Treatments > Alternative and Natural Therapies > Other Alternative Therapies > Study Examines Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Arthritis

Text Size

New Study Examines Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Arthritis

By Brenda Goodman
Medical Editor

The popular dietary supplement combination of glucosamine and chondroitin appears to be no more effective at preventing joint damage caused by arthritis than a placebo. That’s the conclusion of the long-awaited second phase of the landmark Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial, or GAIT, which published the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism.

While the first phase of GAIT, the first large-scale study of any dietary supplement, was designed to gauge what effect the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate might have on knee pain, the second phase looked at whether the supplements could slow the destruction of cartilage that leads to narrowing in knee joints, which is visible on an X-ray.

Researchers at nine centers around the country followed 357 people with knee osteoarthritis who were randomly assigned to take daily doses of either 1500 mg of glucosamine, 1200 mg chondroitin sulfate, the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin, 200 mg of celecoxib (Celebrex), or placebo pills.

After two years, X-ray differences between the five groups were barely detectable.

Those assigned to the placebo group had lost an average of .166 millimeters of cartilage in their knees, while the group taking glucosamine with chondroitin lost .194 millimeters.

While none of the differences between the groups was statistically significant, the researchers noted that the participants who lost the least amount of joint space over two years were in the groups taking either glucosamine alone or chondroitin alone. Participants in those groups lost averages of .013 millimeters and .107 millimeters in their knees, respectively.

Previous studies have indicated that taking the two supplements together might limit their absorption into the body. If that’s true, researchers think that could be a reason why they didn’t see any effect in this trial.

Though the study failed to find any benefit in taking glucosamine with chondroitin for arthritis patients, even the study’s lead author says this is not the final word on the popular supplements.

Allen D. Sawitzke, MD, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City, says that because of significant limitations, like a small sample size, this study probably didn’t have enough power to determine whether glucosamine and chondroitin are truly effective for patients with arthritis.

He says that he and his colleagues were puzzled and disappointed by their results.

“I think we feel like it would have been nice to answer the question definitively, but we really couldn’t do that,” Dr. Sawitzke says.

Based on his experience with GAIT, Dr. Sawitzke says he no longer recommends glucosamine and chondroitin to everyone, but that he does support its use in appropriate people.

“If they want to take it for pain, I tell them to try it for three to four weeks,” he says. “If they feel better, I say keep taking it.”

Debs

30 Apr 2012, 00:04

I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both my knees about three years ago, with the right knee being in slightly worse shape than the left. I'd heard about Osteo-Biflex on television so I thought I'd give it a try. Before doing so I had pain in my knees when walking, stiffness after sitting "too" long, and at times while walking my right knee would suddenly feel like the kneecap was slipping out of place, plus at times I'd take a step a certain way and bam! It felt like my knees were going to come apart and I was going to hit the ground. Since taking the Osteo (but since switching to generic G&C, all these symptoms have virtually disappeared. No more kneecap sliding, no more feeling like my knees are going to collapse on me, no more stiffness or pain while walking. There may be no "conclusive" evidence in their studies as to the effectiveness of these supplements, but my knees say they work great. This is one supplement I don't mind taking the rest of my life because the relief is incredible.

Judy

23 Apr 2012, 13:36

My 81 year old cousin claims that the
Glucosamin, Chondroitin, & MSM that I bought for her to relieve her knee pain made her knees swell. She stopped taking the M, C & MSM.
hmmm she is on prescription drugs for diabeties, cholestoral, hypertension and thyroid.
What could cause her swelling. I have been taking Glucosamin, Chondroitin, & MSM for years and never had swelling.
Thanks for you kind answers.
Judy

ghamiz

08 Apr 2012, 11:27

my mother is 62 and has been diagnosed with extreme osteoarthritis but she refuses to take medicines. Our consultant prescribed 100mg aristal, 20 mg esante and panadol. My mother used the medicines for two weeks then refused to take more despite extreme pains and stiffness. Now i want to try glucosamine/chondroitin combination supplement. Kindly suggest some reliable brands. Thanks :)

Dreamsurfer

21 Feb 2012, 15:07

It would be far more useful to do a more in depth study as to the actual cause of the pain (rupture, dehydration, over-hydration &/or inflammation) as well as what type of formula they took AND the source of the glucosamine and other components. Many formulas have additional supplements and depending on weather the glucosamine was vegetarian (corn generally) or shell-fish (which could cause an adverse reaction if one is allergic, as could other sources for other components.)

In addition, the reason for the "arthritis, type of arthritis, and type of tests run can also make a huge difference as to weather or not a person taking supplements may or may not be helpful for a person diagnosed with arthritis.

All too often, a person is labeled as having "arthritis" with little or no tests, other times extensive tests are run, then there is the cause and what type of arthritis a person has.

Hopefully there will be more in-depth information on the type of arthritis, as well as possible cause of the arthritis (auto-immune, recent trauma, older trauma, old or new barotrauma, etc.)

In addition, I do agree with Dr. Sawitzke that the amount of people in the study is too few to be statistically significant, yet also that there are too many loose ends regarding ingredients and determinating factors in the study to be useful.

Hopefully the experimental design in such studies will be constructed more carefully so they have meaning.

Michelle

11 Feb 2012, 08:16

I tried taking glucosamine chrondroitin complex several times over the past few years. I have some arthritis in my left foot and left knee pain(prior surgery). After a couple days on the supplement, I could barely move! It seems to cause muscular cramping and pain up and down my spine. I have not heard of this reaction before and just wonder what this indicates.

LAHs

04 Nov 2011, 14:59

A few years ago I fell on my right knee and experienced arthritis. I spoke to a guy who had similarly hurt his knee and he said that he had tried MANY of the glu/chon products and the ONLY one that he had good results from was "Move Free" by Schiff (I'm in the US btw). I immediately bought a bottle (expensive) and I got good results, my right knee became normal within a month. Last year I fell on my left knee - and I now have arthritis in that one. Move Free is helping a lot but my knee has not become completely "normal". My doctor suggested spending a period of time (between 1 to 6 weeks) on crutches, ie no weight on the joint at all - so that any cartilage which is being generated (albeit very slowly this time) is not immediately worn away - sounds like a good plan. (But it is hard using crutches for even one hour let alone weeks.)

Faye

02 Sep 2011, 15:58

I have taken GlucosamineChondroitin for 8 years. I believe it helped my knee pain. Now I have inflamation all over my body. It almost feels like the flu with aches. Ibuprofin does help but I am worried about stomach problems. I take 5 tabs 200mg ea.a day. Should I stop taking the Glu Chon and try something else?

Billix

20 Jul 2011, 23:54

I have taken and sold glucosamine/chondroitin in various dosages/combinations/mixtures. That was when I was ten years or more younger than I am today and did not suffer from arthritic pain. I do now. So, I have returned to taking the supplement (combined glucosamine/chondroitin) for pain and it works. I experience a burning pain in certain joints and the supplements provide a modicum of relief. So do NSAIDS but I prefer to treat pain in various ways. I don't wish to relay on NSAIDS alone. Good luck to you arthritis sufferers.

Deenie

23 Jun 2011, 14:55

I have to say in some ways I think there's a conspirecy by the F&D administration. along with the medical fields. Yes, I know some natural supplements may be harmful...BUT the idea that Glucosamine/Chondrioton don't give some relief for people is B.S. My husband has taken it for years. Yes, he does need knee surgery on one of his knees, which will make it significantly better, but GC has given him a tremendous amount of relief. He's tried stopping it to see what would happen, and says the pain comes back and that he feels that taking it most definitely helps. He takes the purest form he can, which is a little expensive, but to him it is well worth it!

bobi

23 Mar 2011, 12:25

Twice i injured my knees in 3 separate occasions of basketball tourneys and each injury had to sit out almost a year.I'm already 53 years old and still raring to play w/ youngsters who envies my capacity despite my age.Thanx to glucosamine&chondroitin which greatly improved my mobility...a far cry when it wasnt introduced to me suffered pain on my knees&ankle everytime i play.

tania

06 Dec 2010, 03:19

I started having pain from my OA several years ago. I took one brand that is probably good enough, but swithed to the Advanced triple strength Osteo Bi-Flex with 5-Loxin. With this one you only need to take 2 pills a day. The reason I am giving the brand name is because someone asked.
If not this brand, it is important to look for the daily dosage and make sure it is 2 pills. If you were to find a brand that the dosage is 1 pill a day, better yet.
I had found brands that showed the same amounts of MSM, Chondroitin and Glucosamin as this one and were way cheaper, so I bought one. But I was surprised to see that dosage was 4 pills.
The 3 supplements together help me, although I have never taken them separately, maybe except for MSM that wasn't in the 1st brand I took.
All I know is that if I stop taking it for a few days, my pain comes back.

Janie

20 Oct 2010, 00:39

I'm 53 and have had 2 cervical spine surgeries. I have arthritis in my knees, hands,and back. I started taking glucosamine and chondroitin three years ago. Without it I could bearly go up and down stairs or open jars. If I do't take at least 1500mg of gluco. and 1200mg of chond. it does nothing for me. I believe you have to take the right dose for effectiveness.

Maurine

31 Aug 2010, 20:01

I've been taking Glucosamin1500mg/ Chrondroitin 1200mg for a few years and also Calcium with Vitamin D. I have back problems and have to get Lumbar Epidurals at least 3 a year. Also my Cholestral has been over 200 and has been that way around a few years after I started on Glucosamine/
Chrondroitin. Would that have anything to do with my Cholestral? I don't know if I should to continue taking it.

craig

01 Aug 2010, 08:30

the facts show that glucosamine works for some people and not for others. it is also about consistency and purity of ingredients. here are some great testimonials from runners, athletes and normal people who have been taking JoMo at http://www.jomo.com/testimonials.html including olympians and world champions who are using it to manage their joint pain. hope this post helps

Gale

05 Jul 2010, 21:01

I have been taking Glucisamine, MSM and Chondritin since I was diagnose with arthritis in the knees and the kneck.
I thing if I weren't taking this I would not be able to function.

But what I actully do is take for quite awhile and then stop. And resume taking it.
Also I take Viamin D with Calcium with my meals once a day.

Try to eat plenty of veggies,fruits, salads. Do moderate exercise.
Spend a little time with yourself- meditation.
Get nice scented candles, if you have a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend daughter , son etc. let them give a gentle massage.

Drink Green Tea.

I wish everybody all the Best in Life.

Gale

Dave

02 Jun 2010, 22:47

I have osteoarthritis and have tried about every combination available.I have learned that most combinations do contain too much, and the result is less absorbtion in the digestive system. MSM is a powerful anti-inflamitory, but will eventually cause the same digestive upset and damage as aspirin equivalents will. I reccomend taking the lowest dosage of glucosamine possible(500-1000mg daily) spread over 2 or 3 meals, and simply increasing dosage during flare-ups (1500mg max daily). I am getting the best effectiveness in over 10 years, taking approximately 500-750mg of glucosamine daily, and, using MSM in cream form, applied twice daily to the affected areas. MSM cream is odorless and non-greasey. I would reccomend TriMedica 8oz. bottles. I pay about $8.80 for 8 ounces. Most other brands are way over-priced and all other ointments are greasy and smelly.
I think there are too many companies out there trying to patent their combinations of glucosamine, condroitin, MSM, and a few additional anti-inflamitories and I feel that it is simpy overkill for long term usage. Almost everyone is going to be taking them for the rest of their life, so take as little as possible, you can always increase when needed.

Helen

08 Feb 2010, 18:20

What about diet??. Diagnosed with RA in my mid 30's - Rheumatoid factor in bloods extemely high at that time and lots of fatigue - After 6 weeks of being diligent with yoga and removing all wheat, gluten from my diet - pain and inflamation in wrists & elbows and the R factor in my blood tests had decreased dramatically and energy improved. Have never taken any chemical medications. Continue gluten free diet and am quite active. Now in my mid 40's inflammation and pain in wrist/ankles/elbows is increasing again...Take boswelia complex herbal anti inflamatories but they don't work as brilliantly as they used to and will go back on Glucosamine which seems to help & yoga

jocelyn

15 Dec 2009, 08:11

where i buy your supplement??bec my father is suffered from arthritis??

Kristy

29 Nov 2009, 19:24

I was diagnosed with RA about 8 months ago, I struggled with prednisone, methotrexate and a slew of other things before trying my new natural approach. I am struggling with this to... any one who may have something similar to offer any tips woul dbe great. Best of luck to everyone.

JOY

29 Nov 2009, 13:37

IF THESE ARE NOT WORKING WHICH DO YOU RECOMMEND THAT ONE TAKES?

Laine

04 Nov 2009, 11:56

I ran out of glucosamine Chrondroiton and have found it very difficult to buy everywhere seems to selling it with msm, sulphate or rosehip but not g & c. So have bought mine on the internet from Woods health also codliver oil it is much cheaper. I have osteoarthritis in my knee and hands and now seem to be getting it in my other knee. To much sitting or standing seems to make it work it's finding the happy medium, so I will keep on trying. My sense of houmour keeps me going.109.38 enlistee

caroline

23 Oct 2009, 15:35

I am 39yr old female with Fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease in my neck along with osteoarthritis in one knee. I started taking Osteo Bi-Flex and within a week my pain in my bones and joints was definately reduced. It's only been 4 weeks now but I do notice a difference overall. I printed a coupon from the internet for $5.00 off and found it on sale at Walgreens buy one bottle get one free so I got enough for 4 months for less than $30 dollars. You just have to look out for the specials. Good luck all.

Mike Phillips

23 Oct 2009, 09:12

the've said I have ankylosing spondylitis & chronic arthritis...most of my life...now I take 1 Aleve(a lot of days none), with fish oil(4-12 caps./day), glucosamine, & a whole food...the biggest difference in pain reduction that i've noticed is the use of DMSO & Arnica massage oil(by weleda)...let's just say i'm over 40 & play alot of basketball & feel better than I did when I was on(NSAID's,pain killers etc...)the biggest difference that i noticed using this combo is even if I get swelling in my knees...it goes away(no steroids, or draining...)

Susan Moretz

22 Oct 2009, 18:21

I have diabetes, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue,etc,etc. I've just been diagnosed with OA. It's really bad in my hands and back. The other places, I can ignore the pain. I started taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin about 6 weeks ago and I seem to have more flexibility now. If only I could bend my fingers again to make a fist. I'm having trouble in the kitchen with my hands. Help!! Thanks for listening.

Lollipop

25 Sep 2009, 05:42

I take glucosamine and chondroitin, also collagen plus C, an adult aspirin and other general vitamins per day (always after a meal to avoid ulcers), am 82 years old and heavy, but also attend a swimming class each morning. Am quite free of any pain although 10 years ago when not taking the glucosamine and not swimming, had lots more problem with walking. Only other medication per day is one 20 mg. high blood pressure pill. No knee or other replacements. Others think I am physically remarkable. I would like to lose weight however living alone and sedentary except for the swimming, it is difficult for me to diet.

A Maclachlan

14 Sep 2009, 09:46

I use Glucosamine and Chrondiotin and MSM with excellent results. I have arthritis in my foot which came from a broken metamatarsal. I eat healthily a lot of fruit and vegetables and take a multi vitamin and mineral and omega 3 tablet everyday together with vitamin D and calcium tablets. I also have high blood pressure but I find if I stick to the tablets daily I am pain free. I also wear an insole inside trainers and can walk pain free, it is all worth it. I don't mind the cost and order the pills from Healthspan in the Channel Islands where they are cheaper.

karenkay sharp

13 Sep 2009, 20:31

well, i had neck pain so bad that i couldn't turn it; thot id hurt it on my horse. it was confirmed via xray that it was the BEGINNING of OA; oh ,i cant imagine what adv OA is. i tried the C/G after watching my arthritic dog agonize and the vet gave him the meds and he was able to run w me in a few wks. regardless of test results; i cnt run ro ride wo pain if i go off the C/G. middle age can be a bummer but this stuff works well.

Maryann

22 Aug 2009, 21:33

Can you please tell me if Glucosamine and Condroitin will help if you have rhuematoid arthritis. Thank You

Nick Scheno

13 Aug 2009, 21:58

I've been taking Glucosamine Chondroitin for about 3 weeks, for an arthritic hip. I have seen a very noticeable improvement in the pain in my hip, as well as my range of motion. It definitely has helped me.

Deb

10 Aug 2009, 11:58

Recently diagnosed with arthritis, left knee.
Pain and swelling, so much at times cannot walk without a cane! Looking into Glucosamine Chondroitin. It's so expensive! Best reviews I've read so far are from the Qvc home shopping channel. The one they sell is Natures Code extended release. It says once daily formula, that's 3 tablets daily with a full glass of water. The testimonials are amazing, even for their dogs! Don't know what kind of arthritis I have, nurse said the kind that comes with aging! Now if I can figure out how to afford this I might be saying something!

Jeanette

05 Aug 2009, 18:05

I have been taking glucosamine/ chrondrontin for a long time, stopping for a period of time. During this time my stiffness and pain got worse. I started back on it and am now able to function again. I still do have some pain but not as bad as when I was not taking it.

Sandy Barnes

21 Jul 2009, 16:31

I have fibromylgia and degenerative disk disease in my back.I have arther in my hips,back and knees. I blew out my knee in 2008 and got diabetic nerve damage, so I was prescribed cymbalta although I do not like the effect it has when you first take it or if you run out of it, With out it I couldn't work..I stand and walk all day for Walmart,as a cashier,,no way with out cymbalta, I tried to go off of it to save money but found I could not walk with out it.So maybe it would help some of you. My fibro pain is almost none.

julie

14 Jun 2009, 06:26

I have been taking gluco/chondriton for several years. This has been on prscription by Doc in UK. Recently he has suggested that I stop taking it to see if I experience any difference, it would appear that it may be a cost cutting exercise!
At present I have stopped taking it, not sure if there is a difference yet, but will report back. I suffer from a type of arthritus and spinal problems.
It is so important to keep your mobility going, although very painful, when I stop my pain gets worse.

Jan

09 Jun 2009, 15:39

Hi

I would love to hear from Donna who wrote on the 11 May about a good brand - please pass on my email to her so that she can advise me on which brand she feels is a good one.

I have had dreadful knee pain for 6 months and commenced taking a Glucosamine Chrondontrin tablet from Boots, it seems to be working. I have now finished these and have just bought more but from Holland and Barratt and notice that this is a Glucosamin Sulphate tablet. What is the difference?

i would be grateful for some advice.

thanks

Gemma

07 Jun 2009, 10:04

The medical community is very resistant to alternative therapies. Perhaps Glucosamine works more slowly and other adjustments to one's living conditions are also necessary. Regardless, Celebrex is not the answer just conviently profitable as it is expensive.

Phyllis

04 Jun 2009, 06:33

I had been in a wheelchair at home, and used a walker when I went outside for five years. So I had both hips replaced. My left hip in 2007 and my right hip in 2008 with the expectation I could walk again. Now arthritis is in my feet. At the present time, I can hardly put my weight on my right foot which is swollen and very painful. I'm going to Weight Watchers, trying to lose weight, but so hard to do when you can't walk for any amount of time. I would greatly appreciate any information to help me. With times as they are I hate to spend a lot of money for something that doesn't help. I have had three bleeding ulcers from taking DayPro, so now my doctor tells me I can only take Tylenol. Sometimes I just want to give up, but I know I can't. I have osteoarthritis in every joint of my body.

Silvia

02 Jun 2009, 09:48

For the ones that the glucosamine/chondroitin is working, could you please tell me which brand are you getting? I got one and didn't feel much difference...maybe it is the brand and dosage. If anyone knows about it, I would really appreciate you letting me know. Thanks!

Barry WOOD( UK)

31 May 2009, 10:32

I had the beginnings of arthritis in my wrists & thumbs, & was unable the lift /grasp things So I started to take GLUCOSAMINE1500mg & CHONDROITIN 1200mg,Two tablets per day & the results within a short time were amazing.Hardly any trouble & cut down to ONE tablet per day now...(a relative in the USA sends supplies to me as less expensive there)

jknaub

21 May 2009, 17:24

There is a study about the benefits of Pycnogenol on osteoarthritis on this site. There is a product out there that is drinkable and tastes great. There are many clinicals on the ingredients as well as this particular product published in reputable publications, including Angiology. Email me if you want the info and where to get it. jknaub1@gmail.com

There is belief that glucosamine and chrondroitin used in combination render each other ineffective. However, just as this article states, used separately has proven to have therapeutic value.

Jeannie

15 May 2009, 14:23

Nice to read all your comments and to see your trying to do the same things I am just stop the pain and have a good life.
Well I've done the gloc/chond and all my regular medications I'm taking I ache and have stiffness in the morning wish that would go away!
The weather certainly has an affect on me, somedays everything hurts just because of the lovely weather.
Nice to have a place to complain to those that know exactly what you mean.
Keep trying ! Exercise anyway you can ! Keep moving it's best for you !
God Bless ^_~

ruybal

13 May 2009, 11:17

My mom is 78 and is in great pain, she doesn't like taking medication in fear of getting addicted to them (not that she ever has)I am the baby of the house and she won't listen to me. PLEASE PLEASE give me some advice to help my mother. I don't know what to give her for the pain. Mom is not the sit down type but she's doing alot of sitting down now. The meds the doctor gave her is putting her to sleep. PLEASE HELP

Donna

11 May 2009, 21:25

If you are looking for a good brand of glucosamine, I can help. It works great! It has glucosamine and chondroitin in amounts clinically shown to help protect, lubricate, and cushion cartilage, along with more highly concentrated doses of manganese, boron, 5-Loxin®, and OptiMSM®.
Here’s what those ingredients do:
Glucosamine has been clinically tested to positively affect joint function.
Chondroitin helps maintain your healthy cartilage.
Manganese, glucosamine, and chondroitin assist your body in the building and repair of cartilage.
Boron plays a role in the maintenance of your healthy joints.
5-Loxin is a potent boswellic acid, and these acids have been shown to improve joint function in 7 days.
OptiMSM may be used by your body to maintain normal connective tissues, like your tendons and ligaments.
If you want more information, let me know.

greg gardner

07 May 2009, 23:27

i have a lot of pain in my hips and legs. and a lot of stiffness in the hips sometime it hurt to left my legs

Jennifer

05 May 2009, 14:41

I had taken glucosamine, chondrotin, and msm for years and decided it wasn't helping and was too expensive. I stopped taking it for 2 months and could barely walk. I went back on it and feel good again. If it is only a placebo effect, so be it.

CHERRY

21 Apr 2009, 09:15

I WANT TO ADD MY TWO CENTS ON THIS MATTER SO MANY TOLD ME I WOULD FEEL BETTER IF I TOOK IT ARTHRITIS DONT ALWAYS MEAN YOU ARE LACKING FLUIDS IN YOUR JOINTS ALOT OF INFLAMMATION AND PAIN CAN COME FROM HAVING TOO MUCH FLUID THERE ALREADY SO..AS I SAID BEFORE BE SURE TO DICUSS ANY NEW TREATMENT NO MATTER HOW SAFE YOU THINK IT IS WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Greg Watson

16 Apr 2009, 07:44

I was prescribed Celebrex 100 mg by a TA at my Doctors office. The Doctor also has ordered that I visit a hand specialist which I intend to do. The Celebrex was effective after two tablets. I felt no pain in my fingers and the "trigger finger symptom" disappeared. However, the discomfort from the stomach was so great that I have discontinued the use. My fingers began to ache again and the trigger finger problem reappeared within 12 hours.

Should I try the 5-Loxin or Flexi - 5? What are the side effects of this herbal treatment?

Rita

07 Apr 2009, 11:26

There has been some discussion that the above study is fundamentally flawed due to 1. lack of participation; 2. lack of disclosure of affiliations w/drug companies and the like. Question Authority. Please check out other authors related to this study before you discontinue use of GL/Ch. My personal experience is that if I stop it even briefly the pain is unbearable. I would suggest taking oral hylauronic acid and collagen type II as this has really improved my knee OA

Michele

26 Mar 2009, 13:10

I have mild OA in left shoulder, both big toes and some of my fingers. I just bought
NutraJoint plus glucosamine, chondroitin and MSA with gelatine. It was on sale and I had a coupon. Had not taken any other supplements and was wondering if I should start. Have pangs of pain from time to time and difficulty sleeping on my left side.

Veronica Ibarre

21 Mar 2009, 12:34

I takeGlucosamine and Condroitin and I had not results.What´s MSM

Mike Rabideau

09 Mar 2009, 11:42

I've been taking a supplement of glucosamine,chondroitin and msm for 8-9 years. Before I started my knees were very stiff. Any sort of impact (mostly from the edge of my desk file drawers) caused a lot of pain. I could not kneel down on a hard surface at all and kneeling on padded surfaces was not particularly painful, but the pressure caused swelling. The stools I have to use at work are elevated so there are rings at the bottom to rest your feet on. After sitting for awhile with my feet on the rest, in order to get off the stool I had to first stretch out each leg for a minute to help relieve the stiffness in the knees before I could walk. I supported the leg just above the knee and slowly extended the knee. I started the supplement and the change in only a few days was dramatic. I have been taking it ever since. I have no serious problem kneeling on hard surfaces and the stiffness is gone. I have tried several different brands and formulations and one thing I've noticed is that formulations that don't include the msm don't work as well for me. I take the supplement daily, but I can go more than a week without it before I notice any knee stiffness or discomfort.

Lorna Kauppi

04 Mar 2009, 11:47

Here's my food for Thought. I started to take Glucosamine, Chrondrontin and MSM when I was first diagnosed with knee Osteoarthritis in about 1998 or 1999. It worked for about a year. I was now looking for a new pain and anti-inflammation relief. I talked to someone who said they started taking the Lakota system for their arthritis and it works like a charm. So I also started the Lakota system; Glucosamine Sulfate(150 mg), Glucosamine HCL(150 mg) which includes a proprietary blend of other herbs in one pill and the Collagen Type II(20 mg) with L-Proline. When I first started, I took the maximum recommended daily dose for 4 to 6 weeks, then did a portion slightly less for 2 weeks, then continue with the recommended maintenance level. Up until winter of 2007, my knees were doing fine with a seldom flare-up (usually during wet/moist/weather change spells). Now, it seems like the knees swell with just about any weather change that includes moisture. So it looks like I will be adding a new herbal drug to my current cocktail mix to relieve me of the swelling of my knees.

The comment function provides the opportunity to comment on the content above.

General comments or questions to Arthritis Today editors and medical experts can be submitted here. Past medical questions and answers are available here.

Promotion of products and services and other inappropriate comments are prohibited and will be removed. If you spot one of these before we do, please send an alert.

All fields are required but only your name and comment will be displayed. Your e-mail address will not be used for any other purpose.

Name:
Email:
Text:
Enter the words shown above separated by space Enter the numbers you hear

New Study Examines Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Arthritis

Leave a Comment