Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-05-08
There is currently no scientifically proven "natural cure" that can reverse the bone death associated with osteonecrosis. While complementary therapies can help manage pain and support bone health, they cannot replace conventional medical interventions such as core decompression, bone grafting, or joint replacement surgery. What role do supplements and diet play in managing osteonecrosis? Many patients with osteonecrosis explore supplements to support skeletal integrity, though evidence of their efficacy in reversing the condition is limited.
10 people with Osteonecrosis have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
12
Is there any natural treatment for Osteonecrosis?
Natural treatments for Osteonecrosis: what patients have tried and reported, with an evidence-based, medically reviewed summary.
There is currently no scientifically proven "natural cure" that can reverse the bone death associated with osteonecrosis. While complementary therapies can help manage pain and support bone health, they cannot replace conventional medical interventions such as core decompression, bone grafting, or joint replacement surgery.
What role do supplements and diet play in managing osteonecrosis?
Many patients with osteonecrosis explore supplements to support skeletal integrity, though evidence of their efficacy in reversing the condition is limited. Clinicians often focus on correcting underlying deficiencies that may exacerbate bone loss. Common approaches include:
- Vitamin D and Calcium: Essential for bone metabolism, though they do not reverse existing osteonecrosis.
- Bisphosphonates: While these are conventional medications, some patients explore them to slow bone resorption in early-stage osteonecrosis.
- Anti-inflammatory diets: Reducing systemic inflammation through omega-3 fatty acids may help manage pain, though clinical trials specifically for osteonecrosis are lacking.
Can physical therapy and lifestyle changes help with osteonecrosis?
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of managing osteonecrosis to maintain joint range of motion and muscle strength. Because osteonecrosis often leads to joint collapse, weight-bearing must be carefully managed. Physical therapists typically recommend low-impact activities like swimming or stationary cycling to reduce stress on the affected joint while maintaining mobility.
Are mind-body practices effective for pain relief?
Mind-body practices such as acupuncture, meditation, and restorative yoga are frequently used by the 410 members of the DiseaseMaps community to cope with the chronic pain associated with osteonecrosis. While these therapies do not treat the underlying pathology of osteonecrosis, they are generally safe and can significantly improve quality of life and mental well-being when integrated with a conventional treatment plan.
Next steps
- Consult your orthopedic surgeon before starting any new supplement to avoid interactions with medications.
- Join the 410 members at DiseaseMaps.org to share experiences on managing pain and mobility.
- Work with a physical therapist to develop a safe, low-impact exercise regimen.
- Monitor your condition with regular imaging (MRI) as advised by your medical team.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Osteonecrosis
- Orphanet: Rare diseases and their management
- Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS): Clinical management of osteonecrosis
- PubMed: Systematic reviews on integrative approaches to bone health
Author: DiseaseMaps Editorial Team
Reviewed against authoritative medical sources (NIH GARD, Orphanet, OMIM)
Last updated: 2026-05-08
Sources cited: NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD): Osteonecrosis · Orphanet: Rare diseases and their management · Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS): Clinical management of osteonecrosis · PubMed: Systematic reviews on integrative approaches to bone health
Medical disclaimer:
This information does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making health decisions.
Source:
DiseaseMaps.org
Cannabis oil seems to help with my avn, not saying it stops it but a good bath with CBD oil from Cannabis helps.... along with a joint:)
Posted Jun 16, 2017 by Austin 4830
I cannot speak to the effectiveness of ANY of these, as never have tried, but
Syphilinum: Top Homeopathic remedy for AVN with night pains that get worse at night
For its beneficial action on body tissues wherever the destructive process is present, Syphilinum is the top natural Homeopathic medicine. Apart from its universal healing action to stop the destruction of body tissues, Syphilinum is also a Homeopathic remedy of great help in treating bone necrosis. The most dominant feature for selecting Syphilinum in any given case of AVN is the worsening of bone pains at night. The pains are experienced throughout the night. The patient is not able to sleep on account of the severe pain. The pains may compel the patient to walk about, which seems to bring relief. Such persons remain comparatively well the whole day. Another marked symptom that can help in selecting Syphilinum for AVN cases is a specific pattern regarding the appearance and disappearance of pains. The pattern followed is a gradual increase in bone pains and in the same way, a gradual disappearance of pains. The third symptom that may be present in a few AVN patients needing Homeopathic remedy Syphilinum is worsening of pains because of heat and some relief by applying cold water. Craving for alcoholic stimulants and a history of excessive alcoholism may be present in persons requiring Syphilinum.
Silicea: Homeopathic medicine for necrosis of variety of bones
Silicea is considered among the best natural Homeopathic medicines for necrosis (premature death of cells) of a variety of bones ranging from long to small bones. The necrosis of jaw, wrist bones, hand bones, feet bones, ankle, knees and in addition long bones —including humerus (bone in upper arm), femur (bone in thigh) and tibia (bone in front of leg) — are all the site of action for using Silicea. The general symptom for using Homeopathic remedy Silicea is sensitivity to cold air, when bone pains worsen from a slight exposure to cold air. Warmth brings relief. The persons needing Silicea may have an excessive offensive odour on the feet.
Fluoric Acid: Homeopathic medicine for AVN of long bones
Natural Homeopathic medicine Fluoric Acid works most effectively as a remedy for the necrosis of long bones. The bones include humerus (bone in upper arm), femur (bone in thigh) and tibia (bone in front of leg). Fluoric Acid thus is mainly used to halt the necrosis appearing in long bones. The persons needing Homeopathic medicine Fluoric Acid usually have excess body heat and the external heat worsens the condition. This distinguishes Fluoric Acid from Homeopathic medicine Silicea, which is beneficial if cold air worsens the condition. Apart from long bones, the bones of ear (which are rarely involved) are also covered under Fluoric Acid, which helps in improving the blood circulation and preventing further necrosis of bones.
Aurum Metallicum: Homeopathic medicine for necrosis in nasal, palatine bones
Aurum Metallicum is a natural Homeopathic medicine that is very beneficial in the treatment for necrosis in nasal and palatine bones. The mastoid bone is also the site that benefits with the use of Aurum Met. The patient complains of pains at night and may suffer from extremely offensive odour from the mouth and nose along with pain. The patient may also feel depressed with a high degree of sadness. In addition, the zest for life is lost. These symptoms, however, may not appear in all the patients needing Homeopathic remedy Aurum Mettalicum.
Symphytum: Homeopathic medicine for bone damage in fracture
Natural Homeopathic medicine Symphytum is very beneficial as a remedy for bone-related complaints. Symphytum can be considered in all cases where the bone has suffered damage following fractures. It helps in proper knitting of the bone. This is helped by providing the necessary callous material needed for bone re-formation. So, in every case of fracture where Homeopathic remedy Symphytum is used, it acts as a preventive agent against necrosis as the bone is very neatly and efficiently woven by this medicine.
Top Natural Homeopathic medicines for AVN of long bones
Fluoric Acid is the natural Homeopathic medicine that is mainly used for patients whose pain worsens because of heat. Mezereum is the ideal Homeopathic remedy when the bone pains get worse in cold air or at the slightest touch. It can also be used for necrosis of long bones with pain at night.
Natrum Sulph: Best Homeopathic medicine for AVN of hip joint
Natural Homeopathic medicine Natrum Sulph should always be considered in cases of AVN of hip joint. Natrum Sulph is one of the most beneficial Homeopathic medicines when dealing with hip joint AVN. The patient mainly complains of pain during motion or when stooping.
Natural Homeopathic remedies for Avascular Necrosis of femur bone
Homeopathic medicines for treating Avascular Necrosis of femur are selected after noting down the symptoms in each individual case. Silicea and Strontium Carb are the natural Homeopathic remedies mainly recommended for patients who experience aggravated pain in cold air. Homeopathic medicine Fluoric Acid, on the other hand, suits patients whose condition worsens in the heat. Apart from this general feature, other characteristic symptoms provided by the patients are given the highest importance for choosing the correct natural Homeopathic medicine when dealing with AVN of femur.
Homeopathic treatment for Avascular Necrosis of tibia bone
The main symptom for choosing Homeopathic remedy Asafoetida for AVN of tibia is worsening of pains at night and over-sensitivity in bone pains. Phosphorous is another natural Homeopathic remedy that helps in cases where the tibia bone is experiencing the destruction of cells and is very fragile. The person needing Phosphorus is nervous and sensitive to touch, noise and even sound. Along with sensitivity, he or she may experience a burning sensation in various parts of the body.
Best natural Homeopathic medicines for jaw AVN
Phosphorus is an effective Homeopathic remedy for treating lower jaw AVN. It is of great help when the lower jaw is affected due to lack of blood supply. However, a special mention must be made that Phosphorus is used in match factories and some persons may have acquired the disease due to working in match factories and inhaling Phosphorus fumes for a long duration. Natural Homeopathic medicine Merc Cor is also effective as a treatment for necrosis of upper jaw. But it is Hekla Lava which is the top natural Homeopathic remedy for Avascular Necrosis of jaw when the jaw destruction is accompanied by marked facial nerve pains
Syphilinum: Top Homeopathic remedy for AVN with night pains that get worse at night
For its beneficial action on body tissues wherever the destructive process is present, Syphilinum is the top natural Homeopathic medicine. Apart from its universal healing action to stop the destruction of body tissues, Syphilinum is also a Homeopathic remedy of great help in treating bone necrosis. The most dominant feature for selecting Syphilinum in any given case of AVN is the worsening of bone pains at night. The pains are experienced throughout the night. The patient is not able to sleep on account of the severe pain. The pains may compel the patient to walk about, which seems to bring relief. Such persons remain comparatively well the whole day. Another marked symptom that can help in selecting Syphilinum for AVN cases is a specific pattern regarding the appearance and disappearance of pains. The pattern followed is a gradual increase in bone pains and in the same way, a gradual disappearance of pains. The third symptom that may be present in a few AVN patients needing Homeopathic remedy Syphilinum is worsening of pains because of heat and some relief by applying cold water. Craving for alcoholic stimulants and a history of excessive alcoholism may be present in persons requiring Syphilinum.
Silicea: Homeopathic medicine for necrosis of variety of bones
Silicea is considered among the best natural Homeopathic medicines for necrosis (premature death of cells) of a variety of bones ranging from long to small bones. The necrosis of jaw, wrist bones, hand bones, feet bones, ankle, knees and in addition long bones —including humerus (bone in upper arm), femur (bone in thigh) and tibia (bone in front of leg) — are all the site of action for using Silicea. The general symptom for using Homeopathic remedy Silicea is sensitivity to cold air, when bone pains worsen from a slight exposure to cold air. Warmth brings relief. The persons needing Silicea may have an excessive offensive odour on the feet.
Fluoric Acid: Homeopathic medicine for AVN of long bones
Natural Homeopathic medicine Fluoric Acid works most effectively as a remedy for the necrosis of long bones. The bones include humerus (bone in upper arm), femur (bone in thigh) and tibia (bone in front of leg). Fluoric Acid thus is mainly used to halt the necrosis appearing in long bones. The persons needing Homeopathic medicine Fluoric Acid usually have excess body heat and the external heat worsens the condition. This distinguishes Fluoric Acid from Homeopathic medicine Silicea, which is beneficial if cold air worsens the condition. Apart from long bones, the bones of ear (which are rarely involved) are also covered under Fluoric Acid, which helps in improving the blood circulation and preventing further necrosis of bones.
Aurum Metallicum: Homeopathic medicine for necrosis in nasal, palatine bones
Aurum Metallicum is a natural Homeopathic medicine that is very beneficial in the treatment for necrosis in nasal and palatine bones. The mastoid bone is also the site that benefits with the use of Aurum Met. The patient complains of pains at night and may suffer from extremely offensive odour from the mouth and nose along with pain. The patient may also feel depressed with a high degree of sadness. In addition, the zest for life is lost. These symptoms, however, may not appear in all the patients needing Homeopathic remedy Aurum Mettalicum.
Symphytum: Homeopathic medicine for bone damage in fracture
Natural Homeopathic medicine Symphytum is very beneficial as a remedy for bone-related complaints. Symphytum can be considered in all cases where the bone has suffered damage following fractures. It helps in proper knitting of the bone. This is helped by providing the necessary callous material needed for bone re-formation. So, in every case of fracture where Homeopathic remedy Symphytum is used, it acts as a preventive agent against necrosis as the bone is very neatly and efficiently woven by this medicine.
Top Natural Homeopathic medicines for AVN of long bones
Fluoric Acid is the natural Homeopathic medicine that is mainly used for patients whose pain worsens because of heat. Mezereum is the ideal Homeopathic remedy when the bone pains get worse in cold air or at the slightest touch. It can also be used for necrosis of long bones with pain at night.
Natrum Sulph: Best Homeopathic medicine for AVN of hip joint
Natural Homeopathic medicine Natrum Sulph should always be considered in cases of AVN of hip joint. Natrum Sulph is one of the most beneficial Homeopathic medicines when dealing with hip joint AVN. The patient mainly complains of pain during motion or when stooping.
Natural Homeopathic remedies for Avascular Necrosis of femur bone
Homeopathic medicines for treating Avascular Necrosis of femur are selected after noting down the symptoms in each individual case. Silicea and Strontium Carb are the natural Homeopathic remedies mainly recommended for patients who experience aggravated pain in cold air. Homeopathic medicine Fluoric Acid, on the other hand, suits patients whose condition worsens in the heat. Apart from this general feature, other characteristic symptoms provided by the patients are given the highest importance for choosing the correct natural Homeopathic medicine when dealing with AVN of femur.
Homeopathic treatment for Avascular Necrosis of tibia bone
The main symptom for choosing Homeopathic remedy Asafoetida for AVN of tibia is worsening of pains at night and over-sensitivity in bone pains. Phosphorous is another natural Homeopathic remedy that helps in cases where the tibia bone is experiencing the destruction of cells and is very fragile. The person needing Phosphorus is nervous and sensitive to touch, noise and even sound. Along with sensitivity, he or she may experience a burning sensation in various parts of the body.
Best natural Homeopathic medicines for jaw AVN
Phosphorus is an effective Homeopathic remedy for treating lower jaw AVN. It is of great help when the lower jaw is affected due to lack of blood supply. However, a special mention must be made that Phosphorus is used in match factories and some persons may have acquired the disease due to working in match factories and inhaling Phosphorus fumes for a long duration. Natural Homeopathic medicine Merc Cor is also effective as a treatment for necrosis of upper jaw. But it is Hekla Lava which is the top natural Homeopathic remedy for Avascular Necrosis of jaw when the jaw destruction is accompanied by marked facial nerve pains
Posted Jun 30, 2017 by Dave 2270
I come from a medical point of view, CA and did not research any ostio- or homeopathic remedies. I there is research going on with stem cells and marrow transplants. I know such procedures are being used in France and elsewhere, from Google but I don't know of any outcomes.
Posted Nov 3, 2017 by Pamela 1600
Yes. Study shows Ayurvedic and Homeopathic approaches have some success. The raw vegan diet also has success.
Posted Jun 11, 2018 by Rob 1500
Not that I know of, well diet can help.
Posted Jun 11, 2018 by Megan 2500
None that are currently effective
Posted Nov 13, 2018 by Scott 3050
Not that I’m aware of.
Posted Aug 27, 2019 by Cheryl 2800
Some have had success with hyperbaric oxygen therapy
Posted Feb 28, 2020 by Lisa j 1700
Unfortunately there are no natural products or treatments that affect osteonecrosis. There are many 'scam' therapies that don't work and take advantage of people in pain. There is no evidence to support their claims. Before you start to take any supplements or natural therapies it's important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist to make sure they won't interact with your existing medicines or upcoming surgery.
Posted Mar 15, 2020 by Caitlin 3050
Translated from spanish
Improve translation
Acupuncture
Moxibustion
Psychotherapy
Surgery reconstructive
Moxibustion
Psychotherapy
Surgery reconstructive
Posted May 18, 2017 by Javier 2150
