Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition of the joints that leads to the degradation of cartilage and friction between bones. This process can cause severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion in affected joints.
Currently, more than 20 million people in the United States have osteoarthritis and according to Dr. Timothy McAlindon and colleagues in The Journal of the American Medical Association, osteoarthritis "...is a major public health problem for which there are few effective medical remedies."
Conventional medical treatment of osteoarthritis generally consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen. However, these drugs are often accompanied by adverse side effects including heartburn, indigestion, pain, nausea, and bleeding of the stomach.
In a search for safer treatments, researchers have identified natural alternatives, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds naturally occur in human cartilage and certain food sources. They have been widely used in Europe and have recently gained popularity in the U.S. as safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents.
In order to fully evaluate the benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin in relieving the pain associated with osteoarthritis, Dr. McAlindon and colleagues examined 15 previously conducted trials that tested the effects of these compounds on knee or hip osteoarthritis.
Upon completion of their in-depth investigation, researchers concluded that glucosamine and chondroitin are safe and effective in treating osteoarthritis symptoms.