Tendinitis is characterized by pain, inflammation and swelling of the tendons, rubbery cords that attach muscles to bones. It can affect any tendon but commonly affects the shoulder, fingers, thighs, back of the heels and elbows and is caused by overusing the affected tendon. Resting the tendon and taking over-the-counter painkillers is often enough to relieve symptoms, although some cases may require physical therapy. Glucosamine usually is a treatment for arthritis, but there is little evidence that it helps to alleviate tendinitis. Talk to your doctor before using glucosamine to treat thumb tendinitis.
Properties and Uses
Your body naturally produces glucosamine, which plays an important role in producing cartilage--a tough spongy material that cushions the joints. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, glucosamine in combination with chondroitin sulfate is often used to treat articular diseases such as osteoarthritis; it also might have anti-inflammatory effects and is sometimes used to treat Crohn's disease and temporomandibular joint disorder.
Administration
Glucosamine is available in tablets, capsules and as a powder from pharmacies and health food stores, often in combination with chondroitin or the trace mineral manganese. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center advises choosing a supplement that does not contain manganese to avoid consuming more than the recommended daily allowance. Since glucosamine is a not a proven treatment for thumb tendinitis, there is no recommended dose for this usage.
Scientific Evidence
Clinical studies have not evaluated glucosamine as a treatment for tendinitis, so it is unclear whether taking a glucosamine supplement might be beneficial. However, the results of an animal study published in the November 2010 issue of "Connective Tissue Research" show that administering glucosamine in combination with HCl-chondroitin sulfate and sodium-hyaluronate aided post-surgical repair of tendon rupture in New Zealand female rabbits.
Safety Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that glucosamine is likely safe but might cause minor side effects such as stomach upset, indigestion, bloating and diarrhea. However, you can help reduce these effects by taking your supplement with food. Glucosamine may interact with other medicines; for example, it might cause insulin to work less effectively. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, including glucosamine, to treat thumb tendinitis. Don't take glucosamine supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- NHS Choices: Tendonitis; April 2011
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Glucosamine; June 2009
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Glucosamine; July 2010
- "Connective Tissue Research"; Effects of Sodium-Hyaluronate and Glucosamine-Chondroitin Sulfate on Remodeling Stage of Tenotomized Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon in Rabbits: A Clinical, Histopathological, Ultrastructural, and Biomechanical Study; A. Oryan, et al., November 2010
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