Arthritis is a disease of the joints that affects millions of Americans each year. The two main types of this disease are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to Arthritis Today, osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, is the most common joint disease in America. It occurs when there is a breakdown in the cartilage covering the ends of bones. The result is a wearing away of the cartilage, eventually leaving patients with painful bone-on-bone rubbing. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the thin membrane that lines the joint. It causes painful swelling and stiffness of the joints. While no prescription drugs are available to help slow the degenerative, inflammatory processes of either form of arthritis, some supplements may help relieve arthritic joint pain. Further research is needed to determine the full benefits of supplements on arthritic pain.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a major component of joint cartilage. According to Arthritis Today, when naturally produced in the body, glucosamine is responsible for the growth, repair, and maintenance of cartilage. It also helps cartilage absorb water, which helps keep joints lubricated. Supplemental glucosamine is derived from the shells of shellfish like crabs and lobsters and claims to slow the deterioration of cartilage, relieve pain due to osteoarthritis, and increase joint mobility. Arthritis Today reports that recent studies of the effects of glucosamine on relieving joint pain found glucosamine to be the same, but no better, than the placebo in reducing pain and improving function. More research is needed to determine the full effect of glucosamine on arthritic joint pain.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a component of the connective tissue found in cartilage and bone. According to Arthritis Today, when naturally produced in the body, chondroitin helps to strengthen collagen fibers, increasing the shock-absorbing action of cartilage. When combined with glucosamine, chondroitin may help to reverse cartilage loss. Supplemental chondroitin comes from bovine trachea or pork by-products. Its marketers claim it reduces pain and inflammation due to osteoarthritis and improves joint function. Arthritis Today reports that recent studies of the effectiveness of chondroitin on relieving joint pain showed that, when taken alone, chondroitin may help to slow the progression of osteoarthritis. When combined with glucosamine, recent studies have shown that chondroitin may relieve joint pain and inflammation. More research is needed to determine the full effect of chondroitin on arthritic joint pain.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a supplement derived from cold water fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, tuna, and cod. According to HealthNews.com, fish oil may help reduce the inflammation and stiffness that cause pain due to rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation in the body. Arthritis Today reports that recent studies of patients with rheumatoid arthritis show a reduction in joint tenderness. Some patients have been able to reduce the amount of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen they take by taking fish oil supplements. Still, further research is needed to determine the extent to which fish oil is able to help relieve arthritic joint pain.
MSM
MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural sulfur compound found in fruits, vegetables, animals and humans. When taken as a supplement, it claims to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Arthritis Today reports that recent small studies of patients with osteoarthritis have shown that MSM did help to improve symptoms of pain and joint function. No large human studies of the effect of MSM on joint pain have been conducted, though, and much more research is needed to determine the full effect of MSM on joint health.
Sam-e
Sam-e, or S-adenosyl-L-methionine, is a naturally occurring chemical in the human body. The marketers of supplemental Sam-e claim it reduces pain, stiffness and joint swelling in cases of osteoarthritis. Arthritis Today reports that multiple studies have been conducted regarding the effectiveness of Sam-e on joint pain and health. Those studies concluded that Sam-e is as effective an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent for patients with osteoarthritis as are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Still, further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of Sam-e on rebuilding cartilage.
