Effective joint pain care
JOINT pain in the knees, ankles and shoulders is a widespread problem, especially among the elderly.
Joints are connections between two bones and the wear and tear of cartilages – the tough material that cushions joints – leads to inflammation, pain and stiffness in those areas. This is known as osteoarthritis.
Risk factors vary from obesity to hereditary conditions, with age being one of the most common risk factors. As risk factors are often out of the patient’s control, learning how to care for joints before osteoarthritis develops and pain sets in is important.
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilages. It is often prescribed as a health supplement to treat osteoarthritis. In its supplemental form of glucosamine sulfate, studies have shown that 1,500mg a day helps reduce knee pain, encourage the regrowth of cartilage and prevent further breakdown of these substances.
Chondroitin sulfate is also commonly found in cartilages. It has anti-inflammatory benefits that help reduce pain and slow down the wear and tear of cartilages.
Following clinical studies, 1,200mg chondroitin sulfate is commonly recommended together with 1,500mg glucosamine sulfate, a combination clinically proven to reduce pain and aid knee function recovery.
The optimum combination of 1,500mg glucosamine and 1,200mg chondroitin reduces joint pain and swelling, rebuilds joint cartilages and slows down osteoarthritis. Other ways to preserve joint health are:
• Getting the right nutrients, as bones are constantly being regenerated and require a steady supply of the right raw materials. Take lots of calcium and vitamins D and K2.
• Staying active and exercising regularly helps to prevent stiffness in joints.
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References
1. Zeng, C. et al. Effectiveness and safety of Glucosamine, chondroitin, the two in combination, or celecoxib in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Sci. Rep. 5, 16827; doi: 10.1038/srep16827 (2015).
2. Hochberg MC, Martel-Pelletier J, Monfort J, et al. Combined chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for painful knee osteoarthritis: a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, non-inferiority trial versus celecoxib. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases Published Online First: 14 January 2015. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-206792.