There are several varieties of arthritis. The most common type, experienced by 27 million people in the United States alone, is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a condition in which wear and tear of the cartilage causes it to deteriorate. The breakdown of cartilage can be followed by thickening of the bone and bone spurs, growths that develop at the affected joints. Certain supplements may ease arthritis pain, but if your symptoms are extreme or persistent, consult your physician.
Glucosamine Sulfate
Glucosamine sulfate is a naturally occuring substance that is present in the fluid surrounding the joints. Glucosamine has anti-inflammatory properties and it may also help to inhibit certain enzymes that may damage cartilage. The majority of research on the use of glucosamine has focused on arthritis of the knee. According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, scientific research suggests that glucosamine is just as good at easing arthritis discomfort as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, the most popular over-the-counter pain relievers. Check with your physician before using glucosamine to treat arthritis or any other condition.
Rosehip Powder
An herbal supplement derived from the shells and seeds of rose hips may be effective in treating arthritis pain, according to a review of prior studies done by the Osteoarthritis Research Society International. Pain scores were lower in all studies for patients treated with rosehip powder as compared with placebo. In fact, the patients who received the rosehip powder were twice as likely to achieve positive results. The powder was derived from the species Rosa canina, a wild variety of rose found in Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. More long-term large scale trials are necessary before Rosa canina can be widely recommended, however.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin is a biological substance in cartilage whose role is to help support water retention and elasticity in that tissue. Common foods do not contain chondroitin, so it must be obtained from supplements. Chondroitin supplements are usually derived from cow cartilage, but vegetarian versions made from algae are also available. Many arthritis supplements contain a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that a number of research studies on the use of chondroitin in arthritis have found it to be useful in improving functional status, alleviating stiffness and inflammation and decreasing pain. Not all studies have shown positive results, so more research is necessary to determine its true benefit. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center says that chondroitin is generally safe and well-tolerated, although slight gastrointestinal upsets have been reported.
References
- MedlinePlus: Glucosamine Sulfate
- "Osteoarthritis Cartilage"; Does the Hip Powder of Rosa canina (Rosehip) Reduce Pain in Osteoarthritis Patients?; R. Christensen et al; September 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chondroitin
- Arthritis Foundation Disease Center: Osteoarthritis
