Why is Glucosamine Needed?

Hi, how's it going?

Today I thought I'd write a little on how glucosamine, chondroitin and other joint supplements fit into a complete joint care plan.

Joints can go wrong for many different reasons. Osteoarthritis for example, can come about for a number of different reasons - or a combination of them.

So, in order to protect joints and help damaged or osteoarthritic joints to heal, it's a good idea to address all these areas.

Sadly, most treatments only address one or a couple of possible causes.

Here are the four main areas that need addressing:

1. Pacing and Use of the Joints

Are you abusing your joints through over-use? or abusing them with bad running shoes? Maybe you don't give your body enough rest during strenuous activities, or between training sessions.

These daily factors all play a major role in causing and healing joint pain.

2. Muscle Balance and Joint Mechanics

If the muscles surrounding a joint are not in balance (ie one side is tighter than it should be, or one side is weaker etc) then the joint will not move as it was designed to. This places a much greater stress on the joint.

Or, sometimes, people will move joints in a way that puts them under greater stress because they are not aware of how the joint should move.

This frequently happens with bending the knees and using the shoulder.

3. Inflammation.

A damaged, osteoarthritic joint will get inflammed. This is a natural response by the body as it attempts to heal.

Sadly, the body is most often not able to heal fast enough and chronic inflammation can be a source of further damage and pain.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are often used to minimise inflammation. Although this is beneficial in helping the symptoms, it does not address the cause of the inflammation. Some anti-inflammatories also come with negative side effects.

Having said this, it is important to minimise inflammation. Other ways include ice packs, and taking rest when needed, as well as avoiding aggravating activities.

4. Nutrition, Glucosamine and Chondroitin etc

In order for cartilage in joints to remain healthy, we must take in the nutrients that go to build cartilage. This makes sense.

As the body needs to repair cartilage it needs more of these nutrients. If they are not present in sufficient quantity, your cartilage will either get damaged, or be unable to repair.

The main necessary nutrients are glucosamine and chondroitin.

Note - It was previously thought that damaged cartilage was unable to heal but now studies show that with correct nutrition, worn down cartilage can be repaired. What great capacity our bodies have when we give them the chance!