Nutritional Supplements -- An Alternative Therapy for Arthritis

What is arthritis?
Arthritis causes joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage - the cushioning and supporting structure between the bones - wears out, causing the bones to rub against each other. Joints such as the knees, hips and spine are most often affected by osteoarthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in eight Americans between the ages of 18 and 79 -- nearly 16 million people -- suffer from osteoarthritis.

Alternative treatments for osteoarthritis
There are many different types of treatments for arthritis pain. Your physician can work with you to help determine your best treatment options. One treatment that causes few side effects and is often helpful is nutritional supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

Glucosamine

What is Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a building block of human cartilage. As a nutritional supplement, glucosamine can be derived from the shells of seafood such as crab, lobster and shrimp. Glucosamine can be taken in pill form, is available as a drink and can be rubbed on as a cream. Glucosamine is available without a prescription at pharmacies and health food stores.

How Glucosamine helps
Various studies have been done on glucosamine. Many of these studies have shown that glucosamine reduces arthritis pain by providing anti-inflammatory relief. It is believed that glucosamine may also help rebuild damaged cartilage and possibly slow down the deterioration of cartilage.

A person taking glucosamine may have to use it for up to two months before pain relief is noticed. However, because this supplement does not work for all people, you may not notice any improvement in your arthritis pain.

Possible side-effects
There are no known, serious side effects of taking glucosamine. Some minor side effects may include nausea, indigestion or allergic reactions. Also, those suffering from shellfish allergies should not take this supplement.

Chondroitin Sulfate

What is Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is another building block of human cartilage. As a nutritional supplement, chondroitin sulfate comes from cattle trachea. It is usually taken in pill form and is often taken in combination with glucosamine. Chondroitin sulfate is available without a prescription at pharmacies and health food stores.

How Chondroitin Sulfate helps
Studies have shown that chondroitin sulfate improves the symptoms of arthritis.
In some studies, this nutritional supplement has been shown to:

Stop the breakdown of cartilage.

Ease osteoarthritis pain.

Provide building blocks to help improve cartilage function.

Like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate does not work for all people. It typically takes two or more months for the positive effects of this supplement to show up.

Possible side-effects
There are no known, serious side-effects to taking chondroitin sulfate although its long-term side-effects are unknown. Some minor side effects may include nausea, indigestion and possible bleeding if you are taking other blood-thinning medications. Also, children, those who are pregnant or diabetic and those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis or gout should not take this supplement.

Because they are nutritional supplements, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. You should always talk to your physician before starting any type of treatment.

Contact Information:

Clinic Coordinator
Ronald O. Royce, D.O.
Cartilage Care Clinic
Front Range Orthopaedics
Printers Park Medical Plaza
175 S. Union Boulevard, Suite 200
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910
719-473-3332
www.cartilagecareclinic.com