May - June 2003 Vol. 14, No. 3 | Contents
TRAINING Magic Bullet for Pain? by Aaron Haydu, D.C.	Joint pain is one of the most common complaints that patients present to their family doctor and, although traditional medication can help, there is nothing in modern medicine that can stop or reverse the damage of wear and tear in the body's joints.  Commonly, the larger joints are affected; the knees, the spine, and the hips, due to their large weight bearing and movement requirements. The pain often results from damage to the joint's supportive cartilage which can wear away, allowing the underlying bony surfaces to rub together painfully. Over many years, repeated minor trauma to the joints causes the most common form of arthritis called osteoarthritis. Fortunately, a nutritional supplement called glucosamine sulfate has been shown to heal damaged cartilage and decrease pain. Glucosamine is a natural supplement that is the starting point for the growth and repair of many important body tissues including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and joint fluid. Taken regularly, glucosamine has been shown to repair damage caused by wear and tear to the joints and to increase fluid production to help lubricate joint surfaces. There are little to no side effects shown with short- or long-term use of glucosamine.  Glucosamine sulfate is often paired with chondroitin, a molecule capable of holding water and increasing the elastic and fluid properties that allow cartilage to provide shock absorption. A combined product has been shown to provide more sustained relief than glucosamine alone. Magnesium supplementation is also essential for the best results.  There is a growing body of evidence that long term use of over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs can actually accelerate joint destruction in osteoarthritis by interfering with the body's healing mechanism. Anti-inflammatories should be utilized on a limited basis for short-term pain only and never as a part of long-term control of joint pain. Several studies in Europe have shown that both glucosamine and chondroitin are readily absorbed, especially if the supplement is a high quality product. Absorption can be enhanced by ensuring the supplement has been derived from sea sources (i.e. sea cucumbers) as opposed to animal sources. Initially, 1200-1500 mg is recommended daily and may be gradually decreased as symptoms decrease, as the body becomes more efficient at utilizing the supplement.  Taken regularly, glucosamine and chondroitin has shown to significantly decrease joint pain and to increase cartilage repair and growth. Racquetball is a sport that can be played for a lifetime and these two "magic bullets" can keep you in the action longer, and with a lot less discomfort.
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