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Arthritis is one of the most common afflictions found among the adult population, particularly among the elderly, and can be incredibly difficult to treat. It is important for all patients suffering from arthritis to understand what their condition truly entails before deciding upon a method of treatment. Osteoarthritis is one of the two main forms of arthritis, and the form typically treated by glucosamine chondroitin. Osteoarthritis primarily affects the joints of the fingers, knees, hips and spine, making daily function very difficult for those suffering from this condition.
The precise cause of osteoarthritis has yet to be determined, in spite of the great deal of speculation on the part of the scientists and physicians who are struggling to find a cure. It is most commonly believed that osteoarthritis results from physical activity, particularly job related, repetitive physical activity, or from an injury; the joint that is injured, either by strain or the breakage of a bone, simply never heals correctly. Osteoarthritis results following erosion of the cartilage of the joints. Lacking cartilage the bones of the joint will thicken at the ends and eventually begin to rub together, causing the patient a great deal of pain. This damaged tissue can also result in the release of prostaglandins, stimulating the inflammatory process and causing further suffering on the part of the patient. Aspirin is often used to treat arthritis due to its ability to stop the production of prostaglandins; however, long term use of aspirin and other over the counter anti-inflammatory medications can result in several detrimental long term side effects, including damage to the lining of the stomach and the esophagus and internal bleeding. Due to these long term side effects scientists have begun looking to other, more natural methods of controlling arthritis. Enter glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate to the market. Both of these substances are produced naturally in the body and are suspected to assist the body in the repair of the damaged cartilage found in arthritis sufferers. Is this treatment truly effective? There are many who debate; its uses are not yet widely documented, and while it has been proven to help counteract the inflammatory process, resulting in less pain being suffered on the part of the patient, no treatment yet exists which has been shown to slow the degenerative process of arthritis. The truth of the matter is that osteoarthritis is a chronic condition which cannot be defeated; however, with the proper use glucosamine chondroitin can be a very valuable tool in reducing the amount of pain suffered and enable the patient to continue to lead a normal life. |
