Joint Cartilage
Joint Supplements Do They Work?
For at least twenty years there has been a debate about the treatment of osteoarthritis, about the use of the joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes problems of wearing out of the normal smooth cartilage surfaces of the joints. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and deformity. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis.
What do the supplements do?
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two molecules that make up the type of cartilage found within joints. Inside your joints, cartilage undergoes a constant process of breakdown and repair. However, to be properly repaired, the building blocks of cartilage must be present and available.
The theory behind using the glucosamine and chondroitin joint supplements is that more of the cartilage building blocks will be available for cartilage repair.
Glucosamine is a precursor to a molecule called a glycosaminoglycan-this molecule is used in the formation and repair of cartilage.
Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is responsible for the resiliency of cartilage.
However treatment with these joint supplements is based on the theory that oral consumption of glucosamine and chondroitin may increase the rate of formation of new cartilage by providing more of the necessary building blocks.
So does glucosamine and chondroitin supplements increase cartilage formation?
While it is an interesting theory, oral consumption of glucosamine and chondroitin has not been shown to alter the availability of these cartilage building blocks inside an arthritic joint. It has not been shown that consumption of joint supplements increases the quantity of these cartilage building blocks within any joint.
Has any research been done to investigate the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin?
There have been numerous studies to examine the treatment effects of glucosamine and chondroitin over short periods of time. Most of these studies last only one to two months; however, they have indicated that patients experienced more pain reduction when taking glucosamine and chondroitin than patients receiving a placebo. The improvement experienced by these patients was similar to improvements experienced by patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) that have been a mainstay of non-operative arthritis treatment. The difference is that NSAIDs carry an increased risk of side effects including gastrointestinal complaints and bleeding.
The joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have few side effects, and thus their use would be preferred if the effects of pain reduction were indeed the same. Furthermore, there is an indication that NSAIDs may increase the progression of arthritis, whereas glucosamine and chondroitin may offer a more protective effect to the cartilage surface.
So when it comes to choosing joint supplements there are many options. Use caution when choosing both the supplement and brand. Recent studies have shown that some brands come far short of the label claims. In one study of eleven chondroitin products, tests showed four of the products contained less than half the stated amount of chondroitin. How do you choose a product? The Arthritis Foundation says to pick the most reputabile brand–don’t try to save with a cheaper imitation.
Terry O’Brien
About the Author
Over 20 years in General Medicine with a keen interest in Skeletomuscular Conditions and Natural Treatment Options! Terry Launched Back Trouble UK during 2007 to promote more quality links and information on non invasive natural therapy for people who are suffering with back pain and other related medical conditions.
HOW TO ACCELERATE JOINT HEALING AND REPAIR CARTILAGE #306
|
|
The Anatomy of the Knee $99.00 Although it is a major weight bearing joint, the knee is surprisingly flexible in all manner of forward, reverse, and lateral motions. This program addresses the intricate mechanics of the knee joint’s musculature, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. In addition, traumas to the menisci and the collateral and cruciate ligaments – the most commonly damaged structures – are described…. |
|
|
Sundown Osteo Bi-Flex Triple Strength, 120 Coated Caplets $19.14 Number 1 Doctor & Pharmacist Recommended BrandJoint Comfort Within 7 DaysSupports Joint Health & the Renewal of Cartilage5-Loxin Only Available in Osteo Bi-Flex… |
|
|
Source Naturals Hyaluronic Acid 100mg … |
|
|
Schiff/Bio Foods Move Free Advanced Plus MSM Plus … |
|
|
Sea Mobility Beef Jerky Strips – 9 oz (22 ct) $8.26 Helps maximize performance when mobility and flexibility are critical. Exceptional joint support for dogs with hip/joint issues, morning stiffness, lack of flexibility and dogs with more active lifestyles. Excellent for performance, agility dogs, working service dogs, field hunting dogs, senior dogs, and dogs that cannot swallow a pill or capsule. Ok for cats too, if they like the taste. Why will … |
|
|
Now Foods Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM, 180 Caps $19.00 NOW Glucosamine, Chondroitin & MSM combines three of the most popular and effective nutrients for supporting joint health in one dietary supplement. Our Glucosamine and Chondroitin are both 100% sulfate, the most studied form of these nutrients. In addition, we also include MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane), an organic form of sulfur found in all living organisms. Studies have shown that these nutrient… |
|
|
McDavid Deluxe Hinged Black Small Knee Brace – McDavid 427T-BL-S McDavid Deluxe Hinged Black Small Knee Brace – McDavid 427T-BL-S…. |
|
|
Dr. Scott’s Knee Book: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Knee Problems Including Torn Cartilage, Ligament Damage, Arthritis, Tendinitis, Arthroscopic Surgery, and Total Knee Replacement $4.95 The team physician for the New York Knicks tells readers everything they need to know about the body’s most vulnerable joint–the knee–and provides invaluable advice on how to prevent, recognize, and treat knee injuries. 15 line drawings…. |
|
|
Osteoarthritis, Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis and Treatments $6.99 This booklet is for people who have osteoarthritis, their families, and others interested in learning more about the disorder. The booklet describes osteoarthritis and its symptoms and contains information about diagnosis and treatment, as well as current research efforts supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other components of the U.S…. |
|
|
A Primer in Cartilage Repair and Joint Preservation of the Knee: Expert Consult, 1e $133.33 A Primer in Cartilage Repair and Joint Preservation of the Knee presents the full range of treatment options for a changing, increasingly younger patient population. Dr. Thomas Minas demonstrates each technique-from non-surgical to mini-incision total knee arthroplasty to the recent developments in tissue biologics-through a step-by-step approach. Surgical photographs and illustrations and procedu… |