Osteoarthritis, or the "wear and tear type" of arthritis as we like to call it, is very common. It mostly affects knees, hips and hands. The extent varies to the amount of wear and damage to the joint that has been sustained over our lifetime.
Glucosamine is often taken by patients to prevent osteoarthritis or reduce its effects and severity.
It is a natural substance that helps to build and fortify cartilage. It can also be bought as over the counter health supplements often in combination with chondroitin.
A Cochrane review of clinical studies on the effects of glucosamine show that it could help to reduce pain and improve physical function of the joint.
I certainly recommend it to my patients and the vast majority have found it to be beneficial.
Of course pain relievers are also very important for osteoarthritis pain control and can range from paracetamol to ibuprofen to codeine and stronger. Physical exercise and keeping active prevents stiffening of joints with time.
Physiotherapy and steroid joint injections also have a role to play.
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