[at-l] glucosamine and chondroitin?

[thornel at attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

Glucosamine improves function, and occasionally pain. Chondrotin adds 
nothing, but doesn't appear to hurt anything. The typical dosage is 1500 mg 
per day, either at once or divided dosages. Cheap is as good as expensive.

Mobic is a good NSAID. So is Bextra. All NSAIDs have adverse effects. Any 
of them taken long enough can result in GI bleeds. The newer Cox-2 
inhibitors at least temporarily reduce GI upset, but do not have the 
platelet clumping inhibition of Aspirin, and hence may be associated with 
increased risk of cardiovascular events as compared to other agents. Merck 
shot themselves in the foot by observing this, hiding the observation and 
making Vioxx look more dangerous than it was. Among NSAIDs, analgesia is 
variable, requiring individualized treatment and occasional changes of 
agents. Some feel change agents every few months reduces adverse effects 
and maximizes analgesia. Some of these agents can actually block the 
cardiovascular benefits of Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Motrin) the most well known.

The general therapy for arthritis is rest, reduction of inflammation, 
reduction of pain and physical therapy to help reduce risk of recurrence. 
Conservative treatment involves watchful observation of joint instability 
and dysfunction, with surgical interventions generally avoided until the 
doc needs a boat payment.

OrangeBug
nursing an occasionally gimpy right knee