In Arthritis Research & Therapy, a small trial found that a 30-minute walk taken at least 3 days a week combined with glucosamine supplements and showed some benefits in mild to moderate hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA), This was only a small study of 28 patients and all were given 1500mg glucosamine sulphate. There was no control group which would normally be seen in a research study and there was no xrays taken to see if the OA improved. This trial demonstrated pain relief and improved mobility in those who walked and took glucosamine.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is associated with significant disability because of pain, loss of mobility, and consequently loss of independence as people get older or the disease worsens. Severe joint destruction requires joint replacement.
Non Steroidal AntiInflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) ie diclofenac, ibuprofen are recognised as effective analgesics in acute and chronic pain. NSAIDs are associated with a number of adverse effects. These include effects on the kidney, and exacerbating asthma in some people, but the most important adverse effect of NSAIDs is that on they cause stomach problems which can become ulcers. These ulcers may bleed, and indeed some people may die of a bleeding ulcer caused by NSAIDs.
As many as 1 in 5 patients with knee arthritis will benefit from using oral glucosamine at 1,500 mg daily. Glucosamine reduced joint space narrowing by 0.27 mm over three years compared with placebo.
Chronic pain resources online are helpful at learning to cope with pain, as opposed to taking away the pain.
Exercise is always difficult and if you have multiple health problems a conversation with a health care professional to ensure you are not going to run into problems is helpful - however all of us feel out of breath, our knees hurt and chest feels likes it is going to explode if we are unfit - I struggle going up the stairs quickly even when I am relatively fit so you do need to persevere.
Strong muscles preserve joints. By strengthening the muscles - this allows the joints to be pulled apart and protect them against the impact of exercise - this often does not make sense especially if pain is associated with the movement of the joint., however it is true.
Trampolining can be a good exercise as this is low impact (but often makes ladies leak!!!) and even hoovering with the music on can help - but low impact, resistance exercise is the way to go with osteoarthritis and help can be sought from experts on the ideal programme for you.
FOR INFORMATION
Side effects of Glucosamine
Glucosamine is well tolerated in studies, although side effects complained of are insomnia, abdominal pain, nausea and heart burn.
Glucosamine is made from shellfish, therefore do not take if allergic to shellfish.
There is a theoretical risk of increased risk of bleeding therefore those people that are on warfarin or have a bleeding disorder should not take glucosamine.
In diabetics, glucosamine may contribute to unstable blood sugar levels so should only be considered with advice.
Do you remember glucosamine sulphate contains salt and therefore could contribute to high blood pressure?
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