Osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder of the joints that affects 27 million Americans, reports the Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joint that can make it difficult to perform daily activities, for example at work, in sports or in the home, or simply to get around with ease. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often marketed as a treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, stiffness and decreased mobility. However, research on their effectiveness remains inconclusive.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is a chronic disease that most often develops in older age but is not a sign of aging, as not everyone develops it. Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of joint cartilage, most commonly in the knees, hips and hands, causing pain, stiffness and reduced movement. Trauma to the joints, repetitive occupational usage, and obesity are risk factors for osteoarthritis, report the Arthritis Foundation.
Glucosamine and Chondrotin
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are available over the counter. Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced in the body that is thought to promote the formation and repair of cartilage. Glucosamine supplements are made from shellfish shells. Chondroitin is a cartilage component, also produced in the body, that is thought to promote water retention and elasticity and to inhibit cartilage breakdown. Chondroitin supplements are made from cow cartilage. Although some laboratory research looks promising, studies in humans have yielded inconclusive results.
Short-Term Study Findings
Glucosamine and chondroitin may be effective in reducing pain in people with moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis. However, a well-designed multi-center study showed that glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate alone or in combination did not reduce pain effectively over 24 weeks in the overall group of patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, as reported by Daniel Clegg and colleagues in the February 2006 issue of "New England Journal of Medicine."
Longer-Term Study Findings
Glucosamine and chondroitin taken for two years did not have any significant effect on joint space, a measure of the progression of osteoarthritis. In addition, no significant differences in pain or function were noted with the treatment compared to placebo, according to a study by Sawitzke and colleagues published in the August 2010 issue of "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases." Therefore, despite claims about the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin in reducing osteoarthritis symptoms, consumers should be mindful that the research primarily states otherwise. Before taking glucosamine and chondroitin, consult your doctor to see if they are appropriate for you.
References
- Arthritis Foundation; What Is Osteoarthritis?; 2011
- "New England Journal of Medicine;" Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and the Two in Combination for Painful Knee Osteoarthritis; Daniel Clegg et al.; 2006
- "Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases;" Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulphate, Their Combination, Celecoxib or Placebo Taken to Treat Osteoarthritis of the Knee: 2-Year Results From GAIT; Allen Sawitzke et al.; 2010
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