One of the most popular over the counter supplements for joint pain is the combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. This supplement combination has been proven in numerous studies to improve joint pain due to osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, and overuse injuries.
The latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that documented the treatment outcomes of individuals with knee pain specifically due to osteoarthritis. More than 1500 patients completed the trial.
The researchers' primary goal was to determine the effect of 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin sulfate, either in combination or alone on knee pain compared to a common prescription pain reliever and placebo.
They found that either in combination or alone, the two natural supplements had no significant effect on the knee pain in this select group of patients when compared to placebo. The prescription pain reliever was superior to glucosamine and chondroitin in its ability to relieve pain.
A more rigorous analysis did yield a sub-group of patients that responded well to the glucosamine and chondroitin combination. Those individuals with moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis showed significant improvement when compared to placebo, 79.2% versus 54.3%. These improvements were in line with those noted in all participants using the prescription medication.
In conclusion, individuals who suffer from moderate to severe knee pain may benefit significantly from a combination treatment with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. This combination treatment can reduce pain as well as support the physical structure of joints, perhaps limiting further damage from osteoarthritis.
Posted by Kristopher Foster on April 11, 2006 10:21 AM
