Does Glucosamine Help With Joint Mobility?

If you have joint mobility problems, you might have heard of options like surgery, fusion of the joint and replacement of the joint as solutions. For those of you who want to try less serious measures, consider glucosamine supplements. Glucosamine is a substance your body makes on its own for proper joint health, although you can also buy it in synthetic forms. Speak to your doctor before using glucosamine for joint mobility.

Function

People with joint problems often have a lack of cartilage and fluid in and around their joints, which causes pain and mobility problems. According to a 2001 study by Carey-Beth James and Timothy L. Uhl in the "Journal of Athletic Training," damage to joint cartilage often results in a lack of joint mobility. Glucosamine works by giving the substances your body needs to make proteoglycans, components that are critical for synthesis of cartilage, which helps joint mobility. Glucosamine also surrounds your joints and helps your body make substances that create and strengthen tendons, ligaments and fluid for the joints.

Types

Types of glucosamine include glucosamine sulfate, N-acetyl-glucosamine and glucosamine hydrochloride. The most commonly used form is glucosamine sulfate and this appears to be the only form that is effective for joint mobility, according to MayoClinic.com. More research is needed to back up this claim.

Dosage

Glucosamine sulfate is generally taken in capsule or tablet form. Take 500 mg three times per day. This is generally not a long-term treatment, as you take it for one to three months. You can also take glucosamine in topical forms for your joints although it is not clear if these methods work as well as the supplements. Speak to your doctor to advise you on the best form and correct dosage amount for you.

Potential

Although glucosamine is used for joint mobility in general, its most promising results are specific to osteoarthritis. In a 2003 research review by "Patient-Oriented Evidence that Matters" published in "British Medical Journal" found that glucosamine reformed the joint mobility in one out of every five study participants with osteoarthritis in the hip and knee joints.

Warning

Some glucosamine supplements are made from shellfish, so if you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid these and use synthetic glucosamine supplements instead, according to MedlinePlus. Glucosamine is thought to be generally safe, although it has caused digestive problems like diarrhea, heartburn, nausea and constipation in some people. Avoid glucosamine if you are pregnant or have diabetes or asthma.