We are puzzled by the research on supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin. These compounds have a reputation for easing joint pain. In Europe, they are prescribed as pharmaceuticals and meet criteria of effective pain relief (Advances in Therapy, Nov. 2019). A trial conducted in France, Germany, Poland and Spain found the combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine as helpful as celecoxib for painful knee osteoarthritis (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Jan. 2016). Yet North American trials and systematic reviews of glucosamine and chondroitin combinations have been disappointing (Rheumatology International, Aug. 2018). One reader found that boswellia boosted pain relief from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements.
Boswellia Boosted Pain Relief:
Q. When my mother ran out of glucosamine and chondroitin, she had trouble getting around. Her fibromyalgia pain and plantar fasciitis pain went through the roof. Her plantar fasciitis pain previously only hurt when she walked. Now it was hurting a lot when she was sitting still.
We got her double strength glucosamine and chondroitin with boswellia. In less than 24 hours, her pain was gone, including the fibromyalgia and plantar fasciitis!
A. Studies of glucosamine (with or without chondroitin) and of boswellia have focused primarily on pain due to osteoarthritis. A meta-analysis determined that chondroitin can reduce pain, while glucosamine helps control stiffness (Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, July 6, 2018).
Boswellia and Arthritis Pain:
Boswellia also lowered pain and inflammation of arthritis in a placebo-controlled trial (Phytotherapy Research, May 2019). So far as we can tell, none of these supplements have been tested for the pain of fibromyalgia or plantar fasciitis. It’s great your mother got such relief. We’d love to hear from others who try boswellia, with or without glucosamine and chondroitin, for pain. How well does it work for you? Share your story in the comments on this article.
