Non Surgical Treatment Options: Nutritional Supplements

Make a Plan with Your Doctor

Don't assume that your doctor will not take your interest in nutritional supplements seriously. Your doctor can help you determine if a particular supplement is right for you given your overall health. Your doctor can also help monitor the effectiveness of your supplement regimen.

Side Effects - These arthritis supplements are generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur. The most commonly reported side effects are: nausea, diarrhea or constipation: heartburn, increased intestinal gas.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are nutritional supplements that may relieve your joint pain. The possible beneficial effects of glucosamine and chondroitin, two popular supplements for patients with joint pain, have been making news in recent years.

What are glucosamine and chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin are actually two different molecules found in healthy joint cartilage. The medical theory behind taking these supplements is that they would help the body repair cartilage that has been broken down by osteoarthritis (the most common "wear-and-tear" form of arthritis). Some popular glucosamine supplements are derived from shellfish; chondroitin supplements are often derived from shark or cattle. Both can also be made synthetically. The supplements are sold and packaged much in the same way vitamins are. Like vitamins, they are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Do glucosamine and chondroitin help reduce arthritis pain?

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has tentatively concluded that no studies to date have linked glucosamine and chondroitin to a reduced risk of developing osteoarthritis, a large study administered by the National Institutes of Health has shown that glucosamine and chondroitin, when taken together, significantly reduce pain in patients with moderate-to-severe osteoarthritis of the knee.¹ In fact, the study showed that people taking the supplements experienced the same amount of pain relief as people who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)² – long the go-to medication for people with arthritis pain.

A Word of Caution

Look for a familiar, reputable brand name. If you have questions about the product, write to the manufacturer for more information. Ask your doctor about his or her experience with the supplement. And, most importantly, if you experience any adverse reactions, stop taking the supplement and call your doctor right away.