How Does Glucosamine Sulfate Help Arthritis Pain?

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are naturally occurring substances found in the connective tissues of the body, including the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joints. Glucosamine sulfate functions are the primary building block in cartilage that give it viscoelastic (buffering) properties. When taken orally, glucosamine sulfate is absorbed readily and can be traced to cartilage as soon as four hours after consumption. Similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucosamine sulfate has been shown to have unique anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, in some laboratory tests, the glucosamine supplement demonstrated a protective effect on the cartilage as well.


Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in the joints and other tissues, including the joints, ligaments, tendons, and arterial walls. The triggers of arthritis, as well as the diagnosis and deficiency of glucosamine in the body can be determined through the symptoms of pain, tenderness, stiffness, and swelling in the joints.

Glucosamine is also found in the cartilage that is involved in the production or regeneration of cartilage, which gives the joints strength and flexibility. In the maintenance of the connective tissue in the joints and other joints, glucosamine plays a significant role as it improves the amount of water present in the cartilage. The cartilage is made up of collagen, which has a main role as a lubricant, and glycosaminoglycans, which provides extra hydration for the cartilage. If there is an improvement in the amount of water (Glucosamine) in the cartilage, the shedding of the cartilage is enhanced, which results in both the strength and flexibility of the joints. A lot of recent research has shown that when supplements of glucosamine are taken, it not only benefits the joints, but the body as a whole.

Glucosamine is particularly effective in helping to rebuild the cartilage, relieve the pain that is associated with arthritis, and also in helping to slow down the degenerative conditions which are linked to arthritis. One of the latest discoveries regarding glucosamine is that it has an ability to help the body relieve toxins in the body. One research study has shown that a daily dose of the glucosamine for twelve weeks had a 50% success rate in the relief of symptoms of musculoskeletal pain, including lower back pain, knee pain, and venous problems. While it is still a bit early in the research glucosamineamine treatment, there have been success stories as well, which suggest that this treatment is very promising.

linking glucosamine to improvements in joint function is evident, but there is also some evidence that suggests that glucosamine may also be able to maintain the joint as well as prevent cartilage breakdown in the joints that are beginning to degenerate. A follow up study to this earlier research shows that glucosamine can produce and maintain functional joint cartilage.

Glucosamine is very useful and very promising in the treatment and hopefully the cure of osteoarthritis. However, the success of the glucosamine treatment will depend largely on the type of cartilage being repaired and how much of the cartilage was lost to the start of the disease. Glucosamine is great in trimming the maxillary cartilage and this provides a space in the jaw for the teeth to fit in. Dense glucosamine on the other hand, is perfect for those who have lost a lot of the cartilage in the jaw joint. As with all supplements, glucosamine should only be taken in moderation, and with doctor supervision. It is important to do some basic research and seeking out credible sources of information about glucosamine. Such sites may well have more in-depth information about the product.

Glucosamine comes in various forms, including chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate, which is the type that is most beneficial for the body. Just as these two types have varied health benefits, glucosamine and chondroitin have varied costs. For the most part, glucosamine costs may be incurred by the consumer. Some sources of glucosamine are available at drug stores and supermarkets. Others can be obtained only through physician's offices.

Since the costs of glucosamine and chondroitin are affected by the severity of the condition being treated, it is essential that you seek out information about glucosamine and chondroitin. This is the best way to ensure that the diet is well planned in meeting the demands of the body as well as the recommended dosage of the supplement. You also ought to regularly check to see if you are getting the right dosage from your health care professional glucosamine and chondroitin may provide benefits, it is not always advisable to put these supplements in place of -- or in conjunction with -- one or more standard medical substances.