Osteoarthritis is a major problem in our society.
This condition not only slows us down; it also limits our way of life.
But there is good news.
There are ways to combat osteoarthritis and its symptoms, including taking targeted joint supplements.
Many natural joint supplements have been shown to ease pain, improve mobility, and protect long-term joint health.
In this SiR article, I break down how they work, what results you can expect from taking these supplements, and how to pick the right one for you.
Ready to dive in?
About Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. This means that the tissues in joints – particularly, cartilage – break down over time.
As cartilage that cushions the joints degrade, bones might start rubbing against each other, which results in discomfort.
OA is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people. Symptoms include pain in hands, knees, hips, feet, and other joints, as well as stiffness and aches when moving after a period of inactivity.
While there is no known cure for OA in the medical world, there are many ways we can combat it, ranging from physical therapy, to taking medications, to using joint supplements aiding osteoarthritis relief.
Key Supplements for Osteoarthritis Relief
Boswellia Serrata
Boswellia Serrata is a type of tree resin, also known as Indian Frankincense. It is often supplemented for its natural analgesic properties. It’s been shown to significantly alleviate pain, stiffness, and other OA symptoms.
According to some users, Boswellia might be one of the most potent natural osteoarthritis relief supplements out there.
Glucosamine+Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both natural molecules that make up our joints. They are important for maintaining and repairing cartilage, hydrating connective tissues, as well as keeping your joints resilient against physical impacts such as exercise.
The problem is, glucosamine and chondroitin levels may go down as we age, due to various factors. This can result in faster cartilage breakdown, aggravating osteoarthritis progress, and by consequence—symptoms.
Many people supplement glucosamine and chondroitin to replenish their waning levels. While studies are inconclusive, some suggest that doing so might help to relieve stiffness and pain in osteoarthritis.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active component of the turmeric spice. Its potent anti-inflammatory properties are suggested to rival those of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
In addition to potentially lowering joint inflammation—which causes pain, swelling and wears cartilage down—curcumin also has antioxidant and other healthful activities. This makes curcumin one of the most popular options for OA sufferers.
MSM
MSM is a type of sulfur naturally found in plants, animals, and humans. It can also be made in a lab. It plays an important role in maintaining joint health.
When supplemented, MSM may exert antioxidant and joint-protective effects. Many people swear by MSM for osteoarthritis pain reduction. Studies tend to support its use as a safe and effective joint relief supplement.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) are powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients found in fish and some plant sources (like algae).
They combat pro-inflammatory chemicals, including eicosanoids and cytokines. You may notice improved joint function as well as less pain and stiffness as a result.
Collagen
With its fiber-like structure, collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, used for making connective tissue.
There are different types of collagen, many of which are shown to benefit joint health to an extent. But in the context of osteoarthritis, type-II collagen has been shown to reduce inflammation and other symptoms.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a unique joint supplement because it’s naturally found in our joint fluid, where it serves as lubricant and shock absorber.
Some people take HA injections to relieve joint pain. But even oral intake is demonstrated to reduce knee and other types of pain in osteoarthritis.
Notable Studies
- MSM Improves Symptoms of Pain and Physical Function in OA1
First up is a 2005 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. It included fifty men and women aged 40-76. All of these people had knee osteoarthritis.
They were split into two groups: one took 3 grams of MSM powder twice per day, and the other group took a placebo, every day for 12 weeks.
At the end of the study, the MSM group’s results showed saw significant improvements in pain and physical function, as well as an improvement in activities of daily living, compared to people who took a placebo.
- Curcumin Aiding Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment2
This 2024 meta-analysis looked at 23 randomized controlled trials from 7 countries that investigated curcumin’s effects on knee osteoarthritis.
After examination, the researchers found that “curcumin, either alone or in combination with other treatments, is considered to have good clinical efficacy and safety in KOA treatment. Drug combinations containing curcumin may have the dual effect of enhancing efficacy and reducing adverse reactions, but this possibility still needs to be confirmed by further clinical and basic research.”
Ending Notes
To make sure the joint supplement is effective, high-quality, and safe, you need to check its ingredients, company reputation, and reviews online.
The product should be third-party tested and made in cGMP and/or FDA-approved facilities.
The ingredients should be clearly shown on the label, as well as their dosages. Avoid proprietary blends where you can only see the total amount of ingredients combined!
The most effective joint supplements are more expensive than average since they contain multiple premium ingredients in higher dosages. But you can also find decent budget-friendly options.
Just make sure to do thorough research, because the effectiveness and safety of a supplement depends largely on what it uses and in what amounts.
Further Reading:
- Exploring Supplements Role in Osteoarthritis Relief
- Exploring the Impact of Joint Supplements on Senior Osteoarthritis Relief
- Exploring Natural Joint Supplements for Osteoarthritis Relief
- Tailoring Joint Supplement Regimens for Advanced Osteoarthritis Management
- Joint Supplements for Active Seniors With Osteoarthritis
References
- Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94. doi: 10.1016/j.joca.2005.10.003. Epub 2005 Nov 23. PMID: 16309928. ↩︎
- Zhao J, Liang G, Zhou G, Hong K, Yang W, Liu J, Zeng L. Efficacy and safety of curcumin therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A Bayesian network meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Mar 1;321:117493. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117493. Epub 2023 Nov 28. PMID: 38036015. ↩︎
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