There has been much ado made concerning the use and possible efficacy of a drug product called Glucosamine. Anecdotal evidence of successful treatment of joint pain associated with arthritic type afflictions have demonstrated some remarkably positive results.
Since the early 1980's, there have been numerous scientific studies (done in double-blind fashion to get the most exacting results) that show clearly, oral glucosamine sulfate indeed does improve joint mobility and decrease pain associated with Osteoarthritis - and without adverse side effects. Further, animal studies reveal a beneficial effect on inflammation, mechanical arthritis, and immunological reactive arthritis with use of Glucosamine. In Vitro studies indicate Glucosamine has the ability to inhibit the degeneration (breakdown) of cartilage.
The human skeleton contains more than 200 bones and where moving bones meet, there are joints, such as the knee, ankle, elbow, etc. All the stresses of everyday movement are cushioned by these joints. The gelatinous nature of cartilage in joints protect the bones from abrasive pain and breakdown. The cartilage can lose its resiliency when there is the reduction, or loss of Glucosamine. Actually, low levels of Glucosamine can be a contributing factol to the development of osteoarthritis.
According to Debra Brammer, N.D. (Doctor of Naturopathy), Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Bastyr University Health Clinic in Seattle Washington - in almost 100 patients of all ages and callings treated for joint pain and arthritis, the effectiveness of Glucosamine sulfate has been exceptionally high - about 85%. Brammer has been recommending Glucosamine for more than 2 years and is quite impressed with the results. It is also very well tolerated and has demonstrated no allergic reactions.
Clinical studies have been aimed at the product's effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis. In contrast to NSAIDS (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), Glucosamine assists in the repair of damaged joints, thus furnishing functional relief as well as symptomatic relief, without the danger of side effects that might negate the beneficial results. Users of the product should be aware, however, that the pain relief associated with usage takes longer to attain than with NSAIDS. Continued use, however, results in a much better long-term result for the sufferer.
In one study, 40 patients with osteoarthritis reciever either 500 milligrams of Glucosamine Sulfate or 400 milligrams of Ibuprofen 3 times a day for 8 weeks. Articular pain was assessed weekly. In the early stages of therapy, the Ibuprofen (an NSAID drug) group felt less pain than did the Glucosamine treated patients. By week 8, however, those patients treated with Glucosamine felt far less discomfort than did the Ibuprofen treated patients. They noted that the level of pain relief occurred more slowly but was noticably better with each passing week.
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