How To Ease Arthritis Pain with Glucosamine & Chondroitin Supplements

by Daniel Lesser

If you are suffering from arthritis pain, you've probably heard of a relatively new over-the-counter remedy called Glucosamine. But what is Glucosamine, and how does it work to relieve arthritis? In this article, I'll introduce you to this new treatment and provide you with the pros and cons of its use. By the time you've finished reading this article, you'll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not Glucosamine is right for you.

What is Glucosamine? Glucosamine, together with a related ingredient called Chondroitin, are substances which exist naturally in your body. It is believed that glucosamine helps to build and repair cartilage (the soft, spongy material between your joints), while chondroitin lends to the elasticity and flexibility of joints. A deficiency of either one can lead to increased wear and tear on the joint, and cause redness, swelling and stiffness as a result. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin act as a tag-team of arthritis fighters, improving flexibility, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling caused by achy joints.

Where Can I Buy Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements? You can find these products in virtually any pharmacy or health goods store. The downside to this is, like other herbal and alternative medicines, supplements are not regulated by any governing body. That's why you'll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs. Here's what you need to know when comparison shopping for a glucosamine supplement:

· You should expect to pay anywhere from $1-3 per pill when taking glucosamine daily. Since

Protect Your Feet and Prevent Arthritis

Imagine this: with every mile you walk, your feet receive from approximately 200,000 to 300,000 pounds of stress! Some doctors estimate that by the time we turn 50, our feet will have walked nearly 75,000 miles. It's no wonder then that doctors are beginning to sound the alarm about the importance of protecting our feet. Our feet play an incredibly important role in our everyday lives (and in our health), yet we seldom stop to think about their importance. Many orthopedic experts estimate that our feet are the cause of many orthopedic disorders that can lead to long-term disability. As we age, doctors tell us, our feet begin to lose their natural elasticity and flexibility. For those who have been diagnosed with arthritis, taken poor care of one's feet will only compound the symptoms of the condition. Feet that are worn down and not cared for properly will affect the rest of the body, including aching joints and muscles. Think of feet as the tires of our body. Like a car on a long journey, the longer we drive our body towards movement, the more we wear out our feet.

The good news is that with care and attention, our feet can take us a long way. Protecting your feet can help head off arthritis and other foot disorders. If you have already been diagnosed with some form of arthritis, there is still much you can do to keep your feet in good health. Preventing further foot damage is important to stay in good health. If you already have arthritis, make an appointment with a podiatrist, rheumatologist, or orthopedic surgeon if you are concerned about the state of your feet. Try to find a specialist who has experience with your particular symptoms. For instance, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, try to find a rheumatologist who understands the importance of good foot health. If you decide to visit a podiatrist, find one who is experienced in working with arthritis patients. What can you expect from your first visit? Your doctor should take your full medical history. They will conduct a physical examination and, if necessary, may take X-rays of your feet. X-rays are the best ways to determine if you have any serious foot problems. If it is determined so, your doctor should prescribe a specific treatment plan.

Besides visiting a foot specialist, there are several simple steps you can take to ensure good foot health. The most important step you can take is to make sure you are wearing properly fitted shoes. Many people wear ill-fitting shoes on an almost regular basis. Ill-fitting shoes can cause a variety of problems, including bunions, neuroma, and hammertoes. These are all conditions wherein the foot begins to take the form of the shoe. Wearing more comfortable shoes can go a long ways to ensuring good foot health. If you suffer from arthritis, it is particularly important to wear properly fitted shoes. Many arthritis patients often lose their natural foot arch. Look for shoes with arch support. This can help reduce the inflammation that occurs when the joint capsules become stretched out due to too-tight shoes.

insurance companies rarely cover supplements of any kind, you'll most likely be paying for them out of pocket.

· Read the ingredients label on the bottle to determine the dosage. Approximately 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin have been safely used in clinical trials. Depending on your individual medication tolerances and the severity of your arthritis, you should consult your physician or rheumatologist to find the right dose for your individual needs.

· Select supplements manufactured by a well-known, reputable company. Recommended brands include: Osteo Bi-Flex, WholeHealth, Flex-A-Min, MoveFree and individual pharmacy brands.

Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About? As with any medication or supplements, there are a few warnings you should know:

· If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, as no long-term studies have been done to gage what materials (if any) are passed on to the baby either internally or through breast milk.

· If you are diabetic, chondroitin (a form of sugar) may cause your blood sugar to rise.

· Chondroitin also acts as a mild blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication or are taking an aspirin regimen, have your blood clotting time checked more frequently by your doctor.

· Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements should not be taken by children since no studies have been done to determine their effect (if any) on the child's development.

(Please note: The information contained within this article is not intended to replace or substitute for that of an experienced physician. Remember to check with your doctor or rheumatologist before starting daily glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, and don't stop or cut down on any of your current medications (whether they're for arthritis or not) without talking with your doctor first).

About the author:

Daniel J Lesser is the creator of HotArthritisSecrets.com. Find out how you got it and how to live with it at www.hotarthritissecrets .com.

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