary changes can meaningfully reduce joint pain. The answer, supported by a growing body of clinical evidence, is encouraging. Research now demonstrates that something as simple as eating berries on a daily basis may help r

Research shows vitamin K intake may reduce knee arthritis pain and protect cartilage. Learn about the two forms of vitamin K, the best food sources, and how this nutrient fits into a comprehensive approach to managing osteoarthritis.

Written by Dr. Jeffrey Peng, MD — Board-Certified Sports Medicine Physician Published: March 3, 2026 | Last Updated: March 3, 2026 Can alcohol actually worsen your arthritis symptoms and accelerate joint damage? Many patients assume that an occasional drink is harmless, but recent research reveals a clear connection between alcohol consumption and worsening arthritis—both on imaging and in daily pain levels. What may be most surprising is not simply how much you drink, but h