Joint problems, characterized by pain, aches, swelling and inflammation, often result from injury or manual labor or may be associated with medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, lupus, gout and bursitis. Approximately half of menopausal women experience some form of joint problems, notes the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education. A doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs for joint problems characterized by inflammation, and nutritional supplements may also alleviate joint problems.
Glucosamine
Despite conflicting clinical data, physicians consider glucosamine a beneficial supplement for joint health. According to a 2010 study features in "Rheumatology International," glucosamine may delay the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee. However, a 2010 article from the "British Medical Journal" argues that glucosamine did not make any impact on the joints when compared to a placebo.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin, a polysaccharide that attaches to proteins in the body to form proteoglycans -- components of the extracellular matrix of connective tissue -- may reduce joint inflammation and pain, though the exact mechanism by which chondroitin exerts its therapeutic effects is unclear. According to the Pain Clinic website, chrondoitin may be used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat joint problems such as osteoarthritis. Pain Clinic notes that chrondoitin may increase the production of hyaluronic acid, a substance found in the synovial fluid that surrounds and lubricates the joints. The recommended dose of chondroitin sulfate is 1,200 mg taken in divided doses, notes Pain Clinic.
Methysulfonylmethane
Methysulfonylmethane, sometimes referred to as MSM, is a sulfur compound that may increase joint flexibility, and reduce swelling, pain and stiffness, notes Pain Clinic. The mechanism by which MSM exerts its therapeutic effects is uncertain. However, the results of a 2004 clinical study of oral glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane and combination therapy in osteoarthritis published in "Clinical Drug Investigation," found that methysulfonylmethane produced analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Lead author P.R. Usha notes that a combination of methysulfonylmethane and glucosamine was more effective in reducing pain and swelling and functional ability of joints than glucosamine or methysulfonylmethane alone.
References
- MedlinePlus: Joint Pain
- Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education: Aching Joints and Muscle Problems
- "Health Technology and Assessment"; The Clinical Effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements in Slowing or Arresting Progression of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Economic Evaluation; C. Black et al; November 2009
- Rheumatology International"; Effect of Glucosamine or Chondroitin Sulfate on the Osteoarthritis Progression: a Meta-Analysis; Y.H.Lee et al; January 2010
- British Medical Journal"; Effects of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, or Placebo in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Hip or Knee: Network Meta-Analysis; S. Wandel et al; September 2010
- Painclinic: About Viscosupplementation
