Posted: 7/3/2005 4:55:38 AM EDT
Got a question for the all knowing masses  I've got knee problems & am getting crepatis in both knees with the left one somewhat worse. Been taking motrin but that's not a long term solution for me. Anybody ever try the glucosamine and chondroitin supplements & if so is one brand better (higher quality) than another? I'm leery of trying this just cuz it sounds like snake oil. |
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Chondroiting and Glucosamine actually to appear to be one of the VERY FEW "supplements" that have any evidence that they might make a difference. There have actually been some rigorous controlled medical studies, and some (limited, admittedly) indications that it can help arthritis-related pain, and POSSIBLY help restore cartiledge (sp?). I spoke to several doctors about it, and all of them seemed to share the sentiment of "it might help, and there's doesn't seem to be any harm, so why not?" I order mine online - at someplace called Puritan vitamins (or something like that). |
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I take it, and it helps. I know it does, because if I don't take it, my knees start going flooey after a few days. Resume consumption, knees improve. I detest taking meds. I do so grudgingly. The fact that I need to take something daily to be "normal" just pisses me off no end. Taking the glucosomene/condroitin offers benefits that outweigh the piss-me-off factor, or I would shitcan the stuff in a flash. |
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G&C migght actually help with arthritis. Not sure if it does anything else. Another worthwhile step is to determine if your feet are collapsing or are seriously out of alighnment. A pair of orthotic inserts might make all the difference (not store bought a REAL doctor fitted). About 5 years back my legs were so bad I could not finish 18 holes of golf using a CART. Now I walk about 3-4 miles every AM just to start the day. I credit the inserts. And don't assume that since you were fine at 20 that at 40 some body defects can't appear. Sometimes the elasticity and strength of youth can hide serious alignment differences. I also take G&C off and on. I'm not really sure if it helps or not. If you do go that route beware - not all G&C is the same. And to me an important part is how many stupid caps a day you have to take. With some of them you need like 6 caps a day. With others maybe only 3. I get tired of taking all the damn pills. Here is a webpage that discusses it in detail but realize they believe in it so form your own opinion. www.drtheo.com/ |
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I've had a mild case of crepitus (Please note the CORRECT spelling!!!!) in my knees for, oh, maybe the last fifteen years? It's painless and I have no other issues. I take glucosamine/chondroitin supplement as a supportive measure, and it may be keeping things from getting wors, and in fact it may be helping. But I don't worry about it, I leg press almost 600 pounds at the gym, and in general, all is well though my knees can be a bit noisy on occasion. I am careful about my knees, though. I really don't want to hurt them. CJ |
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Thanks for the replies, yes I have seen (and am currently seeing a Dr) along with having X-rays (crepitus & the start of arthritis) taken last week of both knees. The VA has given me 10% disability (service related) for the knees & has been talking about "shots" to see if it helps any. However, I'd much rather try something less invasive 1st & the Dr said "it can't hurt" but otherwise had no comment when I asked about glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. Guess I'll run down to the local wally world & get a bottle & see how it does  |
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C&G is good, biggest help was some orthotics (besides the double tibial tubricle transfer surgury). My phys therepist had some made for me byu7 a company called Langer(?). custom milled out of ABS to keep my fet at the correct angle. CHeap shoes and heavy mountain biking as a kid were the death of my knees. I spend good on money on shoes now and use my orthotics. No shoes with neoprene soles as they pound down to nothing. Knee pain nearly non-existant, when before I was on 2400mg motrin or feldene and a dose of tramadol for when ti really hurt, was like that for 3 years. |