Free from crippling pain
> Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that has brought suffering to many, but now there is hope of a solution for it
JOINT pain can result in the loss of mobility, and aches that affect the quality of life in general. For 63-year-old Madam Chan, what began as knee pains evolved into sleepless nights and the inability to be as active and lively as she used to be.
The most common form of arthritis or joint pain is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage or cushion between the joints breaks down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Osteoarthritis can be caused by several factors such as excess weight on a joint, injury or overuse of a joint, as well as genes.
Previously, osteoarthritis was thought to be a result of wear-and-tear of joints.
According to researchers at the Nuvaceuticals Division of Nuvanta, joint problems are caused by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a group of enzymes that work together to break down joints and cause osteoarthritis.
Unless they are controlled or inhibited, MMPs will continue to deteriorate the joints.
Chan has tried various glucosamine supplements to treat her condition, but to no avail. Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can only do so much to alleviate joint pains.
However, a discovery that was initially made in the 1970s may be the solution.
It was discovered that an active New Zealand GreenLipped Mussel extract was helping people with arthritis gain their mobility again.
Today, the extract, which is gathered using a patented technology, is branded as Biolane.
The New Zealand GreenLipped Mussel extract is found to inhibit the ability of the MMPs to deteriorate joints. It also has numerous anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and healing benefits.
Biolane is the product of 40 years of research.
According to researchers at Nuvanta’s Nuvaceuticals Division, the extract has proven effective in treating 70% of osteoarthritis in clinical studies.
In 2005, Biolane was awarded the Ideal AntiArthritic Agent accolade by the Australian Centre for Complementary Research and Education.
The maker of Biolane advises those who use the product to maintain at least three months of regular treatment of two capsules, twice a day, before they will see the positive effects.
This is because it is a natural treatment, and it takes time to repair the damage done by years of injury.
At the encouragement of her daughter, Chan tried Biolane.
However, she had her doubts about the product when she saw no improvements at first, and she still had to take her painkillers.
But she persisted in her treatment under the advice of her pharmacist, and four months later, Chan woke up one morning and realised that she had a good night’s sleep and was free of pain and stiffness in her knees.
She kept the news to herself thinking that it might be a fluke, but allowed herself the luxury of a short stroll around her garden, something she has not done for a long time.
Chan continued taking Biolane, and she has been able to live relatively painfree for the last six months.
Now, she will be going on a holiday with her daughter to experience winter in Japan.
This article is brought to you by the Nuvaceuticals Division of Nuvanta Sdn Bhd. For more, call 03-5636 3758 or 1300 88 1712 or email: pharmacist@ nuvanta.com.