Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. They are components of cartilage, the substance that cushions joints. Some people use supplements to try to help control joint pain caused by arthritis. Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 and green tea are just a few of them.
Visit the NCCIH website for more information on the success of certain complementary approaches. It also offers a mobile application that provides unbiased, research-based information on the effectiveness of more than 50 herbal products. As a general rule, buy a brand-name capsule tablet, as it will reduce the chances of it containing lead or mercury. Turmeric, a plant in the ginger family, is often used in South Asian cuisine, such as curry.
Contains curcumin, the key ingredient that can help reduce inflammation. To be effective as a supplement or as a food, and not simply to be metabolized and excreted, turmeric must be absorbed with fatty oils, such as avocado or olive oil, and black pepper, which most supplements contain. I recommend that turmeric be part of your daily diet for three to six months to evaluate the benefits. Turmeric supplements can be expensive and inflammation can be treated in other ways.
Therefore, if the pain has not abated after this period of time, we can try something else. Many studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of omega-3 supplements for several inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. For example, a small study showed that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which are mainly found in fish oils, can significantly reduce joint inflammation and tenderness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Most of the patients I see have taken these supplements before with no good results.
For better absorption, I recommend incorporating omega-3s into your diet through foods such as tuna, salmon, sardines, tofu, walnuts and flaxseeds. Collagen is widely available in capsule form, as well as in powder or liquid form that can be mixed with food or beverages. Or you can increase your body's natural level of collagen by eating more foods that contain protein and vitamin C, such as chicken, fish, eggs and citrus fruits. After talking about collagen with several patients and reviewing existing research, I decided to take it myself, in powder form, for about six months and noticed an improvement in a hamstring injury.
This doesn't prove anything and more conclusive research is needed. However, it's worth looking into collagen if you're interested. For example, capsaicin cream, made from hot chili peppers, can significantly reduce joint pain. It lowers levels of substance P in the body, a natural chemical secreted by nerves and inflammatory cells that sends pain signals to the brain.
The benefits of capsaicin cream have been studied extensively and show a 50% reduction in pain after regular use. To see an expert in physical medicine and rehabilitation, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online. Appointment New Patient Appointment or 214-645-8300 or 817-882-2400. Turmeric is one of the most popular supplements for treating pain, including joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Its pain-relieving effects are attributed to a chemical compound in turmeric called curcumin. Curcumin appears to have anti-inflammatory effects. While research on turmeric for joint pain is limited, an analysis of the studies found that it improves joint pain symptoms more than a placebo and may be comparable to ibuprofen. Learn more about the benefits of turmeric and curcumin.
Fish oil contains the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Glucosamine is a natural component of cartilage, a substance that prevents bones from rubbing against each other and causing pain and inflammation. It may also help prevent the cartilage degradation that can occur with arthritis. Many supplements intended to treat joint pain contain glucosamine, which is one of the best-studied supplements for osteoarthritis.
However, despite this research, there are still some questions about how well it works. When taken for a long period of time, glucosamine sulfate can also help slow the progression of osteoarthritis. Studies suggest that it slows down the narrowing of the joint space, a marker of the worsening of the condition, when taken for up to three years. Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a basic component of cartilage.
It can also help prevent cartilage degradation due to osteoarthritis. Many clinical studies have found that chondroitin can reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis. About 53 percent of people who take chondroitin have a 20 percent or more improvement in knee pain. Chondroitin sulfate can also slow the progression of osteoarthritis when taken long-term.
Studies show that it slows down the narrowing of the joint space when taken for up to 2 years. S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a supplement commonly used to help with symptoms of depression and osteoarthritis. The liver naturally produces SAMe from an amino acid called methionine. It has several functions, including helping the production and repair of cartilage.
When taken as a supplement, SAMe can help with symptoms of joint pain caused by osteoarthritis. It may be as effective as the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib (Celebrex). In a 2004 study, celecoxib improved symptoms more than SAMe after one month of treatment. However, in the second month, the treatments were comparable.
Boswellia, also known as Indian incense, is commonly used for pain caused by arthritis. The chemicals in this extract called boswellia acids have anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical studies have shown that boswellia extracts improve pain symptoms more than a placebo in people with osteoarthritis. Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
Unless you eat fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel two or more days a week, it can be difficult to get a therapeutic amount of omega-3 through food. See the difference between omega-3s and omega-6s and knee arthritis pain See glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements for osteoarthritis. In general, if you take any supplement for 2 to 6 months and don't notice any relief from arthritis symptoms, see your doctor for other options. Side effects of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate This site is for educational purposes only; no information is intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
The information is produced and reviewed by more than 200 medical professionals with the goal of providing reliable and unique information for people with painful health problems. Veritas Health, LLC, 520 Lake Cook Road, Suite 350, Deerfield, IL, 60015.One study found that, in trials, chondroitin was more effective than a placebo in controlling joint pain and improving the function of the joints themselves. Most of my patients who say that cherry juice helps relieve pain drink about a glass a day, but you can eat a handful of cherries a day or take supplements that contain pure juice extract; cherries are high in anthocyanins. Research on glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements is varied, 14 Hochberg MC, Martel-Pelletier J, Monfort J, et al.
Some joint supplements can help alleviate these symptoms or prevent them from occurring in the first place. Many studies have evaluated the efficacy and safety of omega-3 supplements for several inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis. Even when taking supplements to improve or maintain joint health, it's important to consider other options to help maintain healthy joints. The results showed that people who took tamarind and turmeric seeds experienced significant relief from knee pain and improved joint function after physical activity.
Green tea contains compounds that have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may be useful in combating joint pain. Another study investigated the effects of a combination of tamarind seeds and turmeric on joint pain in people without arthritis. Before you start taking a new one, consult your doctor or pharmacist to make sure that the content of the supplement and the dosage are appropriate for your condition and do not interact with any other medications or supplements you are taking. Doctors do not recommend these supplements, but they are not opposed to their use if the patient feels relief from using them.
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