In 1997 Jason Theodosakis, MD, MS, MPH, and colleagues launched the book, The Arthritis Cure: The Medical Miracle That Can Halt, Reverse, and May Even Cure Osteoarthritis. It could be stated that Dr. Theo’s book changed the playing field for the treatment of osteoarthritis. On his website we are told that:
“The Arthritis Cure™ (Revised 2004) is a book that’s certain to change millions of lives forever. The Arthritis Cure tells of a real world medical miracle – an advanced treatment program for the number one cause of chronic pain and disability.
“Even people who have had pain and stiffness for years have finally found a treatment program which:
– Helps stop the damage from arthritis
– Restores mobility
– Eliminates pain
– Reduces the chance of requiring surgery
– Lowers the cost of treatment by: eliminating the need for medicines, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and acid blockers; reducing the need for therapy or surgery
It’s no wonder that this book is a #1 New York Times bestseller and Newsweek magazine proclaimed:
‘Arthritis treatment will never be the same.'”
Not surprisingly, glucosamine and chondroitin remain big sellers in super markets, pharmacies and online. But can glucosamine repair damaged cartilage? Will it ease osteoarthritis symptoms? Readers like this one want answers:
Will Glucosamine Repair Damaged Cartilage?
Q. I have a family history of arthritis and have spent 30 years doing manual labor. Recently I have been plagued with pain in my shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
My doctor has advised me to stop heavy labor and I have done so. But I still enjoy jogging, hiking and canoeing. If I stop doing everything I will develop more dangerous health problems.
I’ve heard that glucosamine can help repair damaged cartilage and relieve joint pain. My pharmacist, however, says that it is useless. What is the latest on glucosamine?
A. Glucosamine has been a popular arthritis supplement for decades but it remains controversial. The most recent study concluded that there is little scientific evidence of effectiveness (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, online, July 28, 2017).
The authors analyzed six randomized controlled trials that compared glucosamine to placebo. There was no difference with respect to joint pain or function.
Missing Data:
Unfortunately, the researchers did not have access to data from 15 other studies, some of which showed benefit. One crystalline form of glucosamine sulfate was reported to be superior to acetaminophen in relieving joint pain (International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases, online, March 23, 2017).
Reader Responses:
We have always been impressed with the tremendous variability in human biology. Some people tell us that ibuprofen is a miracle medicine for their arthritis pain. Others say it is ineffective and causes unbearable side effects.
We have been writing about glucosamine and chondroitin for decades. Many people say the combination works well for them. Others say it is worthless. We cannot explain why some people get relief and others do not. Here are some fairly typical responses from readers:
Kathryn in Pennsylvania is enthusiastic:
“I have been using glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin and MSM for more than 10 years. My knee pain disappears when taking the pills regularly.
When I am very busy I sometimes forget to take them for several days. My knees start hurting again. Then I remember and get back on track. After taking the pills again the pain leaves. I wouldn’t do without these supplements. When we go on vacation I take a supply along.”
Cindy in Seattle, Washington offers some thoughtful insights:
“Really, isn’t it to be expected that glucosamine WILL work for a certain percentage of people who take it? In studies to determine efficacy of a drug, isn’t it the case that a majority of the people in the study have to experience positive results in order to determine that the benefits are ‘statistically significant?’
“But what of the minority of people who do find beneficial results? Seems like they should count too. You just don’t know which camp you’ll fall into until you try the product. Right?”
Heather in Dallas, Texas is a believer:
“I started taking glucosamine around 15 years ago. I was in my mid-forties and had knee pain as well as what sounded like ‘Rice Krispy’ knees when walking upstairs.
“It took several minutes each morning to be able to walk normally when I got out of bed. I’m pushing 60 now, and for years I have had next to no pain, quiet knees on the stairs, and I hop out of bed and walk just fine. I totally credit glucosamine!”
Muhammad in Manchester says no dice:
“I have been taking this stuff more than ten months for my knee pain without any relief. I think this is just waste of time and money.
“Glucosamine sulphate plus chondroitin sulphate plus MSM I have purchased from many different health stores. None has helped me at all. I was told if I use them for six months I would get relief. Therefore I kept taking them in the hope that I may get some relief, but they were no help at all. I am going to give up now. If any body knows any better product for knee pain relief please let me know. I shall appreciate it. Thank you.”
People’s Pharmacy Perspective
The point of sharing such stories is to reinforce the idea that some people report great benefit and others say it doesn’t do any good. Will glucosamine repair damaged cartilage? The overall data are not encouraging. Nevertheless, if this dietary supplement eases your pain, we are not going to rain on your parade.
You can learn much more about the science behind glucosamine and a variety of other arthritis remedies in our Guide to Alternatives for Arthritis. Here is a link to this comprehensive online resource.
Share your own experience with glucosamine or glucosamine and chondroitin in the comment section below.
