There are a number of studies supporting the use of glucosamine and chondroitin for arthritis-related pain. A double-blind study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2006; 354(8):795–808) evaluated 1,583 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. The study examined pain reduction over a 24-week period. It found that patients with moderate to severe knee pain experienced a reduction in pain when given a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
These supplements are not primarily intended as pain relievers. Their primary role is to support the repair and structural integrity of cartilage. Nevertheless, many studies evaluate pain outcomes and compare glucosamine and chondroitin to commonly used pain medications. The fact that these supplements can improve cartilage health and, in doing so, provide pain relief highlights their potential value for patients with osteoarthritis.
Additional research has examined their effects on connective tissue healing. A study published in Eksp Klin Farmakol (2002 Nov–Dec; 65(6):67–69) investigated the effects of glucosamine in cases of traumatic arthritis and corneal keratitis following injury. Supplementation with glucosamine hydrochloride was found to improve the healing of connective tissue.
Another study, published in Osteoarthritis and Cartilage (2003; 11:335–342), found that glucosamine and chondroitin significantly improved cartilage response to both chemical stress and mechanical (structural) stress.
Taken together, these findings suggest that glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation may help protect joint cartilage, support tissue repair, and improve recovery following injury. For these reasons, supplementation may also be of value to physically active individuals and performance athletes who place increased stress on their joints.
Educational note:
This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
