Isolated supplements and osteoarthritis

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, “[o]osteoarthritis is the most common form of knee arthritis”, with approximately 9 million Americans suffering from this condition (as of 2005). Additionally, osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative disease of articular cartilage that causes disability for millions of people.

Consequently, the medical profession has long sought to find a cure or a reliable method to relive the pain of this condition, and they have found it with isolated supplements. Prayed I’ve got them?

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate (alone or in combination) are two types of isolated supplements that have received a lot of media attention for their purported ability to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and relieve the sometimes excruciating pain of this condition.

Since glucosamine is a component of cartilage, it would make sense that glucosamine supplementation could improve knee osteoarthritis symptoms. In fact, previous studies have indicated that glucosamine supplementation may reduce inflammation and pain from this condition, especially when combined with chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroitin sulfate is an essential building block for joint structure that is purported to slow the progression of osteoarthritis and has some (limited) beneficial effects on osteoarthritis pain. In combination, these two supplements alone, Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, are considered a miracle mix for the successful treatment of this condition.

The science

Although there have been many conflicting studies on the efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis, the results of a 2008 study are particularly compelling.

This Glucosamine Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) tested the effects of these two supplements alone, alone. Y in combination-in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. According to Medpage Today, “[p]patients in GAIT were randomized to receive glucosamine hydrochloride 1500 mg, chondroitin sulfate 1200 mg, both glucosamine and chondroitin, celecoxib (Celebrex) 200 mg, or placebo for up to two years.”

Are isolated supplements enough?

The GAIT results showed that isolated glucosamine and chondroitin supplements No significantly slow the progression of knee osteoarthritis (as indicated by x-rays taken throughout the study). Furthermore, these two supplements alone, when combined, were less effective than placebos in slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

Dr. Allen D. Sawitzke and colleagues at the University of Utah, who conducted the study, theorized that chondroitin might hinder the proper absorption of glucosamine, which could explain why the combination of these supplements was not effective. But, Sawitzke emphasized, none of their tests indicated a statistically significant improvement in those with severe osteoarthritis for any of these supplements alone. However, some beneficial effects were seen in people with moderate osteoarthritis (the results of this study were published in the October 2008 issue of arthritis and rheumatism).

It should be noted, however, that GAIT only studied the effects of glucosamine and chondroitin on the Progress of osteoarthritis – not about its possible effects on the pain of this condition.

What is the solution?

Glucosamine and chondroitin aren’t the only two isolated supplements that have been touted as “natural cures” for the inflammation, pain, and crippling progression of osteoarthritis. In fact, supplementation with S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) or niacinamide (a form of B3) has also been shown in studies to improve osteoarthritis symptoms.

But the best way to treat osteoarthritis, experts say, is to combine these isolated supplements with various medical and holistic treatment options.

Medical and holistic treatment options for osteoarthritis

There are several medical and holistic treatment options that have shown varying degrees of effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Here is a list of some of them.

drugs There are many prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), and pain relievers, that have been shown to relieve osteoarthritis pain.

Exercise. Regular physical exercise has been shown to relieve pain and aid joint flexibility in people with osteoarthritis. (Exercise lubricates the joints, making movement less painful.)

Knee support. Methods of stabilizing the knee, such as knee wraps and knee braces, have been shown to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis.

Weight reduction. Obesity is not only a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis, but it can worsen joint pain and stiffness from this condition. Losing weight, therefore, is a valid treatment option for this condition.

tropical creams. There are a number of tropical creams on the market that have been shown to reduce arthritic joint pain. They are typically used in combination with other treatment options, such as supplements alone and exercise, to relieve osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture. This ancient therapy, which uses needles to open pathways of healing energy within the body, has been proven to relieve many types of pain, including osteoarthritis.

Changes in lifestyle. Osteoporosis pain can often be relieved by making a few simple lifestyle modifications. For example, change your exercise from running (which puts stress on your joints) to walking. Avoid going up stairs frequently. Participate in water aerobics or other aquatic exercises, which cushion the joints while giving the body a good workout.

Surgery. There are many surgical options to treat osteoarthritis. Some of these surgeries allow the doctor to clean debris from around the knee joint. Other surgeries involve a full or partial replacement of the kneecap. These surgeries are generally used when all other methods have failed.

Today there are many treatment options for osteoarthritis that go beyond isolated supplements. Although each of these methods has shown different success rates, a combination of them may well ease the pain (and even the progression) of this one of the most common types of arthritis.