Treatment of Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis:

Knee pain is the first symptom of osteoarthritis: it can be invalidating and progressive.  In severe osteoarthritis, a deformation of the lower limb is the third symptom: it is the wearing away of the cartilage which deforms the knee in varus or in valgus. It is also necessary to study the patella with axial views of the kneecap; patellar osteoarthritis is rare and is accompanied by severe pain when climbing staircases. The knee, like all articulations, has a cartilaginous surface: progressive wear of the cartilage leads to osteoarthritis. This is a disease that is most commonly caused by weight gain. The disease  is now known to be a complex joint deterioration that involves an active disease process.

Glucosamine:

Glucosamine has been proven in several clinical studies to help ease symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis, as well as other disorders associated with a breakdown of the cartilage regenerative process. Glucosamine sulfate is an amino sugar molecule that is naturally made in the body from a sugar (glucose) and an amino acid (glutamine). Glucosamine, commonly consumed for the treatment of the disease, it is classified as a nutritional supplement; however, there isn't much data regarding its metabolic or vascular effects. Glucosamine sulfate's primary biological role in halting or reversing joint degeneration appears to be directly due to its ability to act as an essential substrate for, and to stimulate the biosynthesis of, the glycosaminoglycans and the hyaluronic acid backbone needed for the formation of proteoglycans found in the structural matrix of joints.

Cartilage:

Cartilage in the joints, called articular cartilage, acts as a shock absorber to cushion the blows of daily wear and tear from walking and running. When there is an actual major bone or cartilage distortion, surgery may be considered. A normal joint is covered with a smooth layer of cartilage that acts a cushion or buffer for the joint. When the surface of the joint cartilage is worn, the resulting condition is Osteoarthritis.

Treatment:

Treatment of osteoarthritis is most commonly palliative and includes the use of NSAID, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, intra-articular corticosteroids, and IV hyaluronic acid.  Both glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate have been proven in repeated clinical studies to help improve symptoms of the disease, a condition characterized by decreased amounts of cartilage at the joints. Glucosamine sulfate is generally considered the most effective for producing cartilage, especially when combined with vitamin C, manganese, and chondroitin. Most often the following Osteoarthritis treatments are use: Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate Supplements Pain Medication to treat pain associated with the disease. 

Conclusion:

Evidence for benefit in the treatment of osteoarthritis is consistent among several clinical trials, but is not conclusive due to methodological errors. The Arthritis Foundation stresses that early diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis is the key to successful treatment. Standard conservative treatment of the disease is aimed at pain relief through the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.