Glucosamine for Joint Health and Repair

Glucosamine is an amino acid and sugar (glucose) combination. It is essential for the maintenance and repair of joints and is naturally produced in the body. As we age the body's ability to produce glucosamine from glucose decreases because the quantity of the enzyme glucosamine synthetase, responsible for the process declines. After an injury to joints, cartilage or spinal discs the body is often unable to make sufficient glucosamine for healing to occur.

Glucosamine acts as a supportive building material and stimulates the production of other ingredients essential for cartilage and joints. Research has shown conclusively that glucosamine considerably alleviates painful, tender and swollen joints. There is also a marked improvement in joint mobility in arthritis sufferers. In some studies there was also a reversal of cartilage degeneration. Taking glucosamine as a supplement can effectively inhibit cartilage deterioration. Clinical studies have shown that glucosamine sulphate relieves the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis It is a safe alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs eg ibuprofen). Although NAISDs are able to provide quick relief they have been shown to inhibit repair and accelerate the degeneration of the cartilage. Glucosamine achieves very positive results but it takes several weeks- so you need to be patient!

Glucosamine sulphate is the first line of treatment for arthritis - taking precedence over conventional medication in several European countries. There are no known side effects and no contraindications for its use - diabetics need to be careful as glucosamine might have an effect on insulin resistance.

Although the exact mechanisms for alleviating osteoarthritis symptoms is not known research suggests that glucosamine encourages cartilage matrix formation, reduces enzymatic break-down of cartilage components and had an anti-inflammatory effect. It also stimulates the production of hyaluronic acid in joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid relieves pain and improves mobility by repairing damaged cartilage.

There are many research studies into the benefits of glucosamine in arthritis. In a double-blind study 178 osteoarthritis patiens reported the effectiveness of glucosamine sulphate in reducing pain. In another study 252 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine sulphate in three doses. After 4 weeks glucosamine sulphate was more effective than the placebo in reducing pain and increasing mobility.

As well as having a role in treating arthritis glucosamine can be used following sporting injuries. After trauma or tearing during strenuous activity, the body often cannot make enough glucosamine for optimal healing. In one study 68 athletes with knee cartilage damage were given 1,500mg glucosamine sulphate daily for 40 days, then 750mg for 90 - 100 days. 52 of the athletes had complete resolution of the symptoms and returned to full training. Follow up after 12 months the athletes showed no signs of cartilage damage.

As well as glucosamine there are other substances that can play a role in joint health. These include:

· MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane) - a natural, safe and physiologically active sulphur compound. It has ano-inflammatory and antioxidant action. It is found in our bodies and in some foods such as raw seafood and fruit and vegetables. It plays a role in creating new cells and stimulating healing. It is used in the treatment of all forms of arthritis and joint infections.

· Chondroitin - is another important component of cartilage. It acts as a shock absorber by providing structure, holding water and nutrients and allowing other molecules to move through the cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin work together to protect the cartilage against degeneration.

· Vitamin C and manganese also work to strengthen the body's natural healing mechanisms.

· Multivitamin and mineral supplements and essential fatty acids also have beneficial effects on joints and musculoskeletal problems.

There are many studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of glucosamine in the treatment of joint and cartilage problems. Glucosamine is a safe alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs eg ibuprofen). Although NAISDs are able to provide quick relief they have been shown to inhibit repair and accelerate the degeneration of the cartilage. Glucosamine and other joint and bone repair products take a little longer to be effective but it will actually benefit the cartilage and aid in repair.

Glucosamine For Dog Arthritis - Does It Really Work?

Some say dogs are the best companion anyone could have while others say they are family. That's the kind of feeling people share with dogs and this is one relationship that does not take into considerations any geographical boundaries, race or creed. German dogs like the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinchers are some of the best guard dogs while the Labrador and the Golden Retriever are treated as the best family dogs.

But a dog comes for a price. He/she is as much susceptible to diseases and other physical ailments or problems as we are. One of the most concerning dog health problems is arthritis in dog. Dog arthritis occurs due to inflammation in the joints and can be divided into two categories: degenerative arthritis and inflammatory arthritis.

The degenerative arthritis or joint disease is also known as osteoarthritis and occurs in dogs when the cartilage starts to degenerate at a rapid pace. The inflammatory joint disease occurs when there is an infection in the joints or there is an immune-mediated disease called as like dog rheumatoid arthritis. This type of immune arthritis in dog can affect multiple joints and is accompanied by anorexia and fever.

There are various dog arthritis treatments available, but the best treatment for dog arthritis is glucosamine. Basically, there are two types of Glucosamine supplements. They are Glucosamine HCL and sulfate. The amount of glucosamine that can be given to your dog depends on the physical condition of your dog.

After many researches about dog arthritis medication, recent studies suggest that liquid glucosamine is better than glucosamine tablets. The reasons include: 1) Liquid glucosamine has many higher absorption rates than solid glucosamine; 2) Liquid glucosamine has much better effectiveness to treat arthritis in dog than glucosamine tablets. If your dog is suffering from dog arthritis like dog rheumatoid arthritis, it is highly recommend to get liquid glucosamine for your lovely dogs. Don't delay.

Strange Body Noises - Should You Be Worried?

At one time or another, we all experience symptoms that may range from simply annoying to frightening. Although most of the time, these symptoms do not signify a serious illness, they may cause great anxiety when they occur. The following article will help to explain some of the common symptoms you may experience, and when to seek medical care.

Crackling Joints

Many people experience this phenomenon upon certain movements. Common joints affected are the knees and ankles, although it may occur in other joints as well. There are three schools of thought on what causes joints to "crack". Your joints are bathed in a fluid called synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant for the joint. This fluid contains certain gases: oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which are released when the joint capsule is stretched. These gases can accumulate and be released when the joint moves, resulting in a cracking noise or sensation. Another theory is that tendons which support your joints get moved out of place when you move the joint. When the tendon moves back to its normal position, you may hear a crack, and experience a snapping sensation. Arthritis is a common cause of crackling joints. The hallmark of arthritis is the loss of smooth cartilage, which results in a roughened joint surface. When bones that have lost this cushion of cartilage rub together, they can produce cracking or popping sounds. Experts agree that if you are experiencing pain when your joints pop or crack, you should seek advice from a medical professional.

Ringing in the Ears

This common phenomenon can be very frustrating and bothersome. Also known as tinnitus, ringing in the ear is the perception of sound in the ear without a corresponding sound externally. Tinnitus may occur in one or both ears, or in the head. People may describe the sound they hear as ringing, whining, buzzing, whistling, or other variations. The sound may come and go, or may be present constantly, causing considerable distress. Tinnitus may be short-lived, or may be related to an underlying cause, such as an ear infection, wax build-up in the ears, damage from loud noise, or may even be a side effect of certain medications. Determining the cause is the key to treating tinnitus. If you suffer from persistent ringing in the ear(s), you should see your doctor for evaluation and treatment.

Eye Twitching

Eye twitching (blepharospasm) is the common, involuntary movement of your eyelids. Most people will experience this at one time or another. Although annoying, it is usually not serious. Common causes of this phenomenon are fatigue and stress. People who suffer from Tourette's syndrome or other neurological conditions may suffer a more severe form of this symptom. The portion of the brain which controls movement is the basal ganglion, and twitching of the eyelids is thought to arise from abnormal function in this area, which may be exacerbated by fatigue, stress, and anxiety. Other causes of the condition are prolonged staring (as in long hours on a computer) and an injury to the cornea of the eye. Occasional twitching is not cause for concern; however, if the twitching is constant or very bothersome, medical advice should be sought. In some countries, Botox is used to paralyze the eyelid muscles, thus putting an end to this annoying symptom. In other severe cases, medications such as muscle relaxants may be prescribed.

Jaw Clicking

Many people experience occasional clicking of the jaw with chewing or yawning. Generally, jaw clicking in itself is not a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms, such as facial pain, headache, or jaw locking. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint which connects your lower jaw to the side of your head. It allows you to perform activities such as talking, eating, and yawning. Muscles surround this joint and hold it in correct allignment. If these structures are not aligned properly, jaw clicking may result. If jaw clicking is accompanied by facial pain, headache, and chewing difficulties, the term temporomandibular disorder (TMD) may be used. If these symptoms accompany jaw clicking, seeing your doctor or dentist is advised.

Itching

Itching is perhaps one of the most annoying symptoms to experience. Itching, also called pruritus, is a skin irritation which causes the urge to scratch. It may be a minor irritation, or can be intense and overwhelming, depending on the cause. Common causes of pruritus include skin conditions, such as dry skin and eczema, allergic reactions, chemical irritation (such as might be caused by using a new laundry detergent), insect stings and bites, parasites that live under or on the skin (such as scabies and lice), pregnancy, rash from illness such as chickenpox, or reactions to medications. A more serious cause of pruritus is liver disease. To soothe itchy skin, cold compresses to the affected area can be tried. Medicated lotions and lukewarm baths are also sometimes helpful. Oral medication may be necessary in some cases. If you are suffering from itchy skin, try to avoid scratching the area, which may cause secondary infection of the skin. You should also avoid becoming over heated, which may make the itching worse. Your doctor should be consulted if you have itching to your entire body, if you have numerous hives to your body, and if itching is persistent and no cause can be determined.

Tummy Noises

It is normal for your abdomen to make rumbling noises. Most people associate rumbling in the abdominal area with hunger, and the noise can be quite loud at times. Borborygmus is the medical term for the rumbling of gas through the intestines. This is a normal part of the digestive process. Borborygmus can sometimes signal a more serious problem if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, nausea and vomiting, or inability to pass wind (gas) rectally. Borborygmus in these circumstances may signal a problem in the gastrointestinal tract, such as a bowel obstruction. In this case, medical attention should be sought.

Hot Flushes

Hot flushes are frequently experienced by women as they transition through menopause, and are probably the biggest reason for women seeking medical care for menopausal symptoms. Some women are hardly bothered by them, while others have frequent flushes that interfere with quality of life. Hot flushes give the sensation of intense heat throughout the body, and may feel most intense in the neck and face. Many women also experience sweating with flushes, which adds to the discomfort. Flushing episodes may last for seconds or minutes, and may occur sporadically or frequently. Flushes may be accompanied by other symptoms commonly associated with menopause, including sleep disturbances, depression, memory disturbances, and inability to concentrate. Over the past several years, debate has focused on the best way to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. The use of hormones is controversial, and women considering taking hormone replacement therapy need to weigh the pros and cons individually with their physicians. Allowing for extra rest, exercise, and a well-balanced diet may help alleviate hot flushes. Many common symptoms that people experience have benign causes and are short-lived. There are, however, exceptions to every rule. If any of the above symptoms occur, and are bothersome, it is usually wise to seek advice from your physician.

What Causes Joint Pain?

The discomfort that comes when tired knees are bent or the nagging ache felt when extending the elbow are all signs of joint pain, which has the potential to affect one or more joints at a time. While the inflammation of the joints (primarily caused by arthritis) is usually the culprit behind painful joints, there are many different kinds of injuries and conditions that may cause sore joints that throb with pain. No matter what causes painful joints, the overall feeling can become quite unbearable.

Paying a visit to a physician is needed to reach an accurate diagnosis regarding your joint pain. It is very important to locate the source of your joint problem in order to select the best approach towards treatment. After completing an assortment of tests, a proper diagnosis is made. Below you will find a few conditions the doctor may consider when pinpointing the source of your joint pain:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
This autoimmune disorder causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Unfortunately, it is also a progressive illness, which has the potential to destroy joints and cause varying levels of disability.

2. Osteoarthritis:
This condition involves the deterioration of cartilage and the growth of bone spurs that affects the joints. In adults over the age of 45, this is a rather common occurrence, which can cause irritating joint pain.

3. Bursitis:
Joint pain often surfaces when the inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning for bony parts of the body) takes place.

4. Lupus:
The characteristics of this autoimmune condition are known to affect the joints by making them swollen, inflamed, and quite painful.

5. Prescription Drug Interactions:
It is not unheard of when patients suffer from joint pain when one medication reacts with another drug or preexisting medical concern.

6. Physical Stress:
Since the physical health of a joint is important in determining the level of pain one may endure, anything that causes damage or stress greatly affects joint pain. This is why athletes are especially prone to pain since they are constantly putting their joints under a great amount of stress.

7. Sprains and Strains:
When overuse of a joint leads to a strain or sprain, pain comes from extraordinary physical exertion.

8. Injury:
Injuries can cause great joint pain, especially when a bone fracture occurs.

9. Gout:
Joint pain may also come as a sudden attack, such as in the case of gout, where a build-up in uric acid causes extreme discomfort.

10. Tendonitis:
The inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon may cause joint pain.

11. Infectious Diseases:
Joint pain is a common symptom associated with a host of infectious diseases, including influenza, measles, hepatitis, mumps, German measles (rubella), chickenpox, paravirus, and lyme disease.

TMJ Symptoms Affect More Than Just Your Jaw

The hours creep slowly through the night. You toss and turn, and it seems sleep is elusive. No matter how hard you try, you cannot get comfortable. The problem is not the quality of your bed or pillow, and the problem is not that you drank too much coffee in the evening. Your face really hurts. Smiling and frowning bring pain, but the problem is not just with your teeth or gums. The pain radiates from the corner of your mouth. You are also clenching your teeth, grinding them together. Finally, exhausted, you get out of bed and go to the bathroom. For a moment, you wonder what is wrong with you, but as you sift through your medicine cabinet you remember that you were recently diagnosed with TMJ disorder.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint disorder. It is a very painful condition affecting the joint between the lower and upper jaw. It is often caused by grinding your teeth together. The muscles around the joint stiffen and as a result the joint's membranes become inflamed. It is relatively common, and it is treatable.

Although the disorder itself centers in the jaw and its joint, TMJ symptoms can be felt throughout the face. As illustrated in the above scenario, facial pain can result. The discomfort can even be felt up in the forehead. Other head pain can be symptomatic as well. When one muscular ligament becomes strained, it can have a domino effect and result in that strain and tightness spreading. TMJ can lead to a scalp that is sensitive to the touch, and the back of the head can develop sharp and shooting pain. The scalp may also become so sensitive that even lightly touching your hair can bring unpleasant discomfort.

TMJ symptoms can also be felt around the eyes. While the condition is active, you may feel pressure build up behind your eyes, and may feel headaches that resemble migraines. Your eyes will also become bloodshot. There are other types of headaches you might experience, especially types that seem clustered together and types that seem centered in your sinuses. Sometimes, these headaches can be a little misleading. Not all headaches begin in the brain or the top of the head, after all.

The same could be said for your ears. TMJ symptoms also include the feeling of itchy and stuffed up ears. Aches within the ear may also result. Your ability to hear may diminish, and that may also be accompanied by hissing or buzzing sounds. Ear issues may also lead to dizziness and an inability to maintain balance.

Other TMJ symptoms can center around the throat. Plus, there is expected pain in the face, due to where the affected area is located. Sometimes, people with TMJ need to sleep with a mouth guard. However, it is a condition that you will not find many over the counter remedies for. While a dentist may be able to help, they will likely refer you to a maxillofacial doctor.

TMJ and Massage Therapy

TMJ, temporomandibular joint pain, is caused when people grind their teeth because they are under huge amounts of stress. Its symptoms include but are not limited to jaw clicking, pain chewing, headaches, jaw popping and migraines. Most of the time TMJ occurs during the night. This unconscious clenching and grinding often interferes with sleep and can cause sleeping disorders. This nighttime clenching is called Bruxism. Having the jaw muscles tensed for seven or eight hours a night causes the severe stress and tightness, which later can cause jaw popping and pain.

Massage is extremely effective in relieving TMJ pain. Focusing on the neck, back of the head, shoulders, temples, jaw, chin and scalp it loosens up the muscle and relaxes the stressed person. Massage that alleviates TMJ pain can be practiced quite conveniently in a chair, on-site. Chair massage is a great, convenient way to receive pain relief for TMJ. Pressure is place from the fingers tips to the base of the skill, along the neck and temples. When the client is asked to open their mouth fully, the jaw joint can be stretched for 5 to 7 minutes. Massage on the affected area can last between 3 and 4 minutes.

Because the main product of TMJ and Bruxism is stress, the effected person should have "stress-management" massage as well. A good, convenient way to receive this treatment is by getting a chair massage at least once weekly. This should keep the body's overall stress levels down. As was previously discussed people suffering from TMJ have a higher amount of stress in their bodies due to the fact that when they go to bed at night, instead of relaxing from the stress of the day, their jaws seize up for the 7-8 hours they are asleep.

This stress can build up and needs to be released. On-site massage is also a great way to release tension at work. Chair massages are convenient not time consuming as going to a masseuse would be.

TMJ can be regularly soothed by common remedies. You should eat soft foods and never chew gum. Also avoiding clenching ones jaw is a good way to keep stress away from the joint. Also avoid tension. At least twice a day you should sit with a moist heat pack against your jaw for a least half an hour. These modest remedies are good advice for anyone suffering from TMJ.

Joint Pain? Check Out the Miracle of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

The Miracle of Glucosamine and Chondroitin

I had significant joint pain in my knees about 10 years ago. My knees hurt when I stood and hurt when I walked. They made horrific loud popping and grinding sounds. Believe it or not, I would wake up my daughter when she was a baby by walking through her room.

I did not want to take pain relievers or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), but the pain was beginning to become unbearable. I am an OR nurse and I stand, walk, even knee at times, all day long. There is not much time to sit in an operating room. I needed relief.

As I researched this, I found out that some people were using something called Glucosamine, others combined it with Chondroitin. I read stories of these working...and you could buy them over the counter. I began to have hope that relief was in reach, and I would not have to visit a doctor to get it!

What is Glucosamine?

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance that is found in the body. It helps the body make the cartilage found in our joints. Glucosamine also helps our bodies keep cartilage healthy.

Glucosamine to use as a supplement is usually obtained from the hard outer covering of of shrimp, lobsters and crabs. People allergic to shellfish should discuss using this supplement with their doctor before taking it.

Glucosamine acts as a sugar in the body. Diabetics should discuss using this supplement with their doctor prior to using it.

Glucosamine is easily absorbed by the body.

What is Chondroitin?

Chondroitin is another substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. Chondroitin helps cartilage absorb fluid to keep it healthy. It may block enzymes made by our bodies that break down healthy cartilage. The building blocks of of new cartilage are made when chondroitin works with glucosamine.

Chondroitin is usually obtained from shark or beef cartilage, although it can also be manufactured synthetically. I remember reading years ago that the naturally occurring chondroitin was easier for your body to absorb.

What is Cartilage?

Cartilage is the tough layer that cushions the bones in our joints. It grows on the ends of the bones to cushion and allow smooth movement of bone over each other. (There are other types of cartilage,,,but that is a discussion for an other day.)

Our cartilage breaks down as we age. It starts to wear away, no longer giving the cushion and support to the bones in the joint. This occurs mainly in the knees, hips and ankles, but can occur in any joint. This condition is called osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease.

The main symptoms are pain, stiffness, swelling and decreased motion. The cartilage lining the bones is now a torn, uneven mess, instead of the smooth covering it was. The bones no longer glide over each other smoothly. In some spots the cartilage may be worn away so much that the bones rub against each other.

Back to My Story

Now that the boring facts are out of the way, we will get back to my story.

Once I found out the facts of glucosamine and chondroitin, I bought some and started taking it. I initially took the recommended dose of 1500mg of glucosamine with 1200mg of chondroitin split into 3 doses.

After the first month, my knees were starting to feel better. I started taking the pills only twice a day getting 1000mg of glucosamine and 800mg of chondroitin daily. I continued to improve.

I asked one of the orthopedic surgeons I worked with what he thought of glucosamine/chondroitin. He said that some of his patient took it, but it only worked for a few. He personally thought it was akin to voodoo. He told me not to get my hopes up.

After the third month, I cut back to once a day. I now took 500mg of glucosamine and 400mg of chondroitin daily. Most of the supplements will advise you to take 3 times daily for the first three months. After three months, you can take it 1 to 3 times daily, depending on how well it was working.

Obviously it was working very well for me. I had less than half the pain I had been experiencing previously. I still had some cracking, popping and grinding, but without the pain it didn't bother me as much.

I took it daily for 2 to 3 years. Then due to some financial difficulties, I stopped buying it. I never went back on because I no longer had pain. My joints no longer made the noise they had previously. Actually I had pretty much forgotten about taking them...until the results of the GAIT study showed up in my e-mail.

GAIT Study-What Is It and What Were the Results?

The acronym "GAIT" stands for Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial. It was performed by the University of Utah, School of Medicine and funded by 2 parts of the National Institutes of Health. There were 16 study centers throughout the country with 1583 participants. 78% of participants had mild pain and 22% had moderate to severe pain.

This study was a double-blind study, meaning neither the participant nor the researcher knew what was being taken. Participants were given one of 5 choices: Glucosamine alone; Chondroitin alone; Glucosamine with chondroitin; Celecoxib (a prescription drug to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis); or a Placebo. Their choice was randomly generated.

The study was to test, over a 6 month period, how well glucosamine and chondroitin worked to reduce pain in a large number of people with osteoarthritis.

The study cost just over 12.5 million dollars to complete.

The results were surprising. Most of the people with mild pain did not experience pain relief from the glucosamine/chondroitin. However, the individuals with moderate to severe pain experienced significant pain relief using the glucosamine/chondroitin.

What Does This Mean For Us?

While I read the study, it began to occur to me that my hips have been hurting lately. My knees are making those noises again. Bending down is slower than ever, and standing up can hurt.

I remembered my love of glucosamine and chondroitin and thought it was time to get some more! So, I am back on it. I hope it works as well as last time. I have been off since 2001. I'm not quite as bad as I was when I first took it, but close.

The researchers say that they need to do more studies on larger populations. They also were not able to prove significant cartilage re-growth. What ever they say, I know in my heart that mix of glucosamine and chondroitin did something pretty significant to my joints. It proved itself to me years ago!