Glucosamine supplements are widely used for osteoarthritis, particularly knee osteoarthritis. In osteoarthritis, cartilage -- the rubbery material that cushions joints -- becomes stiff and loses its elasticity. This makes the joint prone to damage and may lead to pain, swelling, loss of movement, and further deterioration.
Hi. Supplements to a dog's diet such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate, Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamin E, Selenium, and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) all assist in decreasing inflammation and improving the body's ability to repair and strengthen tissues. Supplements, however, will not reverse structural changes in a joint such as torn cartilage, calcium deposits and advanced scar tissue.
Pt. II -- Other ideas are chondrointon and glucosamine sulfate, which help some, don't help others. Some also find help by avoiding foods in the nightshade family. Lots of research to do.
Grade I, softening of the cartilage; Grade II, fissures; Grade III, partial thickness loss of cartilage; Grade IV, exposure of subchondral bone.
The problem with hyaline cartilage, which is what covers the bones inside of joints, is that it cannot regenerate itself. It has limited repair capabilities. If it does repair a small portion of the articular cartilage, it is with fibrocartilage. Fibrocartilage is sort of a scar for cartilage.
*-Clegg DO, Reda DJ, Harris CL, et al. Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and the two in combination for painful knee osteoarthritis. N Engl J Med 2006; 354:795 to 808.
On the down side, many companies have begun selling hyaluronic acid (as well as chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine) as a vastly overpriced, nutritional supplement that is supposed to have curative properties against arthritis, cancer, and other ailments. The idea is that the supplements will help your body replace worn out cartilage.
Having recently torn the cartilage in my left knee and simultaneously diagnosed ‘with a little arthritis’ in the same, and with swelling behind the knee. My Sport’s Ortho said that the swelling was common with the torn cartilage but should go down in time. I began searching on the Web for a magical pain relief remedy (other than my already supplementation of Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondrotin, Taurine, Collagen, HA, Cats Claw, Bromelain, MSM, etc., etc., etc….
knee and I believe that is why I have had the problems now with that knee, (deterioration of the cartilage). I had surgery on the knee and am hesitant to use injections that over a long time may cause damage (like what happened, I believe due to the cortisone injections) Are there any long term studies related to the synvisc injections and possible long term damage to the knee?
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis is confirmed by physical examination and X-rays of the ankle joint. Medications like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are being used as they are effective in reducing the pain of OA in all joints. Physical therapy plays an important role in the treatment plan of osteoarthritis. If you are not satisfied seeking second opinion will help. Do keep me posted.
Take care and regards!
Hello and welcome to Med Help.
There are many reasons why the body has it's aches and pains. Standing and bending all day can be stressful on the knee and ankle and maybe they are telling you that they are tired and need rest.
There are many good herbs and vitamin suppliments on the market today designed to help in the management of muscles and joints. One that is good for joints is called
Glucosamine.
So far, they want to core out the affected bone, and take a piece of bone and cartilage from one of my knee regions so that they can transplant the bone from there to where the OCD was.
I was told that none of the surgeons in this whole group has never done this exact procedure.
I was told something about them being unable to reach the affected region and may have to break another bone in order to get to it.
She has seen many doctors, has had x-rays, MRIs, and one arthroscopy surgery on her knee. She has soft cartilage in her knees. She tried taking glucosamine but found no relief after 6 months so she stopped taking it.
She cries to me almost every night.
We are beside ourselves. What will she be like in her 40s,50s,etc?
Does anyone have any suggestions as to what it might be?
MRI says- severe bone bruising and bleeding, micro fractures of tibia, 2 complex menus all tears-anterior and posterior, grade2-3 cartilage thinning, fluid above knee and in knee behind patella, bathers cyst, ligament strain, some bone growth and early osteoarthritis. What the hell do I do- I am thinking lose weight, swim, take chondritin, glucosamine, vitamin c, see a knee surgeon... what I DONt want is a knee replacement. It is a bit stiff, swollen and aches.
ginger and glucosamine sulfate will affect coumadin (warfarin) I'm on warfarin and can't take ginger or glucosamine and a host of other supplements.
While waiting for your dr. appointment, have you taken an x-ray to see if there's noticable damage? In the meantime, there may be a natural remedy for relief; it's helped my torn cartilage and arthritis in my left knee... no pain, no swelling...
Here's my story:
Castor Oil & Pain???
Call it what you wish, Voodoo, Witchcraft, ‘BS’, whatever….but it DID work for me.
In addition, you might consider using a vitamin containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Many have had significant relief on this vitamin.
ve seen an awful lot of people get relief from using glucosamine chondrointin sulfate combos along with anti-inflammatories, including my father-in-law, recent studies say it doesn't work. I'm not going to say I believe or don't believe them, just pointing out they're there. I just know that my discs are never coming back, but I'm still able to work out every day.
I mean the distance between the bones has narrowed in the right knee quite considerably. May I ask is there anything I can do to strengthen the cartilage in the right knee to avoid a possibly inevitable operation? Gemini, I have also started taking cod liver oil, could you please give me your thoughts on that and/if there is any need to take them? Many many thanks again.
Most people with arthritis have some nutritional deficiencies, including lowered levels of vitamins A, B6, B12, and C. Glucosamine sulfate can help. The proper levels of minerals like magnesium and selenium is also important. Most arthritic patients need detoxification from heavy metals like mercury.
Eliminate refined foods. Eat a whole-food diet including unrefined sugar, salt, oil, and flour, and as much organic produce as possible.
Also, drink enough water.
But an analysis of studies looking at glucosamine or chondroitin for osteoarthritis in the hip or knee did not show that these supplements slow joint destruction or relieve pain. It's kind of gone by the wayside. It was found to not be the wonder supplement it was once thought to be. Multiple studies revealed that they will not help you more than a placebo.
However there are still ppl that swear they help them.
Hello ScalpMassager,
Glucosamine and chondroitin are part of normal cartilage. Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones in a joint. When these supplements first became available they were even suggested by physicians.
Many people take glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, for osteoarthritis. Some people believe this helps - and I am delighted you are one of them.
Recommended
