Whether natural supplements work to treat joint pain is up for debate. Few studies are available on the benefits of these supplements and results are conflicting. Still, the supplements appear to be safe, so you might want to see if they work for you. Always discuss this with your doctor first, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications that might interact with these supplements.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine helps to repair the joint cartilage and is a good option if you have degeneration or loss of cartilage. Glucosamine is often used to treat osteoarthritis and similar problems where the loss of cartilage is causing pain and difficulty with movement. A 2003 study in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" showed that patients taking glucosamine experienced a narrowing of the joint and a lessening of the pain associated with joint problems.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin sulfate is closely related to glucosamine and works in a similar way. Your body naturally produces chondroitin to help build and repair cartilage. However, after major damage, your body might not be able to produce enough chondroitin to fix the problem. In that case, supplements might help. Chondroitin can help to hold and move fluids and nutrients through the cartilage, enhancing its elasticity and softness. A 2007 study presented at the First Congress of Food Supplements showed that chondroitin can help to reduce cartilage destruction in people with poli-arthritis and chronic inflammation.
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM
MSM is a relatively new dietary supplement used to support ligaments. This is one of the few supplements that doesn't work directly on the joints but instead benefits the supporting structure around it. According to the Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center, MSM can help dull the pain associated with joint problems. MSM might work better when taken along with glucosamine and chondroitin.
S-adenosyl-L-methionine, or SAMe
SAMe is best known as a treatment for liver disease and depression. However, it seems to also help with osteorathritis and other joint problems. A 2002 study published on the "Evidence Reports/Technology Assessments" showed that SAMe can help to relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis, including joint pain. Although the results are not as significant when compared to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, they are still important.
References
- "Archives of Internal Medicine"; Structural and Symptomatic Efficacy of Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Knee Osteoarthritis; Florent Richy, MSc et al; July 2003
- Bodybuilding.com: Glucosamine
- Bodybuilding.com: Chondroitin Info And Products
- "First Congress of Food Supplements"; What is New in Osteoarthritis; Josep Verges, MD, MSc, PhD. et al; March 2007
- Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center: MSM Information
- "Evidence Reports/Technology Assessments"; S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and Liver Disease; Mary Hardy, MD et al; October 2002
