|
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements: Effective Treatments or Simply Placebos?
|
|
Because glucosamine is a substance naturally found in the body, it is presumed to be safe, making it one of the leading alternatives to traditional prescription medications for joint and knee pain and arthritis problems. Glucosamine is made up of glucose and glutamine and has become extremely popular among devotees of nutritional supplements. It is sometimes used in combination with chondroitin to help ease body aches and make joints move smoothly.
|
|
|
Glucosamine has even been used for those recovering from running injuries (including shin splints and heel spurs). It is very popular for soft tissue injuries and many people with arthritis swear by either glucosamine by itself or mixed with chondroitin -also known as chondroitin sulphate. Some studies have actually found promising results for these supplements. But others, noted below, have found no advantages and still other studies have found that the "placebo effect" may have been at work, with people feeling better without any noticeable change in their joints or muscles.
So how may glucosamine and chondroitin work? If the body is low in either of the substances, nutritional supplements should fill in those gaps. Glucosamine is believed to be important in helping damaged cartilage to recover. Chondroitin may enhance the effect of glucosamine by attracting water molecules to the affected area of the body. It is a mucopolysaccharide, a complex carbohydrate which attracts water.
The areas of the body which may receive the most benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin include the hips and knees. Any areas of the body which can suffer from cartilage deterioration or breakdown could also be aided by these nutritional supplements. To truly understand if they are working, patients may need to be off all other prescription, particularly painkillers. Otherwise, the results could be unclear and the painkiller could responsible for reduced pain levels.
Because glucosamine can be found in many different varieties and forms, there is controversy about which types are most effective. Some types come in oral form and are alleged to go directly to the cartilage and help build it up. But those who are suspicious or wary when it comes to glucosamine assert that the substance is digested long before it can do any good. It is simply broken down by the body and comes out as waste material - or so say the sceptics. Same thing with chondroitin, with oral forms potentially doing little to no good, particularly if other food is taken with them.
So do these nutritional supplements truly do the job? Some studies, including one at the Boston University Medical Centre in 2007, found that the results of trials differed widely when testing how effectively glucosamine treated arthritis pain. All sorts of studies were analysed, including randomized, double blind and placebo-controlled. The conclusion? Glucosamine could not be determined to be effective. But there was no proof that it did any harm.
Of course, other studies found opposite effects. Information gathered by American Family Physician in August of 2008 reported on studies that found that glucosamine could slow the pain and symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. The examples listed here are just a couple of the many conflicting reports out there.
How should glucosamine and/or chondroitin be used? Alternative medical practitioners generally advise trying either chondroitin and/or glucosamine for up to 60 days, especially when other treatments are not practical or patients suffer from side effects with medications. But anyone with an allergy to shellfish, bleeding problems, asthma or similar medical issues should stay away from the supplements. Adverse results have been noted in these populations.
Those using either type of supplement should keep track (preferably daily, in a journal) the results of using the substances. Promising results include pain relief, greater flexibility and the ability to exercise for longer periods of time without pain. Results could vary greatly from one individual to another. People who experience morning stiffness might notice a reduction or complete remission of those symptoms.
Other uses and possible symptom relief include less inflammation in affected areas as well as reduced swelling, redness and tenderness. No pregnant woman should use either glucosamine or chondroitin, even under medical supervision. If sudden or severe or prolonged bleeding begins, stop the use of both substances immediately. Bleeding problems are a possible side effect, along with ulcers and (possibly) stroke. Any new or unusual symptoms should be reported to a medical professional immediately.
Any information, advice, recommendations, statements or otherwise contained herein, or in any other communication made by or attributed to Eastern Suburbs Massage and its representatives, whether oral or in writing, is not intended to replace or to be a substitute for medical advice trained by a trained physician or healthcare practitioner.
|
Massage
Massage and Toxins
How Complementary are Massage and Chiropractic Therapy?
Massage - my pet dislikes!
Trigger Points - An Introduction
Back to Front (or Front to Back)?
Massage for Pain Relief
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Leg Cramps
Pregnancy and Pilates
Pregnancy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pregnancy and Stress Reduction
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia - an introduction
Fibromyalgia and Massage
General Health
Fish Oil and Exercise Induced Asthma
Is Your Bra Giving You a Headache?
Ginger and Ovarian Cancer
Benefits of Cherries on Exercise Recovery
Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements: Effective Treatments or Simply Placebos?
Antioxidants, Your Diet and Supplements
Things to look for when choosing a Day Spa in Sydney
Benefits of Probiotic Supplementation
Want to reduce your Cholesterol - have a look at your diet.
What Massage Oil Should You Use?
Reduced Pain Through Positional Release
|
