Over 70 million Americans suffer with some form of arthritis. Prescription medication sales for treating arthritic symptoms amounts to over $21 billion annually. This includes over the counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetamenophen, and ibuprofen.
If you have arthritis or know someone with it, this information may be important to you. Two non-pharmaceutical substances used in the treatment of arthritis are getting in the news these days:
-Glucosamine
-Chondroitin sulfate
Studies have suggested strong evidence in their effectiveness in treating mild to moderate forms of arthritis.
The Arthritis Foundation Guide to Herbs and Supplements states that studies on glucosamine are promising. A review of two studies, each of which analyzed more than a dozen glucosamine studies, found this supplement to significantly and consistently improve pain and joint function, as well as or better than conventional drug therapy (NSAIDs).
One recent long-term study conducted in Belgium over three years showed patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis (OA) taking 1,500 mg of glucosamine had 20 percent to 25 percent less pain and disability than those taking the placebo. Researchers also found glucosamine slowed, if not stopped, the progression of the disease and reduced cartilage loss.
The Guide also says that chondroitin sulfate is believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Currently there is no proof that it can reverse cartilage loss. It generally takes two to four months to work completely.
Two large studies that evaluated data from about a dozen studies showed significant improvement in pain and inflammation and improved joint function. Some people taking chondroitin are able to decrease or completely eliminate or significantly decrease their prescription dosage.
These two products are widely available mainly in retail outlets like pharmacies, health food stores, and online nutritional centers. However, the quality can vary greatly. Some brands or forms of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are literally useless.
Click on http://www.bodybuildingforyou.com/health-supplements/glucosamine.htm for some enlightening information on glucosamine and chondroitine. Not all of it is good but most of it is. Whatever your decision on it is, it's important not to jump on the first thing that strikes your eye.
And, let me know what you think by emailing me at drhansbrough@drhansbrough.com.