Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Arthritis means inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis occurs most often in the hips, knees and spine. It also often affects the fingers, thumb, neck, and large toe. It is associated with the breakdown of cartilage in joints. Cartilage is a firm, rubbery substance that covers the ends of bones in joints. It reduces friction and acts as a “shock absorber” in joints. OA causes cartilage to lose its elasticity, reducing its shock-absorbing properties. Changes in the joint result in the stretching of tendons and ligaments which causes pain. If the cartilage continues to deteriorate, the bones may eventually rub against each other greatly increasing pain. OA affects nearly 21 million Americans. The risk of OA increases with age, as most people over 60 years old have it to some degree. However, even people in their 20s or 30s can develop OA. Women are more likely than men to develop OA after age 50.

There are several risk factors for OA including heredity, obesity, injury, and overuse. The diagnosis is based on a combination of symptoms, location and pattern of pain, and certain findings on physical examination. Usual therapy includes physical therapy, muscle strengthening exercises, and oral medications. Medications used include pain relievers such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, and creams, rubs, or sprays. Steroids are also used either orally or by injection to reduce severe inflammation, but these are usually reserved for severe cases, as their use can accelerate bone loss and joint deterioration. A natural supplement has been shown to reduce cartilage deterioration and maintain joint health. Glucosamine sulfate was studied in patients with OA. Two hundred and twelve patients with OA took 1,500 mg per day of glucosamine sulfate or placebo for 3 years. Changes in the knee were measured after 1 and 3 years. Both objective and subjective measurements of joint deterioration indicated a benefit from glucosamine sulfate. Another study involving 319 postmenopausal women also demonstrated that glucosamine sulfate had a disease modifying effect.

Glucosamine sulfate side effects are usually mild and include nausea, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation. There has been some concern that glucosamine sulfate may raise blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, but the evidence has not demonstrated this; still, it may be wise to monitor blood glucose levels in diabetics when taking glucosamine sulfate. There has also been concern about allergic reactions to glucosamine sulfate in people allergic to shellfish, as it is derived primarily from the shells of shrimp, crab and lobster but allergic reactions have not been reported in these patients. Patients on warfarin to prevent blood clotting should not take glucosamine without the approval of their doctor, as it may increase the effect of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding.

References: http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/osteoarthritis-basics?page=2, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11214126, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15021442.

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