Do Your Joints Squeak?

August 27, 2008 – 5:44 pm

Welcome back!

Have you ever felt like the Tin Man in the Land of Oz in need of oil for your squeaky, painful joints? Today, an estimated 38 million American adults suffer from some form of joint discomfort. Maybe your joint mobility has declined due to an overly active lifestyle, exercise, or just normal aging.

The US Center for Disease Control predicts that the number of adults suffering from joint discomforts will increase from one in six today to one in five by the year 2020. Many people experience occasional stiffness or cracking of the joints. But prolonged discomfort can occur when cartilage in the joints begins to deteriorate. This can be caused by recurring joint stress, physical injuries, or heredity. This is usually accompanied by agonizing pain and limited mobility.

The current methods for treating joint discomfort are operations, such as knee or hip replacements, aspirin/ibuprofen, prescription drugs, and nutritional supplements. Three supplements that seem to provide effective joint pain relief are Chondroitin Sulfate, Glucosamine Sulfate, and Creatine Monohydrate.

Chondroitin
Chondroitin is a complex carbohydrate found in the connective tissue of all mammals. In the cartilage that cushions the joints, chondroitin will draw fluid into the tissues; an important property, as there is no blood supplied to cartilage. This fluid draws important nutrients to the area, making the cartilage spongier and more capable of absorbing shocks. Chondroitin also shields healthy cartilage from early deterioration by preventing the production of certain enzymes that weaken connective tissue and overpowering other enzymes that stop nutrients from reaching the cartilage.

Many researchers are convinced that chondroitin can strengthen the protein strands that make up connective tissue. Some evidence has shown that, because it contains complex sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans, it can reduce inflammation and repair cartilage, especially if the tissue has not been totally damaged. Chondroitin seems to play an active role in reducing the pain that often accompanies joint problems. Chondroitin has also been used to treat torn ligaments and tendons because of its positive effect on connective tissues.

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural substance created by the body and found in certain foods. It plays an important role in the production and health of cartilage, the soft rubber-like padding that cushions the ends of bones and prevents them from grinding painfully against each other as the joint moves. It also helps develop ligaments, tendons, and nails.

Glucosamine stimulates the creation of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, two vital building blocks of cartilage. Usually the joints make sufficient glucosamine to keep the cartilage in good shape, but as we age, we lose some of the glucosamine and other substances. The cartilage can dry out, deteriorate, crack, or become thin from wear. Left exposed, the joints may become inflamed, stiff, swollen, tender and painful – a condition known as osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. (This condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage. It is characterized by pain, joint damage, and limited motion.)

Creatine Monohydrate
Creatine Monohydrate is an amino acid compound that is stored in muscle tissue where it is used to create the energy required by muscles. It is essential to muscle contraction and helps in the muscle-building process.

Summary
Numerous studies have shown that these three supplements seem to provide relief from some of the common joint problems that many people suffer with today. So, in summary here are the major benefits of the three:
> Chondroitin Sulfate is a powerful anti-inflammatory that seems to promote flexibility in tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
> Glucosamine Sulfate appears to support the regeneration of cartilage and helps lubricate joint surfaces for easier movement.
> Creatine Monohydrate appears helpful for improving muscle strength and boosting energy.