Glucosamine for Joint Pain Management

The process of aging bring along many body changes including bone and joint problems. The wear and tear that comes with age leads to loss of cartilage and joint degeneration. Later, the cartilage that normally cushions the ends of the joints gradually loses its elasticity, making the joints stiff. The ends of the joints also become damaged. This is then felt as joint pain, lesser range of motion, and swelling over the affected area.

Joint pain can affect anyone but it is usually experienced by older individuals. The condition most commonly affects the joints of the hands and knees. Although there is no absolute cure for osteoarthritis, there are ways to relieve pain and preserve joint function. Chronic pain can greatly affect your quality of life as well as your relationship with family and friends.

The first step is to the management of joint pain is getting a right diagnosis. There are various ways to treat joint pain and soreness. Some of these medications are acetaminophen, pain killers, and cortisone shots. Physical therapy can help in pain management and minimizing disability. Doing regular low impact exercises can improve muscle strength and overall health. These include swimming, fitness walking, and aerobic exercise programs.

Relief of pain and restoring joint function is most successful in patients with early stages of osteoarthritis.

Losing excess weight is necessary to reduce stress on the joints, especially the weight bearing ones. Using assistive devices such as canes are likewise important to decrease stress on the joints. Wearing comfortable shoes with shock absorbers can reduce stress on the hips and knees.

Alternative treatments have become more popular in managing chronic joint pain. Glucosamine, a naturally occurring amino sugar in the body, is found in the joint fluid. Glucosamine functions to maintain and promote healthy joints. There are many forms of glucosamine like glucosamine hydrochloride, N acetyl glucosamine, and glucosamine sulfate.

A glucosamine supplement in the form of glucosamine sulfate is now widely used by adults to relieve joint pain and help repair damaged cartilage. Glucosamine works by improving joint elasticity. It is also a very effective and safe alternative to non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs for reducing joint pain and inflammation.