Glucosamine and Pain Management for Artheritis
Have been having difficulties with artheritis in the shoulder and knee. Doctor (Ortho) is recommending Glucosamine.
- Does anyone in the Haus take Glucosamine?
- What is your experience? (Pros and Cons)
- Recommendations on a particular brand?
- Other recommendations?
- Any docs familiar with affects of Glucosamine on blood sugar levels? (I'm diabetic)?
Thanks for your help!
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Comments
Hi,
I get this question quite a bit in primary care. Basically, the answer is we dont know. There have been lots of studies showing that it improves arthritis and lots of studies that say its bunk. We havent really identified significant negative effects of it, but caution should be used in those patients allergic to shellfish, and yes, those with diabetes. Initially, it was though that Glucosamine reduced the effectiveness of diabetes medications, but this hypothesis has come under much debate. In any case, it still stands that patients with diabetes should keep a careful watch on their blood sugars while on Glucosamine. I did have plenty of diabetic patients on it.
Regarding cost, I have heard that the big box stores, ie Costco, are the ways to go.
Hope this helps. Here is also a link to an American Academy of Family Physicians article on it:
http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0815/p471.html
As a N=1, I highly recommend Glucosamine. I have been taking it for several years. It took about a month before I noticed a difference, woke up one day with no achy joints..., but I do notice now if I go a week or so without it, waking up with achy joints... I usually just keep an eye out for sales and stock up. Knees and ankles feel 30 years younger! Dave
Rich,
studies have varied outcomes on Glucosamine and Chondrotin from what I've seen. Personally, I recommend it but do not stock it at the office. It is easy and cheap to find. I also started taking Flex HA from Douglas Labs. I find that with both of them my knees do not hurt with hammer sessions. My knees used to feel like the cartilage pad (meniscus) between my femur and tibia was bruised with hard efforts. There is no way I could do these OS sessions without it. That's my n=1.
Vince
Hey Rich. I've been taking Glucosamine w/Chondroitin daily for the past 15 years since my first knee surgery when my Orthopod recommended it (since he told me I'd never run more than 5 miles again). I've had nothing but great results and largely believe it's the reason I've been able to continue living the active lifestyle that I do.
I just buy the large Kirkland (Costco) Extra strength stuff. It's cheap and I haven't noticed a difference between the higher price pills (though I haven't tried the liquid form yet).
Good luck with the knee and shoulder
Last research I read stated that for those with moderate to severe osteoarthritis (OA), Glucosamine and chondroitin combo did help relieve pain. But in those with mild to moderate OA, it was no better than placebo. That said, I took it for severe OA in R foot. It was after surgery, so I don't know it if helped, but it sure didn't hurt the joint. I do not take it regularly, but will resume and see how my knees feel. I've never had known problems, but so far, they seem sore after running.