glucosamine and chondroitin

I know some folks who take it...the only negative that I see is that it gets pretty expensive over time and I can't say that I have seen anything definitively as to its effectiveness.

The idea behind it is sound since you are injecting a natural promotion of proteoglycans and hyaluronic acid that lubricates the joint. It's the equivalent of getting an oil change.

The only catch is that evidence shows it's a hit or miss depending on the patient. It has been shown to be effective in some and worthless in others.

I would use it for a while but discontinue it if you do not see some sort of significant difference.

Hope that helps

Here's my situation:

I've had a meniscus surgery and still stay very active despite an incredibly painful knee. My knee specialist told me to try glucosamine and chondroitin along with two aleeve every day. He told be that it works in about 60% of his patients and there was no scientific basis proven as to why it works on some people and not others.

It hasn't been the life saving wonder drug/supplement I hoped it would be but it does provide relief. It's still sore and throbs from overuse but the pain is much more manageable. I'm able to run 30-35 miles a week on it so it's working.

Try it and you'll know within about three weeks. If you don't notice a difference, save your money.

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Try it and you'll know within about three weeks.

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Chances are, if you see an improvement in three weeks, it would have happened on its own. I think it's snake oil, and people get better by coincidence and stay on it like it's a talisman.

Stuff works. Period.

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Not much medical evidence to support using it

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Stuff works. Period.

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Strangely enough, the replies in this thread are about 60/40. I took it for a while, but did not see enough of a difference to keep me from getting lazy and not taking it any more.

I found that it helped my knee pain significantly. It's 50/50 whether or not it will help you though, and you really need to take it for at least six months in order to see a difference. Buy the generic brand.

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Stuff works. Period.

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Same here. Incredible difference.

I take two tablets of Glucosamine HCL with MSM for my knees as well. I run a fair amount (especially on trails through the woods). They take quite a pounding.

I'm not sure if I have been stretching better, using the roller more efficiently, my legs have strengthened or the tablets "lubricated" my joints. That said, my knee and joint pains have ceased shortly after. Honestly, I'm leaning more towards the former than the latter, but it doesn't stop me from taking the Glucosamine.

You're going to find research is spotty. I noticed some improvement/stabilization, but do not find it to be a wonder "supplement" either.