The most common supplements for joint pain are glucosamine and chondroitin. Most approaches to treating painful joints focus on painkillers and anti-inflammatories. Arthritis is simply an inflammatory condition. In the case of painful joints, this is an inflammation of the cartilage or sometimes the bone as well.
Each of these supplements are marketed as being able to reduce the pain in a joint and possibly to improve the overall health of a joint as well. The issue at hand is whether a joint can be repaired through supplementation.
As osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, and injuries can cause trauma and degradation of a joint, it is debatable as to whether cartilage and damaged bone can be improved. At best, many believe that supplements may help to slow the degenerative process and mask pain. This is not necessarily a bad thing.
There are a host of other supplements that are avaialable to those with joint pain. Most of these contain herbal blends that have little in the way of testing or evidence to show they may work.
Is It Only A Placebo Effect At Work?
Not necessarily.
While the trials on supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine are mixed, there still is some evidence that they may reduce or eliminate joint pain. Glucosamine sulphate is an important building block for connective tissues and the fluids that help to lubricate joints.
Absorption occurs quickly and for strong responders, the effects can be felt quickly. Some tests have shown a return to nearly full function for patients with osteoarthritis. Its effect for those suffering joint pain as a result from a traumatic injury is less clear.
Chondroitin is a building block for cartilage, along with collagen. In some cases, chondroitin may have a similar effect to glucosamine. The issue in these cases is determining when one supplement may be more appropriate than another.
Taking the two together can be effective, but also excessive.
Conclusion
The question of whether supplements for joint pain are effective is always difficult to answer. As seen above, the answer is often along the lines of "it depends".
Some are very skeptical, while others are convinced that at least glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation are effective. At the worst, an unsuccessful trial of a relatively inexpensive supplement may occur. At the best, a return to nearly normal function may be the result.
